Purpose
To be a Fraternity of Courageous and Noble Gentlemen who Always Endeavor Forward
Heritage of Sigma Tau Gamma
Sigma Tau Gamma’s Founders’ grandparents were veterans of the Civil War. That was a domestic quarrel. In bravely heading to fight in World War I, our Founders embarked on a journey that would take them off of domestic soil and back to the old country in a battle unlike any from their generation could have imagined. General John J. (Black Jack) Pershing, a native son of their state of Missouri, was selected by President Woodrow Wilson to command the American Expeditionary Force. As volunteers, our Founding Fathers would leave their Midwestern school and follow him into the War to End All Wars. They were not ordinary men.
In an era when fewer than half of the nation’s young people advance beyond the eighth grade and fewer graduated from high school, these children of farmers, craftsmen, and shopkeepers in the sparsely populated rural counties of western Missouri were pursuing educational degrees. These two-year, post-high school programs qualified them to teach and administer public schools. Almost uniformly, they were as well qualified academically as students at the private and land grant colleges but simply lacked the financial resources necessary for enrollment at those schools. Together, they joined what was then called an Ambulance Company.
Today, we could call them Corpsmen and Emergency Medical Technicians. Near the end of 1918, after 18 months of battle, the armistice came. The war ended, and after serving in the occupational force, they headed home by steamship. While they were overseas, our Founders’ school had become a four-year college. It was in the summer of 1920 when Emmett Ellis, their leader, was 29. This was not a group of starry-eyed children.
They were veterans who had met death face to face and fully realized the essence of a life worth living, manifesting itself in caring for their fellow man. They were determined to continue the bonds of brotherhood they created in the trenches of WWI. This time, they found it through the enlightenment of a liberal arts education. The Founders of Sigma Tau Gamma were hopeful. Thus, Sig Tau began on a warm summer morning in a rooming house at 101 Ming Street, a few blocks from a school dedicated as much as they were to the pursuit of the American dream.
Six Principles
- The Principle of Learning: He is committed to the pursuit of wisdom and seeks to afford the environment for learning in all his personal and professional endeavors. He knows full well the obligation he has taken and seeks to pass what he has learned to others, knowledge that will rule and mold his thoughts, acts, and deeds. He is focused and goal oriented.
- The Principle of Integrity: He lives a life of personal integrity perfecting a structure of honor and living by the highest standard that keeps our Brotherhood alive, for, without it, we could not rely on each other or advance our cause. A man with integrity is an honorable man who lives up to promises made – to others and himself. He is confident, ethical, and honest.
- The Principle of Excellence: He consistently strives for superior performance and does not shrink from adversity or lofty goals. He is a man who is dedicated and purposeful who carries an unblemished reputation among men. His actions serve as an example and standard bearer for others. He is curious and bold.
- The Principle of Leadership: He is compelled by a sacred trust and duty to develop good leaders for the world. He is a man who is humble and makes others feel like they are truly a part of something special. He is the defender of good from evil. He is always prepared to lend assistance to a Brother in need. He is courageous, innovative, and strategic.
- The Principle of Citizenship: He is an outward defender of the common man and cares about more than just himself, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to serving his fraternity, college, and country. He is charitable in the broadest sense of the word, knowing those so richly blessed have an obligation to serve those less fortunate. He is generous and kind.
- The Principle of Brotherhood: He loves his fraternity and seeks to enhance the worth of belonging for others. His actions are emblematic of our shield, a protector of our secrets and our life-long commitment to one another. He holds our ideals in high regard and is forever bonded within the Chain of Honor. He is respectful and dignified and proudly represents the fraternity in all his affairs. He is loyal and proud.
Additional Information
- Nationals Founded: June 28, 1920 At Central Missouri State Teachers Collage, Now known as University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO
- Philanthropy: Special olympics
- Flower: White Rose
- Colors: Azure and White
- Alpha Omega Chapter Founded: October 10, 1956 by Jerroy A. Frank, and Walter J. Rothermal
Contact Us
Email: kcm6gb@mst.edu
Phone: (636)-376-7933
Address: 5 Fraternity Dr. Rolla, MO. 65401