The Eta Xi Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at UALR is celebrating 50 years since its founding at Little Rock University (LRU) on Dec. 14, 1963.
To celebrate the milestone and to remain dedicated to the pursuit of lifelong friendships, alumni will gather for a 50th Anniversary dinner at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at The Country Club of Little Rock.
Founding Chapter Commander Johnny Taylor encourages alumni to make plans to attend.
“Sigma Nu’s history at LRU and UALR is a proud and colorful one,” he said. “On Jan. 26, 1963, Delta Kappa local became a colony of Sigma Nu National Fraternity. The informal pledging of 42 men capped two and a half years work by the fraternity for colony recognition.”
The Eta Xi Chapter of Sigma Nu became well known for a variety of activities. Rich traditions included the annual Sigma Nu Relays with participation from all campus sororities, and the Shipwreck costume party each March.
“One of the first projects the Sigma Nus undertook was buying a LRU pennant for War Memorial Stadium to replace the old LRJC one,“ Taylor recalled.
Members of Eta Xi are today leaders in many fields, according to Taylor. Many original members are on the UALR Alumni Association Board of Directors, and many have been recognized as Distinguished Alumni by the University.
As students, Sigma Nus were elected to positions on the Student Senate, edited the campus newspaper, The Forum, and were members of the Trojan Varsity Basketball Team. Sigma Nu intramural teams frequently won major sports competitions.
Originally founded and known to this day as The Legion of Honor, Sigma Nu is the only social fraternity in existence founded based on the principle of Honor. Sigma Nu currently has 172 active chapters and colonies on college campuses throughout the United States and Canada, and has initiated over 230,000 members since its founding.
To register for the dinner, visit ualr.edu/alumni. For additional information, contact Johnny Taylor at jtsg44@sbcglobal.net, or David Cone at dcone@glazers.com.
