Why Sigma Nu Fraternity Practices Its Honor Code

By Thomas Gray


Schools have a tradition to keep as well as student organizations that have been recognized for systems that also support this tradition. They are mostly autonomous but often practice an honor code that complements the principles espoused by the university they belong to. School clubs and societies have existed as long as there have been schools and academies.

Many of these student societies were created out of idealistic principles. There have been numerous times that passages of history and other momentous events gave birth to civil organizations that espouse ideals that were needed for the times. Sigma Nu Fraternity Auburn University is an organization whose principles and practices have stood the test of time.

The fraternity was created in a time of strife called the Reconstruction Era, following on the heels of the Civil War. The original members came from the Virginia Military Institute, students who were did not agree with the tradition of physical hazing practiced by traditional societies in the school. These three founders created Sigma Nu out of their desire for an honor society that eliminated the system of corporal punishment to induct its members.

The first of these originals was James Frank Hopkins, a veteran soldier. His two friends Greenfield Quarles and James McIlvaine Riley were fellow students enrolled at VMI, an academy known for turning out engineers and harsh discipline. They were united in the cause of discontinuing the practice of hazing and swore their solemn fraternal vow in 1868.

Sigma Nu began life as a secret society, and at the start its name was the Legion of Honor, based on a similar name for an honorable society created by Napoleon Bonaparte. The brotherhood took its Badge from the white cross of the older French organization. It was one of the earliest to break away from the established system of corporal punishment for student fraternities.

The three founders were among the very first to espouse the concept of eliminating any sort of abuse from their operating credo. This was prompted by the strife, hate and destructiveness of war. Their belief was carved out of truly humane impulses of sympathy and affection for every man, the bases for abiding peace and contentment.

Auburn University is the home Sigma Nu Fraternity Beta Theta chapter. Auburn is an ideal academic campus where the brotherhood established one of its strongest chapters on September 1890. Auburn believes in the democratic principles of hard work and the wisdom and values it generates.

The university creed is the foundation on which the leadership qualities of fraternity alumni are molded and by which they progress into positions of rank. The brotherhood is quite well known for turning out men who practice ethical leadership based on Love, Honor and Truth. To this day, the school credo and brotherhood values remain a combination that is a pillar of vibrant student life in the university.

Brothers will welcome all good and faithful men in summer or fall rushes. They also have great socials and commemorate occasions that are fixtures in campus life. These are part of a proud and colorful tradition that the organizations keeps up, providing a forum for instilling relevant democratic values that supports American society.




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