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.[citation needed]
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. 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.[1][2]
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."[3]
Symbols
The society's colors are black and gold.
Activities
An annual tradition since 1939, each year Sigma Sigma holds a carnival for the student body with booths run by several student organizations.[4] The carnival traditionally brings thousands of people to campus and Sigma Sigma uses the proceeds for various donations back to the university.[5] 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.
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.[6]
Philanthropy
Since its founding, the organization has sponsored several events and philanthropic goals for the university, with the organization's membership donating over $72 million as of 2019.[7]
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 graniteamphitheater seats for 1,850 people and the 64 ft tall Ronald Walker Tower.[8]
The organization donated the ceremonial mace that is carried in by the university marshal before each commencement ceremony.[9]
^"FALL 2021 COMMENCEMENT"(PDF). uc.edu. University of Cincinnati. 10 Dec 2021. p. 10. Retrieved 7 Feb 2022. The mace carried by the university marshal is the gift of Sigma Sigma. From the fourteenth century, the ceremonial mace was used by civil and ecclesiastical authorities. Today, carried as an emblem of authority and prestige, it is commonly used to indicate the official opening of ceremonies.
^"Roster". websites.omegafi.com/omegaws/sigmasigmacincinnati. Omega Fi. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
^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
^ abc"Roster". websites.omegafi.com/omegaws/sigmasigmacincinnati. Omega Fi. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
^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
^Perry, Michael (Mar 2015). "Seeing Sean". 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.
^"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.'
^"2017 Football Media Guide"(PDF), s3.amazonaws.com, UC Athletics, p. 52, 12 Sep 2017, retrieved 21 May 2020, He is a member of the Sigma Sigma honorary fraternity.
^"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.
^"TONY TRABERT". gobearcats.com. UC Athletics. Retrieved 21 May 2020. Sigma Sigma and ULEX member at UC.
