Sigma Tau Gamma-Gamma Xi
In April of 1965, a group of men holding forth similar ideals and beliefs joined together for the purpose of founding a new social fraternity on the campus of Wisconsin State University-Platteville. Following their strong feelings to further scholastic achievement, enhance social awareness, strengthen personal integrity, and achieve a better and greater understanding of their fellow man, the group began to draft their constitution. The Greek letters Phi Alpha Psi, symbolic of their beliefs, were chosen for the name of the fraternity. Finally on May 26, 1965, after many weeks of challenging work, the constitution was approved and signed by seventeen charter members.
Founding Fathers
Spring 1965
Phi Alpha Psi grew rapidly into an active and recognized fraternity on the Platteville campus. Then on November 17, 1968, it became a colony of Sigma Tau Gamma International Fraternity. Gamma Xi Colony underwent a colonization period for six months during which time the members became acquainted with the ideals of Sigma Tau Gamma. May 18, 1969, marked the installation date of the Gamma Xi Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma.
In the years that followed, a group of Brothers in 1970 purchased a house at 470 West Main in Platteville. The Sig Tau House serves as a gathering place for Actives and Alumni. Over the decades, numerous brothers of Sigma Tau Gamma have lived in the House. In 1973, Alumni purchased vacant home next door at 430 West Main. After five years, the home was torn down, and an offsite parking lot was created.
Brothers of Sigma Tau Gamma
The brothers of Sigma Tau Gamma-Gamma Xi come from all walks of life and their interests and activities are varied as can be seen from their participation in the Student Governing Board, Student Activities Board, Homecoming committees, varsity athletics, Pioneer Band, professional organizations, and Lettermen Club. The brothers are members of Theta Beta, Phi Eta Sigma, and Alpha Psi Omega honor societies. The members have served as organization officers, house officers, dorm counselors, Homecoming co-chairman, and Crystal Caprice escorts. Sigma Tau Gamma takes an active part in College and Social Activities.
The brotherhood is active in intramural sports and sports activities. Our Homecoming excitement and participation is readily evident in stunt night, yell like hell contest, the parade, team support, and other extra-curricular activities. The weekend is climaxed by a banquet. In the spring there is the annual Sigma Tau Gamma White Rose Banquet
Among the traditional functions are the Pledge social functions, Fraternity Sorority gatherings, a northern ski trip and summer outing. Throughout the country, Brothers gather informally to share time, a meal, and possibly a social event, e.g., Brewers Game.
The Gamma Xi Chapter has earned 100% participation in the annual Red Cross Blood Drive trophy for numerous years. The chapter is also active in various other philanthropic activities throughout the year.
Each pledge class performs a community project fund raising activity, a social function, and a project for the chapter house, concurrently keeping the noble ideals set forth by Sigma Tau Gamma.
Through the years, Sigma Tau Gamma-Gamma Xi chapter has been recognized by the National Office for specific awards. These awards included:
- Edward H. McCune Distinguished Chapter Award
- Emmett Ellis Chapter Scholarship Award (multiple times)
- T. “Bill” Hembree Campus Leadership Award (multiple times)
- Earl A. Webb Most Improved Chapter Award
- Robert N. Jones Charitable Projects Award
These awards are bestowed on Gamma Xi chapter in recognition of not only individual and personal achievements, but also contributions to the University and community.
The members of Sigma Tau Gamma believe in the educational and social importance of university life. We feel that our brotherhood strengthens our social awareness and prepares us to be the man and leaders of the future. Sigma Tau Gamma is a fraternity with a honored past, and an unlimited future.
Future plans focus on living up to the ideals set forth by our Sigma Tau Gamma preamble, thereby making our part in university life even more worthwhile. A desire to receive high academic standards is reflected by the Active Chapter average grade point which is consistently higher than the men’s overall grade point at Platteville and among the top with other fraternities on-campus.