In 1857, William Lewis Lockwood, one of the seven founders of our Fraternity, penned "We should endeavor so to raise ourselves that to say of a man, 'He is a Sigma Chi' shall be synonymous with, 'He is a liberally educated, high-minded, pure and noble man.' Such are some of the objects of our Society. The world is in great need of just such men, and let all who go out from our chapters be such men."
In 2008, the world still is in great need of such men. In a world where corporations and profit margins rule, ethics, integrity and morality take a back seat. The world is in need of men who possess true leadership. While we may learn a great deal from our studies here at the University of Waterloo, leadership is a very difficult quality to acquire. It seems that only through experiential learning can we begin to grasp the qualities of a leader.
Thus, the Theta Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi exists and continues to exist since its inception in 1987 here at this University for the purpose of promoting an environment in which its members can develop and grow as men of honour and integrity. These qualities are the very building blocks of the sort of leader the world is in deep need of.
By surrounding ourselves with men who push for individual and collective improvement, we create an environment where we catalyze character development and leadership growth. Drawing from each of the faculties at the University of Waterloo, our Brothers possess a multitude of temperaments, talents and convictions. This assemblage of Brothers fosters an environment where each individual develops a broader understanding of the wholeness of things. Simply put, it is the variety of interests of each member which offers an individual the ability to broaden his understanding of the world. However, it is the common aim of personal development which unites each member and fosters genuine friendship.
This is why membership in Sigma Chi is not a simple matter. Contrary to public stereotypes of fraternities, we are not an association formed for the purpose of social events and entertainment. Yes, while we do hold many social events and are very social gentlemen, our main purpose as an organization on this campus is to develop values-based leaders. In order to do so and to perpetuate our organization when we graduate, we hold recruitment events where each prospective member is evaluated against a standard which Founder Isaac M. Jordan declared in 1884 of admitting no man to membership in Sigma Chi who is not believed to be:
A Man of Good Character...
A Student of Fair Ability...
With Ambitious Purposes...
A Congenial Disposition...
Possessed of Good Morals...
Having a High Sense of Honour and
A Deep Sense of Personal Responsibility...
If you believe yourself to possess these qualities and expect more from your University experience, then do not let this opportunity of a lifetime pass you by. Rush SIGMA CHI!