Beta Xi chapter of Sigma Chi

Beta Xi
Founded 1916
Type Literary, Leadership and Social
Motto In Hoc Signo Vinces ("In This Sign You Shall Conquer")
Colors      Blue and      Old Gold
Symbol The White Cross
Flower White Rose
Philanthropy Children's Miracle Network and Huntsman Cancer Institute
Members

1914 alumni

50 collegiate
Flag
Headquarters 1855 Sigma Chi Rd Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
Homepage https://www.facebook.com/sigsatunm

Beta Xi (ΒΞ)is a charter-carrying chapter of the Sigma Chi (ΣΧ) Fraternity at the University of New Mexico. The Beta Xi Chapter was originally founded in 1916 and then re-founded in 2008. Beta Xi is a member of the Southwestern Province.

History

Founding

Originally called Sigma Tau or The Society of Turquoises' (a fraternity from Louisville) two men from Louisville moved to Albuquerque in 1903 and then slowly started initiating new members to their membership. January 1, 1907 the now five members of the organization began the search for a new fraternity thus severing ties with Sigma Tau renaming themselves "Sigma Tau Fraternity of the University of New Mexico". The chapter soon decided they would like a "national charter" the goal chosen was Sigma Chi, a petition was created and sent. Between 1908 and 1916 the fraternity acquired a house (previously owned by the University president), held an annual ball, and surpassed financial difficulties. In 1915 "The Sigma Tau Fraternity of The University of New Mexico" was invited to attend the 32nd grand chapter of Sigma Chi; marking a potential end to a 9 year struggle to gain a national charter. On April 22, 1916 "The Sigma Tau Fraternity of The University of New Mexico" ceased to exist and Beta Xi was founded with 30 chartering members.[1]

The House

Formerly located at 1724 Central ave.[2] The current house was completed in 1951 and houses up to 40 people. The house's bottom floor includes a small gym, two executive offices, a loungeroom, and a ballroom with a stage. The central floor has a study room, a balcony, a porch, an advisors jack & jill style apartment, a veranda, a living room, a full kitchen as well as multiple living quarters. The third floor includes multiple living quarters.

Pledging

Pledgeship

The pledge pin of Sigma Chi

Pledgeship is a probationary period for potential members before they are fully initiated into membership. The pledge period is roughly eight weeks in length. The pledge period consists of intellectual exercises to cultivate potential members into becoming brothers; this includes learning the history of Sigma Chi and Beta Xi, the operational workings of the chapter, leadership skills, and allows the potential members to become an integral part of the chapter before initiation.[3]

Many aspects of the pledge program are set by the direction of the Magister. All potential members in the chapter are given a pledge pin and a Norman Shield. The pledge pin is a blue Norman Shield bearing the White Cross of Sigma Chi outlined in old gold.

Hazing

In response to concerns over safety, negative publicity, and difficulty in getting insurance the national fraternity announced a zero-tolerance stance on the issue of hazing on January 31, 2005.[4] Sigma Chi defines hazing as "an act performed by any Sigma Chi or pledge member that results in an environment of servitude or in any way endangers or demeans a Sigma Chi or pledge member, regardless of that person's willingness to participate in that act." It continually makes this ruling explicitly clear at all National and Proving Conferences.

Organization of the fraternity

Chapter officers

Officers are often given titles derived from Imperial Rome. The top five officers of each chapter are known as the Consul (president), Pro Consul (vice-president), Annotator (minute-taker), Quaestor (treasurer), Magister (in charge of initiations), and Kustos (sergeant-at-arms)

Philanthropy

Fight Night

Fight Night is the Chapter's Largest philanthropic event in which members from different Greek organizations compete in USA Boxing Sanctioned Boxing Matches. The Third and most recent happening of this event was November 26, 2013.

Merlin Olsen Day of Service

In Honor of Merlin Olsen every September 15th the fraternity performs some type of act of service for the community.

Awards

Sweetheart

The chapter elects a female associated with them annually to become the chapter sweetheart.The Sweetheart Award is presented based on personality, character, campus involvement, Sigma Chi activities, general accomplishments, poise, and grace. This Award is decided every spring and is announced at the annual spring formal.

Notable Beta Xi's

Alumni chapter

The Albuquerque alumni chapter of New Mexico is open to all Sigma Chi's and is based on members residing in the areas in and around the Albuquerque metropolitan area. (The chapters official website) http://abqex.com/main.html

References

  1. ↑ <iframe frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border:0px" src="http://books.google.com/books?id=KRATAAAAIAAJ&dq=editions%3AuonLpuhIt00C&pg=PA513&output=embed" width=500 height=500></iframe> page 513
  2. ↑ "The Sigma Chi Quarterly: The Official Organ of the Sigma Chi Fraternity". 1922.
  3. ↑ "Objectives of pledgeship" page 11. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  4. ↑ Fraternity implements new zero-tolerance hazing policy
  5. ↑ http://www.skimuseum.net/halloffame/hall_of_fame_details.php?HallOfFameID=54
  6. ↑ http://www.linkedin.com/pub/raymond-g-sanchez/13/b74/b05

See also