Sigma Nu Hall of Fame
2025 Inductees
During the 71st Grand Chapter in San Antonio, the Fraternity inducted three brothers into the Sigma Nu Hall of Fame. Established in 1982 at the 50th Grand Chapter in Snowbird, Utah, the Hall of Fame honors alumni, living or deceased, who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields in a manner that brings great credit to the Fraternity. Sigma Nu Fraternity is proud to announce the induction of the following exceptional brothers into the Hall of Fame: businessman and philanthropist Bill Miller (Washington & Lee), football legend Tommy McDonald (Oklahoma), and Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Nathan Gordon (Arkansas). We congratulate these brothers on this high honor and extend a hearty “Hi Rickety” to each for their exceptional accomplishments.
William "Bill" H. Miller III (Washington & Lee) - Lambda #865
William "Bill" H. Miller III (Washington & Lee)
A 1972 graduate of Washington and Lee University, Brother Miller earned his degree in economics with honors. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1975, rising to the rank of Captain and receiving the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service with the 502d U.S. Army Security Agency Company.
After his military service, Brother Miller entered the Ph.D. program in philosophy at Johns Hopkins University while working part-time in accounting. His financial career began in earnest in 1981 when he joined the J.E. Baker Company as Treasurer before moving to Legg Mason Capital Management. There, he rose to national prominence, first as a portfolio manager and eventually as the sole manager of the Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust.
From 1991 to 2005, the Value Trust fund, under Miller’s leadership, achieved one of the most remarkable streaks in investment history, outperforming the S&P 500 Index for 15 consecutive years after fees. He later founded Miller Value Partners in 2018, serving as Chairman and Chief Investment Officer until his retirement in 2023.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brother Miller has remained deeply committed to education and philanthropy. He serves on the Boards of Trustees for both Johns Hopkins University and the Santa Fe Institute and has made substantial charitable contributions to both institutions. In 2012, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Washington and Lee University and, in 2024, was honored with the University’s highest distinction, the Washington Award, for extraordinary philanthropy and leadership.
That same year, Brother Miller made a transformative $132 million gift to Washington and Lee, enabling the university to become the 10th need-blind institution in the United States.
Thomas "Tommy" F. McDonald (Oklahoma) - Delta Epsilon #880
Thomas "Tommy" F. McDonald (Oklahoma)
A football legend both at the collegiate and professional levels, Brother Tommy McDonald (Oklahoma) was a standout halfback for the University of Oklahoma under Hall of Fame coach Bud Wilkinson. During his collegiate career, McDonald never lost a game, contributing to Oklahoma’s historic 47-game winning streak and recording 31 consecutive wins of his own. He scored touchdowns in 20 of 21 games during his junior and senior seasons and became the first Sooner to score from scrimmage in every game of the 1955 season.
A two-time All-America and all-conference selection, McDonald was awarded the Maxwell Award and Sporting News Player of the Year honor in 1956. That same year, he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting and was named to the academic all-conference first team in both 1955 and 1956.
Despite concerns about his size, McDonald was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1957 NFL Draft. He went on to enjoy a 12-year professional career with five NFL teams: the Eagles, Cowboys, Rams, Falcons, and Browns. He earned six Pro Bowl selections, led the league in touchdown receptions in 1958 and 1961, and topped the league in receiving yards in 1961. McDonald helped the Eagles capture the 1960 NFL Championship and, at the time of his retirement in 1968, ranked second in career touchdown receptions and fourth in receiving yards.
In recognition of his remarkable career, Brother McDonald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. He holds the distinction of being the last non-kicker to play in the NFL without a facemask.
Brother McDonald passed away in 2018, but his legacy endures as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Lt. Nathan G. Gordon (Arkansas) - Gamma Upsilon #445
Lt. Nathan G. Gordon (Arkansas)
A man of extraordinary courage, leadership, and service, Brother Nathan Gordon transferred to the University of Arkansas in 1936 on a football scholarship, becoming a key contributor to the Razorbacks’ first Southwest Conference Championship that season. He was initiated into the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Nu on May 7, 1938, and was elected Eminent Commander for the 1938–39 academic year. He earned his law degree in 1939 and began practicing law in his hometown of Morrilton, Arkansas.
With the outbreak of World War II on the horizon, Brother Gordon enlisted in the U.S. Navy. As a naval aviator, he served with exceptional bravery, earning the nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, for a heroic rescue mission on February 15, 1944. Piloting a Catalina patrol aircraft under heavy enemy fire in Kavieng Harbor in the Bismarck Sea, Lt. Gordon made four daring landings, rescuing a total of 15 Army airmen stranded in hostile waters. Despite a dangerously overloaded aircraft and minimal conditions for takeoff, his skill, courage, and selflessness prevented the certain death or capture of his fellow servicemen. He was later named one of the five initial inductees into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
After the war, Brother Gordon returned to Arkansas to resume his legal career alongside his brother Edward, also a member of Gamma Upsilon Chapter. In 1946, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas and went on to serve an unprecedented ten consecutive terms from 1947 to 1967, working under four governors. To this day, he remains the longest-serving lieutenant governor in Arkansas history.
Brother Gordon passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of heroism, leadership, and public service.