CARMEL, INDIANA – June 28 is more than a date on Sigma Tau Gamma’s calendar. It is a call to remember the men who began our brotherhood, recommit to the work before us, and prepare the next generation of Noble Men to Endeavor Forward. 

On June 28, 1920, at Central Missouri State Teachers College in Warrensburg, Missouri, 17 men gathered around an idea bold enough to outlive them. They were teachers, veterans, and medics—educators, defenders, and healers. Before they were founders, they were servants of their fellow man and society. Later generations would include lawyers, doctors, civic, and business leaders. Every generation of Sig Tau has included fathers, husbands, friends, and brothers. 

The earliest conversations took place at 101 Ming Street, the rooming house operated by Ma Trotter. On porches and in late-night conversations, they imagined a fraternity that would cut across the divisions of campus life and create something deeper: lasting brotherhood, personal growth, and commitment to the common good. 

Allen R. Nieman helped explain what such a fraternity could mean. Leland T. Hoback and Emmett Ellis helped organize the effort; committees drafted governing documents, and with the support of Dr. Wilson C. Morris, the faculty approved Sigma Tau Gamma as the college’s first recognized social fraternity. 

The founders could not have seen every chapter, convention, scholarship, advisor, or student who would one day wear their badge. They could not have known every generation of Noble Men that would add strength to this brotherhood. But they understood something essential: brotherhood is meant to grow. 

Edward H. McCune, founder and author of Our Creed, gave that belief its clearest expression: “the true spirit of Fraternalism is a thing that grows.” It begins with “a narrow circle of fellow students,” but ultimately takes in “all the important relationships of life.” 

That truth feels even more powerful when we remember that the 17 founders were only all together in 1920. Some graduated and returned to teaching. Others followed different paths. Their full circle lasted only a season, yet they built something strong enough to welcome every generation that followed. 

Founders Day carries that spirit forward. Our Principles are alive in the best parts of chapter life: late-night conversations, brotherhood retreats, service projects, road trips, the first handshake with a new brother, and the proud moment when a chapter realizes it is capable of more than it imagined or a member achieves a dream he set forth when joining, encouraged by his brothers and mentors. These are the moments where Sig Tau becomes real. 

Members of Sig Tau come from every background and choose nobility together. We become Noble Men through the friendships we build, the challenges we accept, the brothers we support, the fun we have along the way, and the daily decision to act with a higher, good intent. 

This is the work before us now. Sigma Tau Gamma’s Vision is clear: Building Generations of Noble Men. Our Purpose calls us to Always Endeavor Forward. 

So, let’s celebrate Founders Day like Sig Taus. Call a brother. Send a note to an advisor. Support the Founders Day Challenge. Tell the story of 101 Ming Street. Then turn toward the summer and fall with confidence: 

Alumni – volunteer with your association, make plans for homecoming, start a recruitment scholarship for your chapter, or reach out about being an advisor or regional volunteer. 

Students – build the recruitment plan, fill the calendar with brotherhood, service, philanthropy, campus and civic involvement, and fun; and invite the best men on campus to experience what our founders created. 

The founders gave us the beginning. This fall, we get to keep building. Happy Founders Day, brothers. Let’s get to work, have some fun, and Endeavor Forward together. 

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY

Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920. Since its Founding, the organization has called 197 campuses home and has more than 77,000 initiated Members. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation and WPN National Housing Company, is located in Carmel, Indiana. Visit https://sigtau.org for additional information.