Sigma Tau Nu celebrates 75 years

TIFFIN– Sigma Tau Nu, the first recognized fraternity at Heidelberg University, recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. The history-rich group was officially established on March 14, 1949, and continues to serve what is formerly known as Heidelberg College with a second-to-none standard. "Born mid-struggle, toil and strife" is the opening line to the Sigmataun poem, is something all of its active members and alumni alike can recite from memory any day of the week, regardless of age. The poem, written by the group's first advisor and professor of German at (then) Heidelberg College, continues by sharing the story of the foundation of the group. Early Beginnings Prior to its foundation, a group of young men– mostly freshmen, discussed the idea of forming a new society with Professor Berke, rather than joining an existing group. At the time, the following means societies had already been established: Excelsior Men's Society (1851) - now known as the Ex's Heidelberg Men's Literacy Society (1859) - now known as the Heid's Aptonalton Society (1921) - now known as the Ap's Plans were made by the young men and submitted to the university's faculty committee responsible for recommending the implementation of a new student group. Then a meeting in the second floor of Founders Hall between 38 students eligible for pledging, Dr. C. M. Prugh– Dean of Men, and Merle M. Berke serving as moderator. At the end of the meeting, the following resolution was compiled: "Therefore, may we proudly say that we desire to form a strong society of men interested in the advancement of each other to the common interest of Heidelberg College. With the realization of the many difficulties which will confront us, we do hereby submit this application for a new society based on the above principles." The resolution continued, providing further explanation for the want for a new society, "The need is apparent; the existing societies are overcrowded, and consequently, are facing difficulty in maintaining their original purpose and organizational procedures." The following year, the Sigmataun Literacy Society received its first pledge class. On May 14, 1949 a discussion was held concerning a slate of officers, resulting in John Jewett being elected Student Council Representative for the group. Then, in the June 4, 1949 edition of the Kilikilik reported that blue and gold were selected as the society's colors, blue symbolizing loyalty and fidelity to the college, and gold symbolizing the worth and dignity of the fraternity and its members. They were given the motto, Nulli Secundus– Latin for second to none. Present Day Seventy-five-years later, the group's mission remains true to that of its founders– to "give to the college in the years yet to come; The kind of a service that's second to none." The group continues to host philanthropic events, such as their annual rock-a-thon fundraiser. As part of the milestone landmark celebration, a fundraiser was held in regards to the Sigma Tau Nu Alumni Association's endowed scholarship named after one of their founders, Jack Bertolino ('51). The second Bertolino Scholarship was awarded this year to current fraternity President Cole Miller, a junior music education major from New Riegel, who plans to become a music instructor and choral conductor. "The Sigs became a brotherhood I didn't know I needed and cemented my resolve to graduate from Heidelberg," said Miller. "We have an amazing group of guys working to expand the fraternity, improve the Heidelberg campus and serve the community." "We're exceptionally proud of Cole," said Sig Alumni Association President Jeff Sellers '92. "His leadership and high standards reflect the principles of our founders." He noted that the Sig Alumni Association is in a position to award an additional scholarship next year to a second fraternity member. The Sigma Tau Nu Alumni Association Board presented a check for $3,000 to Sig Advisor and Heidelberg Alumni Engagement Liaison Bob Youngblood, raising the Bertolino Scholarship endowment to approximately $81,000 at Heidelberg's 2024 homecoming weekend.