Purpose, Vision, Six Principles, Creed, Symbols & Traditions
Purpose:
To be a Fraternity of Courageous 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
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.
Other
The symbol is the chain of honor; the flag is shown below:
The flower is the White Rose