Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute. Following the Civil War, the South was struggling through economic turmoil, civil strife, and social unrest. And, during this period, the practice of hazing was commonplace at VMI. In fact, hazing was so rampant, underclassmen were treated as subservient to upperclassmen. Three cadets, who believed strongly in the VMI honor code, “I will neither lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do,” felt that the code also included respect for individuals - no matter what their age, class, or rank. Hazing violated this code. They therefore took an oath to form The Legion of Honor, today known as Sigma Nu Fraternity. Sigma Nu is thus the only fraternity in existence founded on the principle of Honor and founded in firm opposition to hazing. Our core principles are Love, Honor, and Truth, and our commitment to these principles bind us together to this day. These ideals, in addition to our strict stance against hazing, have defined the Kappa Zeta Chapter since our chartering in 1983.
To believe in the Life of Love,
To walk in the Way of Honor,
To serve in the Light of Truth -
This is the Life, the Way, and the Light of Sigma Nu -
This is the Creed of our Fraternity.
