A Lion, A Handshake, and A Key: The History of Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity of William Penn University - Paperback

by Andy Davidson (Author)

This book gives complete reviews of the history of the Sigma Phi Sigma fraternity in many categories, including early history, diversity, hall of fame winners, pledging, social events, reunions, athletics, community service, philanthropy, scholarship, the ledger of pledge classes, and leadership from alumni. One can find lots of fun trivia about the brothers. In addition, many stories from alumni, reflections, and testimonials are in the book.

Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity and the Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association, Inc. are affiliated with William Penn University, established in 1873, and located at 201 Trueblood Ave., Oskaloosa, Iowa. Founded ninety years later, Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity came to be. This book is about the fraternity's history, and in part, it's the relationship with the small Quaker liberal arts school. That relationship, although not adversarial, was a bit rocky in the beginning. The young band of brothers had to prove them before being recognized by the college, and in the 90s, it had to make a case to keep Greek organizations on campus. Today both the fraternity and the university enjoy a positive and supportive partnership.

Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity of William Penn University is a local chapter. It is not part of a national fraternal organization, and its name is trademarked. They have no desire to go national. Consequently, all of the shared stories or statistics all happened in one place, on the campus of William Penn University in South Eastern Iowa. The brothers will tell you that is what makes them close and unique.

Why was Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity started on the campus of William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, now known as William Penn University? In the early 1960s, the Liberal Arts campus had strict rules like no dancing on campus; girls had to be met at the front door of the all-women's dorm and be in by 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. if it were church night on campus. The college has an affiliation with the Friends Church, also known as Quakers. Seven young men, nicknamed the "Magnificent Seven,"- decided to start a fraternity. Why? The answer was simple for them; there was nothing to do socially. It was that simple, but the "how" would challenge them.

Sigma Phi Sigma was the first Greek organization associated with William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Established in 1963, Sigma Phi Sigma stands for Social Fellowship Society and provides social activities, building friendships, and purpose. Four principles were agreed upon and served as the foundation for the fraternity.

-Build lifelong friendships

-Develop a social life and social activities on campus

-Promote school spirit

-Community service

Sigma Phi Sigma Alumni Association, Inc. was founded in 1992 and supported a network of William Penn University fraternity brothers. It is typical for the alumni association to organize events and provide an avenue for alumni networking and communication. Many alumni brothers feel a deep connection to the fraternity and William Penn. They want the fraternity to prosper on campus and for the university to thrive. The alumni association offers a way to give back to the fraternity and university to help make that happen.