The fundamental purpose of the Sigma Chi Fraternity is to cultivate an appreciation of and commitment to the ideals of friendship, justice and learning.  These ideals and objectives have been at the heart of Sigma Chi since its founding by seven men at Miami University of Oxford, Ohio on June 28, 1855.

These seven men believed that the principles they professed were imperfectly realized in other fraternal organizations.  Their vision of Sigma Chi was based upon the notion of shared ideals, they believed that true brotherhood would thrive best among men of different temperaments, talents and convictions. 

These guiding principles, unchanged for almost 150 years, continue to define the essence of Sigma Chi.

Recently Brother Castner visited the grave of Daniel William Cooper. We at Sigma Chi Theta hope to at some point have a brother visit the graves of each of our seven founders. Below is a tribute written by Brother Castner to Daniel William Cooper and we hope to have more founders visited in the near future. Photos can be found in our Photo Gallery.

Daniel William Cooper was one of the prestigious Seven, a man who proved his worth as Sigma Chi needed. He is buried in Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh, the largest and most established cemetery in the city. Obviously, he was renowned and respected, so his presence there is no surprise. Sigma Chi erected his tombstone in 1928, 8 years after he passed. His accomplishments as a scholar, a priest, a Sigma Chi, and as a man were carved into the stone, with tiny chain-links littering the top as commemoration for his achievements.