Sigma Chi, Alpha Iota Chapter, 1954 - 1958, 2017

History of Sigma Chi

The passing hours have sauntered down the golden corridors of time until ten years have come and gone since Alpha Iota of Sigma Chi was ushered into the fraternity world. The 19th of May just past marks the first decade in its history. On that memorable Saturday night in '83 at the Ashley house, Bloomington, Illinois, ten charter members were led into that mystic chamber whence issue "shrieks and sighs and groans and demon's cries"; the dark curtain dropped behind them; they had turned their backs upon the barbarian world and it was to know them no more. From that time on they were characteristic "Sigs"; to them had been intrusted the coveted charter and one more chapter was added to the long roll of Sigma Chi. This is a brief sketch of the propitious advent of Alpha Iota. Composed as it was of men of influence, the chapter was a strong one from the very beginning and was soon able to cope successfully with its older rivals possessed as they were of the superior advantages and benefits of age and established reputation. The active interest in college affairs and along fraternity lines manifested by the "new Sigs" soon banished the popular idea that several years of development were necessary to make the fraternity's influence of much avail, and after a few exciting contests in college politics in which Sigma Chi scored "signal victories" it was treated with that consideration begotten by a sense of fear. The initial characteristics still cling to the fraternity, for ten years have failed to change the impression formed of it in early life and it is looked upon as the same chapter grown older. Under the charter granted to the original ten, fifty men have been initiated, many of whom have won distinction in professional careers or mercantile pursuits in the short space of time since they have left college Although the youngest of the fraternities at the Illinois Wesleyan University, in the proportional number of energetic and successful men sent forth to assume the duties which the world imposes, it stands unsurpassed by any of them. The present chapter is composed of young men of ability, pluck and energy who as students have gained an excellent reputation and will compare favorably with any other chapter of Sigma Chi. Three new men have been initiated this year which more than fills the places made vacant by the one whose association with the chapter closes with this school year. The welfare of this fraternity intrusted to the boys still left behind will be well guarded. As one by one the boys go out from college halls to take their places in the great wide world opening up before them, the luster of Alpha Iota of Sigma Chi is brightened and the circle, about the chapter name illuminated by its effulgent rays, grows larger ,and larger as each "Sig" acts well his part. -Wesleyan Echo, 6/1/1893

Sigma Chi is slated to re-establish the chapter in spring 2025 after being gone on campus since 2020/2021.