Sigma Sigma
Sigma Sigma (ΣΣ) is a men's upperclassmen honorary fraternity at the University of Cincinnati. Founded in 1898, it is the oldest of such organizations at the University of Cincinnati. The constitution of the organization is as follows, "The name of the organization shall be Sigma Sigma. All matters transacted shall be for the good of the order and of the University of Cincinnati. This constitution shall not be amended."[1]
Sigma Sigma | |
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ΣΣ | |
Founded | 1898 University of Cincinnati |
Type | Honorary |
Scope | Local |
Mission statement | All matters transacted shall be for the good of the order and of the University of Cincinnati. |
Colors | Black & Gold |
Members | 600+ lifetime |
History
Sigma Sigma was founded in the summer of 1898 by Parke Johnson, Russell Wilson, Robert Humphreys, Walter Everhardt, Charles W. Adler, Smith Hickenlooper, Andrew Hickenlooper, and Ada Innes. Originally created as a sophomore society, by 1902 Sigma Sigma had become known as an upperclassmen male organization. The purpose has remained the same, advancement of the University of Cincinnati, which has been carried out in many ways since the founding.[2][3]
Since its founding the organization has sponsored a number of events and philanthropic goals for the university, with the organization's membership donating over $72 million as of 2019.[4]
Sigma Sigma Commons
Leading up to the organization's centennial in 1998, the society contributed to the university through the Sigma Sigma Commons as part of the 1991 master plan of the campus. The society raised over $1.8 million to complete the project, which encapsulates 3.5 acres and includes a granite amphitheater seats for 1,850 people and the 64ft tall Ronald Walker Tower.[5]
Carnival
An annual tradition since 1939, each year Sigma Sigma holds a carnival for the student body with booths run by a number of student organizations.[6] The carnival traditionally brings thousands of people to campus and Sigma Sigma uses the proceeds for various donations back to the university.[7] Since the completion of the Sigma Sigma Commons, the Carnival is annually held in the space. Previously, the carnival was hosted at the Armory Fieldhouse and Nippert Stadium.
Mr. Bearcat
Another tradition of the organization, is the long-standing award of Mr. Bearcat. The honor recognizes a graduating senior man who has achieved academic success, demonstrated leadership in diverse settings, and contributed to the University of Cincinnati with Bearcat spirit. The award has been given annually by Sigma Sigma since 1949.[8]
Notable student members
- Russell Wilson (1898), politician and former Mayor of Cincinnati
- Smith Hickenlooper (1898), US federal judge
- Jimmy Nippert (1923), college football player and namesake for Nippert Stadium[9]
- George Smith (1933), head basketball coach and athletic director at Cincinnati
- Jim Holstein (1951), NBA player, head basketball coach at Ball State
- Ralph Staub (1951), former college football player, head football coach at Cincinnati
- Tony Trabert (1951), former amateur World No. 1 tennis champion[10]
- Jack Twyman (1953), NBA player
- David Canary (1958), actor
- Carl Bouldin (1960), MLB player
- Tony Yates (1963), college basketball player, head basketball coach at Cincinnati[11]
- Brig Owens (1964), NFL player[12]
- Myron Ullman (1967), former chairman and CEO of J. C. Penney, current chairman of Starbucks Corporation[13]
- Greg Cook (1969), NFL player
- Jim O'Brien (1969), NFL player
- Tyrone Yates (1975), former OH State Representative, judge[14]
- Reggie Taylor (1987), CFL player
- Lewis Johnson (1987), sports commentator and sports reporter
- Roger McClendon (1987), college basketball player, former chief sustainability officer of Yum! Brands
- Doug Rosfeld (1999), college football player, NFL coach[15]
- Zach Collaros (2009), CFL player[16]
- Jason Kelce (2009), NFL player[17]
- Josh Schneider (2009), competition swimmer[18]
- Chazz Anderson (2010), college football player
- J. K. Schaffer (2010), NFL player[19]
- Connor Barwin (2011), NFL player
- Sean Kilpatrick (2012), NBA player[20]
- Gary Clark (2018), NBA player
Source[21]
Notable alumni members
- Walter Langsam (1971), former president of the University of Cincinnati
- William Keating Sr. (1975), former US Representative, newspaper executive
Source[22]
References
- Cheung, Ariel (15 Nov 2009). "Sigma Sigma taps new members". newsrecord.org. University of Cincinnati News Record. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- "History". websites.omegafi.com/omegaws/sigmasigmacincinnati. Omega Fi. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- "SIGMA SIGMA" (PDF). digital.libraries.uc.edu. University of Cincinnati News Record. 9 Sep 1960. p. 16. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
- Byrne, Aidan (7 Nov 2019). "What is Sigma Sigma Commons named after?". newsrecord.org. University of Cincinnati News Record. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- "University of Cincinnati grads continue to demonstrate loyalty to UC through Sigma Sigma". magazine.uc.edu. UC Magazine. Aug 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- Cohen, Molly (12 Apr 2015). "Students tee off fundraiser with golf-themed carnival". newsrecord.org. University of Cincinnati News Record. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- Fuller, Dawn (14 May 2008). "Sigma Sigma Carnival At UC Promises A Blast From the Past". uc.edu. University of Cincinnati. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- "Mr. Bearcat Award". libraries.uc.edu. UC Libraries. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- "Blog". gobearcats.com. University of Cincinnati News Record. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
'Our stadium's named after Jimmy Nippert, who in the game against Miami of Ohio got cleated and a month later died,' recalled Goebel, the noted historian. 'If they don't know it, I'm going to tell everybody. I'm a Sigma Sigma and he's a Sigma Sigma too.'
- "TONY TRABERT". gobearcats.com. UC Athletics. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
Sigma Sigma and ULEX member at UC.
- Perry, Michael (17 May 2020). "Tony Yates: Former University of Cincinnati basketball player and coach dies at 82". enquirer.com. Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
At UC, Yates was also a member of Sigma Sigma men’s honorary.
- "Sigma Sigma Chooses Men At Saturday's Miami Game" (PDF). digital.libraries.uc.edu. University of Cincinnati News Record. 25 Nov 1964. p. 1. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- @Prez_Pinto (7 Apr 2017). "Before becoming CEO of J. C. Penney, Myron Ullman was a part of Student Government, Homecoming Cmte., Sigma Sigma, Cincinnatus, IFC & more" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- "Tyrone Yates". ohiostatehouse.org. Ohio State House. 2005. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- "2017 Football Media Guide" (PDF). s3.amazonaws.com. UC Athletics. 12 Sep 2017. p. 52. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
He is a member of the Sigma Sigma honorary fraternity.
- Cheung, Ariel (15 Nov 2009). "Sigma Sigma taps new members". newsrecord.org. University of Cincinnati News Record. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
Students who were tapped include Zach Collaros, a third-year student and UC quarterback
- Cheung, Ariel (15 Nov 2009). "Sigma Sigma taps new members". newsrecord.org. University of Cincinnati News Record. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
Other new members include Jason Kelce, offensive lineman for the Bearcats
- "UC Athletics Ends Year with All-Sports Banquet". gobearcats.com. UC Athletics. 7 Jun 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
This past fall, he was inducted into the University's honorary society Sigma Sigma, which recognizes students who have made significant contributions to the University.
- "JK Schaffer Tabbed As UC's 2012 Mr. Bearcat Award Winner". gobearcats.com. UC Athletics. 14 May 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
He is a member of the Sigma Sigma honorary fraternity
- Perry, Michael (Mar 2015). "Seeing Sean". magazine.uc.edu. UC Magazine. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
Kilpatrick earned his degree and was selected to join Sigma Sigma, a UC men’s honorary fraternity founded in 1898 that emphasizes leadership and loyalty to the University of Cincinnati.
- "Roster". websites.omegafi.com/omegaws/sigmasigmacincinnati. Omega Fi. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- "Roster". websites.omegafi.com/omegaws/sigmasigmacincinnati. Omega Fi. Retrieved 19 May 2020.