Sigma Phi
was founded on March 4th, 1827 at Union College in Schenectady, New York and was the second member of the famous
Union Triad. Today, Sigma Phi stands as the oldest Greek-letter fraternity in continual existence. Sigma Phi became
not only the first “national” Greek-letter society as it established a chapter at nearby Hamilton College in Clinton,
New York in 1831, but also the first fraternity to establish a chapter at a public school when it expanded to
the University of Vermont in 1845.
Sigma Phi’s attitude about expansion
has always been conservative; only ten chapters can be found today, each with an ideal membership of twenty-five gentlemen,
a number that ensures diversity while allowing the building of close relationships in a setting where the influence of every
Brother is strongly felt. The Alpha of Wisconsin would like to extend an excited welcome to our newest brothers at the
Alpha of North Carolina, which was established in the Spring of 2008.
A long standing tradition of stability within the national Sigma
Phi Standing and Advisory Committee, currently chaired by Wisconsin alumnus Marshall Solem, ensures the success of every Sigma
Phi chapter. The Francis S. Viele Scholarship awards hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to Sig Brothers
who demonstrate commitment to the community, school, and Sigma Phi. In 2006, seven brothers from the Alpha of Wisconsin
received $33,000 from the Viele Fund.
In
addition, the Viele Trust automatically awards $500 to Sig Brothers who live in the chapter house and maintain
a 3.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters through our Scholars in Residence Program. To promote interaction and idea sharing
between chapters, the National Committee and the Sigma Phi Educational Foundation join together to pays for all travel expenses
for three Brothers to attend the full-day Undergraduate Leadership Workshop that takes place in conjunction with the national
Sigma Phi Convention hosted by a different Sigma Phi chapter each year.
Sigma Phi’s core values established nearly two hundred
years ago – Friendship, Love, and Truth – are central to guiding the Alpha of Wisconsin Sigma Phi’s beliefs
today. An atmosphere of brotherhood and loyalty creates lifelong friendships. In addition, Sigma Phi has maintained
a strong tradition of academic excellence. Most recently, the chapter was awarded the 2006-2007 Sigma Phi National Scholastic
Achievement Award, which came on top of several other recent campus awards: 2005-2006 UW All Greek Award: Highest Fraternity
Chapter GPA, 2005-2006 UW All Greek Award: Highest New Member Class GPA, 2006-2007 UW All Greek Award: Highest Overall Chapter
GPA and 2006-2007 UW All Greek Award: Highest Active Member GPA.
Sigma Phi also maintains an exciting social calendar with involvement
in Humorology (1st place in 2005-2006, 2nd place in 2004-2005) and organizes Socials with UW Sororities.
Membership in Sigma Phi allows for personal growth in an environment conducive to social interaction, academic achievement,
and the development of strong character.
Approaching
its centennial as an important contributor to student life on the Madison campus, the Alpha of Wisconsin chapter of Sigma
Phi was founded on October 31st, 1908 and has been at the current 106 North Prospect Avenue address since 1915.
A national historic landmark located in one of Madison’s finest neighborhoods, the chapter house allows for an affordable,
peaceful escape from the chaotic life on campus, while still being only a short walk from most academic facilities.
The overall quality of the chapter is evident in our strong academic
record, involvement in UW Greek activities, and successful self-run Philanthropy events (raising over $1,000 for the Special
Olympics in 2005 and collecting over 520 pounds of food for First Harvest Food Shelf in 2006). Sigma Phi prides itself
in not conforming to many of the stereotypes of fraternities and their members. The society is truly like no other and
extends an invitation to anyone who would like to know more about us.
