Sigma Nu Hall of Honor
2025 Inductees
At the 71st Grand Chapter in San Antonio on July 26, 2025, the Sigma Nu Fraternity Hall of Honor Committee proudly announced the induction of Brothers Joe Gilman (Morehead State/Georgia), Rick Tate (North Carolina State), and Joe Weber (Michigan State/Washington in St. Louis) as the 89th, 90th, and 91st members of the Sigma Nu Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor represents the highest distinction within the Legion of Honor, reserved for those who have brought distinction to the Fraternity through exceptional achievement in their professional fields and rendered service of vital importance to Sigma Nu’s advancement. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and a resounding Hi Rickety to these brothers for their outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to our Mission.
Joseph M. Gilman (Morehead State/Georgia) - Theta Tau #2 / Mu #2440
Joseph M. Gilman (Morehead State/Georgia)
Brother Joe Gilman’s Sigma Nu journey began at Morehead State University, where he was a founding father of the Theta Tau Chapter and initiated as Theta Tau #2. In 1973, he interned with the General Fraternity and graduated summa cum laude the following year.
Brother Gilman went on to enjoy a distinguished 40-year career with BellSouth/AT&T, where he held numerous key leadership roles. Notably, he became the youngest Director at South Central Bell and was later selected to attend the prestigious Sloan Fellows master’s program at MIT. There, he served as class president and was later appointed to MIT’s Board of Governors, ultimately serving as its president from 2006 to 2010.
Throughout his career, Brother Gilman led several groundbreaking international business development projects, including a $2 billion competitive telecom venture in Australia and the expansion of cellular and long-distance operations across Europe. Domestically, he oversaw BellSouth’s long-distance operations, growing revenues from $40 million to $1.5 billion in just four years. He also played a key role in launching AT&T’s first STEM-focused internship program.
In addition to his professional success, Brother Gilman remained a steadfast and visionary volunteer leader for Sigma Nu. His service includes roles as House Corporation President, District and Division Commander, and Vice Regent. From 2008 to 2010, he served as the 61st Regent of the Fraternity. He later chaired the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation (2015–2017), served as interim President of the Foundation (2017–2018), and helped restructure multiple leadership and ritual initiatives. Among his many contributions, he initiated the first Sigma Nu staff reunion, co-chaired the Fraternity’s 150th Anniversary celebration, and helped organize the inaugural Lexington Triad Weekend.
Brother Gilman’s visionary leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to the Legion of Honor exemplify the highest ideals of Sigma Nu. He is the 89th inductee in the Sigma Nu Hall of Honor.
Richard "Rick" E. Tate (North Carolina State) - Beta Tau #948
Richard "Rick" E. Tate (North Carolina State)
A native of Lexington, North Carolina, and raised in Asheville, Brother Richard “Rick” E. Tate (North Carolina State) began his collegiate journey on a golf scholarship at Edison Community College in Fort Myers, Florida. He later transferred to North Carolina State University to join its golf team, where he also began his lifelong commitment to Sigma Nu, initiated into the Beta Tau Chapter in 1979 as initiate #948.
Following graduation, Brother Tate dedicated 34 years of service to the State of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, where he served as Deputy Chief of the Business Enterprises Program for the Division of Services for the Blind.
Brother Tate’s contributions to Sigma Nu have been both far-reaching and deeply impactful. He served as District Commander from 1988 to 1992 and went on to serve as Carolinas Division Commander for more than three decades, from 1992 to 2023. His leadership has also been instrumental at the national level, having chaired the Elections Committee for seven consecutive Grand Chapters, from 2010 through 2023. For his outstanding service, he was awarded the Regent’s Medallion of Merit in 2020 and was recognized with a special Grand Chapter Resolution at the conclusion of the 70th Grand Chapter in Ft. Lauderdale.
Equally committed to his home chapter, Brother Tate has long served the Beta Tau Chapter through roles on the Alumni Chapter, House Corporation, and Alumni Advisory Board. He remains a driving force behind the chapter’s Annual Alumni Oyster Roast and Golf Tournament, which recently celebrated its 44th annual gathering, serving as planner, marketer, and emcee.
Known for his hands-on support, often found handling landscaping and maintenance around NC State’s Greek Village, Brother Tate also volunteers as a high school football and lacrosse official for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. And, true to his roots, he remains a force on the golf course, regularly shooting in the 60s.
Brother Rick Tate’s enduring dedication, service, and love for the Fraternity embody the very spirit of the Legion of Honor. He is the 90th inductee in the Sigma Nu Hall of Honor.
Fr. Joseph A. Weber, Jr. (Michigan State/Washington in St. Louis) - Epsilon Rho #906 / Gamma Omicron #1034
Joseph A. Weber, Jr. (Michigan State/Washington in St. Louis)
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Creve Coeur, Fr. Joseph A. Weber, Jr. (Michigan State/Washington in St. Louis) began his Sigma Nu journey at Michigan State University, where he was initiated into the Epsilon Rho Chapter in 1971 as initiate #906. After earning his degree in 1972, he entered Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1976.
For nearly five decades, Brother Weber has faithfully served the Archdiocese of St. Louis as a parish priest, guiding and ministering to countless individuals and families across the region. In 1984, he further extended his service by joining the Missouri Air National Guard, where he rose to the rank of Colonel and served as a chaplain for nearly 28 years. His military service included three deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, where he provided spiritual care to thousands of airmen in theater.
A lifelong Scout, Brother Weber has dedicated nearly 50 years as a volunteer leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He has served in numerous capacities, including as Chaplain to the National Catholic Committee on Scouting and as Chaplain for seven years to the Inter-American Region of the International Catholic Conference on Scouting. His contributions to the Scouting movement have earned him recognition at the local, national, and international levels.
He also serves as Chaplain for the St. Louis County Police Department, a role he has held for the past 12 years, offering spiritual support to law enforcement officers and their families.
Despite his many vocations, Brother Weber has remained a deeply committed volunteer for Sigma Nu for nearly 50 years. First appointed Division Commander in 1978, a role he continues to hold, he has also served as Grand Chaplain, College of Chapters Facilitator, and Chairman of the Ritual Committees for the 69th and 70th Grand Chapters. Most recently, he led the committee responsible for updating and reprinting the Fraternity’s Ritual.
Brother Weber’s life of faithful service to church, country, community, and Fraternity stands as a shining example of the principles of Love, Honor, and Truth. He is the 91st inductee in the Sigma Nu Hall of Honor.