The generosity of Sigma Nu alumni, collegians, parents, and friends makes it possible to develop ethical leaders and strengthen the future of the Legion of Honor. The Sigma Nu Educational Foundation is proud to recognize the individuals whose philanthropic support advances our educational mission and ensures future generations of brothers benefit from a meaningful Sigma Nu experience. Whether through annual giving, lifetime philanthropy, or legacy commitments, every gift reflects a lasting investment in Sigma Nu and the values of Love, Honor, and Truth.
Explore the expandable sections below to learn more about the Foundation’s giving societies and recognition opportunities, and discover how your support can make a lasting impact.
The 1869 Club is Sigma Nu’s collegiate giving society, recognizing undergraduate brothers who make an annual gift of $18.69 or more to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation. Every gift helps strengthen the Fraternity by supporting leadership development, educational programming, and chapter resources that benefit more than 10,500 collegiate brothers nationwide.
Why Join?
As a member of the 1869 Club, you help:
- Support your chapter and brothers across the country.
- Expand leadership programs like LEAD, College of Chapters, the Sigma Nu Institute, and the Lexington Leadership Institute.
- Provide Chapter Leadership Consultants with the resources to coach and support chapters.
- Strengthen mental health, educational, and leadership initiatives.
- Preserve a lifelong brotherhood rooted in Love, Honor, and Truth.
- Ensure future generations experience the same life-changing opportunities that have shaped your Sigma Nu journey.
The Black & Gold Society is the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation’s leadership annual giving society for alumni, parents, and friends who invest $1,000 or more annually (or $84 per month) to protect, strengthen, and advance Sigma Nu Fraternity. These leadership gifts provide vital support for the Fraternity’s highest educational and leadership priorities while demonstrating a lasting commitment to future generations of brothers.
Why Join?
Every Sigma Nu brother has benefited from those who came before him. By becoming a Black & Gold Society member, you continue that tradition by helping provide the resources needed to develop ethical leaders, strengthen chapters, and expand the Fraternity’s impact for years to come.
Member Benefits
Black & Gold Society members receive:
- Regular updates from the Regent and Executive Director on the Fraternity’s progress and priorities.
- An invitation to an exclusive annual webinar featuring a distinguished Sigma Nu alumnus.
- Recognition in the Honor Roll of Donors
All Black & Gold Society gifts also count toward Lifetime Giving Society recognition. Corporate matching gifts received by December 31 also apply toward membership.
Giving Levels
- Member: $1,000–$2,499
- Bronze: $2,500–$4,999
- Silver: $5,000–$9,999
- Gold: $10,000–$24,999
- Platinum: $25,000+
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Black & Gold Society gifts make an impact?
Leadership gifts support the Fraternity’s highest priorities, providing the resources needed to protect, strengthen, and advance Sigma Nu and its educational mission.
How do I become a member?
Membership is earned by contributing $1,000 or more during the calendar year. Gifts may be made online, by phone, or by mail and can be paid monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually.
How long does membership last?
Membership and associated benefits extend through the calendar year in which your qualifying gift is made.
Do corporate matching gifts count?
Yes. Matching gifts received by December 31 count toward your annual membership total.
Do my gifts count toward Lifetime Giving Society recognition?
Yes. Every Black & Gold Society gift also counts toward Lifetime Giving Society giving totals.
Become a Black & Gold Society Ambassador
Help inspire other alumni to invest in Sigma Nu by serving as a Black & Gold Society Ambassador. Ambassadors encourage brothers from their chapter and personal network to join the Black & Gold Society, expanding the Foundation’s ability to support future generations of Sigma Nu men.
For more information about the Black & Gold Society or the Ambassador Program, contact Hayden Pilcher, Director of Advancement, at hayden.pilcher@www.sigmanu.org or (540) 319-3642.
The Omega Society recognizes alumni and friends who make a lifelong commitment to preserving and enhancing the Sigma Nu Fraternity Headquarters in Lexington, Virginia—the “Crown Jewel” of the Legion of Honor. Through their annual support, Omega Society members ensure that our historic headquarters remains a place where brothers can gather, learn, and celebrate Sigma Nu’s heritage for generations to come.
Founded in 2001, the Omega Society was created to help retire the Headquarters mortgage and establish a sustainable source of funding for the property’s ongoing maintenance and preservation. Thanks to the generosity of its members, the mortgage was retired in 2004, and today Omega Society contributions provide nearly $75,000 annually for the maintenance, upkeep, and renovation of the Headquarters campus.
Why Join?
The Headquarters is more than an administrative office—it is the birthplace of Sigma Nu’s modern era and a lasting symbol of our history, traditions, and ideals. By joining the Omega Society, you help preserve one of the Fraternity’s greatest assets while ensuring it continues to inspire brothers for generations to come.
As Brother Richard “Dick” Fletcher, Hall of Honor member and longtime Executive Director, wrote when announcing the move of Headquarters to Lexington in 1957:
“Sigma Nu is going home…to stimulate pride in our heritage and encourage pilgrimages to our birthplace.”
That vision continues to guide the Foundation’s commitment to preserving the Headquarters campus today.
Membership
Omega Society members make one of the following lifetime commitments:
- $1,000 annually for life, or
- $2,000 annually in continued support.
Every contribution directly supports the preservation, maintenance, and improvement of Sigma Nu Headquarters.
Recognition
Omega Society members receive:
- An exclusive Omega Society lapel pin and membership certificate.
- Recognition for their enduring commitment to preserving Sigma Nu’s Headquarters.
- The satisfaction of ensuring the Fraternity’s most historic property remains a source of pride for future generations.
Why Join?
A planned gift is a powerful way to honor the impact Sigma Nu has had on your life while creating a lasting legacy for those who follow. These gifts provide long-term support for the Foundation’s mission and help protect, strengthen, and advance Sigma Nu for generations to come.
Many planned gifts also offer meaningful financial and tax advantages, including potential reductions in income, capital gains, and estate taxes. Because every individual’s circumstances are unique, donors are encouraged to consult their legal or financial advisor when considering a planned gift.
Ways to Give
There are many ways to include the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation in your estate plans, including:
- Bequests: Name the Foundation as a beneficiary in your will or living trust.
- Retirement Accounts: Designate the Foundation as a beneficiary of an IRA or other qualified retirement account. Individuals age 70½ and older may also make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), which may provide significant tax advantages.
- Life Insurance: Name the Foundation as a beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy.
- Charitable Trusts: Establish a charitable trust that can provide income, tax benefits, and long-term support for Sigma Nu.
The Sigma Nu Educational Foundation recognizes donors whose cumulative lifetime giving reflects an extraordinary commitment to the future of the Fraternity. As supporters reach each milestone, they are welcomed into a new Lifetime Giving Society and receive recognition commemorating their lasting investment in Sigma Nu.
White Star Club ($10,000–$24,999)
Members receive:
- Recognition in the annual Honor Roll of Donors published in The Delta.
- White Star Club lapel pin.
Regents’ Club ($25,000–$49,999)
Members receive:
- Recognition in the annual Honor Roll of Donors published in The Delta.
- Regents’ Club lapel pin.
Order of Knights ($50,000–$99,999)
Members receive:
- Recognition in the annual Honor Roll of Donors published in The Delta.
- Order of Knights lapel pin.
- Sigma Nu blazer embroidered with the Fraternity’s Coat of Arms, presented at Grand Chapter.
John Alexander Howard Circle ($100,000–$249,999)
Members receive:
- Recognition in the annual Honor Roll of Donors published in The Delta.
- John Alexander Howard Circle lapel pin.
- Special communications from the President of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.
Walter James Sears Circle ($250,000–$999,999)
Members receive:
- Recognition in the annual Honor Roll of Donors published in The Delta.
- Walter James Sears Circle lapel pin.
- Special communications from the President of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.
- Framed The Serpent, the Rose, and the Star commemorative print, presented at Grand Chapter upon reaching this level.
Lexington Fellows ($1,000,000–$4,999,999)
Members receive:
- Recognition in the annual Honor Roll of Donors published in The Delta.
- Lexington Fellows lapel pin.
- Special communications from the President of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.
- Framed The Rock commemorative print, presented at Grand Chapter upon reaching this level.
Founder’s Circle ($5,000,000 and above)
Members receive:
- Recognition in the annual Honor Roll of Donors published in The Delta.
- Bronze desk sculpture depicting the Founders clasping hands at The Rock.
- Special communications from the President of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.
Note: Lifetime Giving Society recognition is based on cumulative lifetime contributions to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.