Purpose | Vision | Principles | Creed |Symbols & Traditions

Purpose

To be a Fraternity of Corageous and Noble Gentlemen who Always Endeavor Forward.

Vision

Building Noble Generations of Men

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.

Creed

I believe that the true spirit of Fraternalism is a personal devotion to one’s ideals. It has its roots in definite, tangible things. It springs out of a love of God and worth of one’s fellow man. It grows into qualities of mind and soul. It is not the attitude toward a few selected ends, but rather the abiding spirit in which all things are done, all difficulties met, all successes received, all obstacles overcome.

I believe that the true spirit of Fraternalism is a breath that breathes itself into the life and being of those who live it, becoming an unconscious part of them, ruling and molding their thoughts and acts. We may call it the right attitude towards life, towards the world, towards right and wrong, towards the beautiful and good, towards duty and faith in God.

I believe that the true spirit of Fraternalism is a thing that grows. It is first associated almost exclusively with a narrow circle of fellow students, but it broadens with a widening understanding until it takes in all the important relationships of life. It enters the domain of private life as thoroughly as in public life. It teaches the fulfillment of obligations to school, state, and church.

I believe that Sigma Tau Gamma endeavors to bind men together in a fraternal brotherhood based upon these eternal and immutable truths, which are set forth in the Principles and in the Code of Conduct of our Fraternity.

In this belief, I will endeavor to make my college and my own chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma more honored and respected by all men and will endeavor to conduct myself so that I will ever bring credit and honor to our Fraternity.

Edward H. McCune
Founder and Past President

Symbols and Traditions

Sigma Tau Gamma’s high ideals and timeless principles are explained fully in our esoteric Ritual that is reserved only for members. But, many public symbols are used to communicate Sigma Tau Gamma’s beliefs.

Colors

Official Colors: Blue and White
Secondary Colors: Red and Yellow
Our four colors originate from the Coat-of-Arms.

Coat of Arms


Fraternity crest with shield and helmet design

The coat of arms was adopted in 1927 and modified in 1954. The symbolism of the coat of arms is explained in the Ritual. The coat of arms has several important components including the crest of 18 links, the Chain of Honor; the helmet of a knight, our mascot; and the Greek letters. The original coat of arms, as adopted in 1925, featured a handshake, a lamp of knowledge, the founding date, and a chain of five links symbolizing the number of chapters at the time of the first convention.

Flag and Flower

The Sigma Tau Gamma flag is diagonally split, with azure blue at the top and white at the bottom, featuring an 18-link chain in white on the blue field and the Greek letters ΣΤΓ (Sigma Tau Gamma) in blue on the white field, symbolizing unity, knowledge, and brotherhood through its colors, links, and letters, reflecting core fraternity principles like Learning, Integrity, and Citizenship. The flag is shown below:

The White Rose is the flower of Sigma Tau Gamma. Its meaning is explained in the ritual. Each chapter traditionally holds an annual White Rose banquet. The Chapter’s White Rose is crowned annually and serves as the Chapter’s official hostess throughout the year.

Each chapter is encouraged to nominate its White Rose for the title of “The Dr. Maurine Achauer National White Rose of Sigma Tau Gamma Award,” who is selected from among all other chapter nominees. The “White Rose” is the Fraternity’s guest at the summer national meeting of the Fraternity, and is recognized at the annual Awards Banquet. The recipient receives a scholarship from the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation.