HISTORY AND TRADITION
The men of Sigma Nu, Gamma Upsilon Chapter are an important part of the history and tradition of the University of Arkansas. And, 2004 marked the 100th year of Sigma Nu’s service to the U of A.

You can be proud to be a part of the 100-year tradition of shaping young men into leaders. Just as it was back in 1904, the brotherhood is teaching young men leadership skills, social graces and teamwork, while building character and principled young men through service and activity. Many of us have gone on to have successful and fulfilling careers. And many of us continue to give back to our communities, our alma mater and to other organizations. All of us can say we got a great start in life from our participation as fraternity men of Sigma Nu.

TODAY’S SIGMA NU
Recent decades have been a time of turbulence and change for fraternities on college campuses nationwide. On the University of Arkansas campus, we feel the changes being made within the Greek system are for the better and are helping to instill the same interest and pride we felt being members of Sigma Nu as undergraduates – and still feel today as alumni.

The UA administration, along with a task force of students and alumni, examined the Greek system and looked critically at its challenges. The task force endorsed a set of recommendations designed to improve the reputation and function of the entire Greek system on the UA campus. Some of the recommendations include the implementation of a delayed rush in order to give freshmen an opportunity to adjust to the pressures of college life before making a commitment to a fraternity. Hazing is strictly forbidden. And there is an increased emphasis on the relationship between fraternities and the institution through alumni involvement and University ownership of Greek facilities for interested chapters.

The new Sigma Nu house at 260 North Stadium Drive exists because of the University's Greek Housing Program. This fine program created the alumni confidence to help us generate private gifts totaling $3,250,331 from 329 individuals. A $1,600,000 gift from Brother Don Tyson and his family made the big difference. The total cost was $5,400,000. The University is financing the balance while it is repaid through normal house bills from the 53 residents. The University owns, oversees, cleans, and maintains the facility. It is leased to the Sigma Nu/Gamma Upsilon Housing Association, Inc. in five-year renewable increments.

Sigma Nu has always given young men a sense of belonging to a community, taught respect and discipline and prepared them to be productive members of society. We also know that fraternity participation helps students bond more fully with the University, and creates loyalty to the institution, both of which ultimately promote graduation.