Sigma Tau Gamma > Heritage

Beta Chapter History

Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity was founded on June 28, 1920 at the University of Central Missouri (formerly known as Central Missouri State Teachers College) and set up their first house at 101 Ming and Holden Street. The fraternity was born out of the desires and aspirations of seventeen men in the belief that all men are social creatures and that friendships of college men are lasting ones. It rose as a result of friendships made while in the service of their country during World War I in France. By dedicating themselves to the highest ideals of manhood, honor, and citizenship, they would inspire thousands of men from all parts of the country who would follow in their footsteps.

In accordance with the founding of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity at Central Missouri State Teachers College, the fraternity created new chapters on the campuses surrounding teachers colleges. Since the fraternity's beginnings in 1920, they have since spread to more than 140 university campuses across the United States but the Beta Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma remains the organizations pride. Having initiated more members than any other chapter in the country, it was fitting that Mayor Robert Funk declared Kirksville, Missouri the "Sigma Tau Gamma Capital of the World!"
 

Founded Locally: July 30, 1921

Flower: White Rose

Colors: Blue and White

Mascot: Goat

Toast:

Together we rise under shield and blade,

United as one in the bonds we made,

Knights of the Rose, the Chain, the Light,

Raise your glass to the blue and white!

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