Herman B Wells and the Leadership Imperative in Hazing Prevention
By Regent Steve Ratterman (Indiana)
Sigma Nu was founded in opposition to hazing, grounded in the principles of Love, Honor, and Truth. These ideals are not just lofty words—they are a call to action. One of the greatest examples of living out these values can be found in the life and leadership of Herman B Wells, a distinguished fellow alumnus of the Beta Eta Chapter at Indiana University. Wells’ legacy as a university president and statesman provides a powerful lens through which to reflect on hazing prevention and the type of leadership required to ensure Sigma Nu’s ideals endure.
Wells led Indiana University during one of the most transformative periods in its history. He was known not only for his vision and administrative skill, but also for his moral courage. He integrated the university, expanded opportunities for students, and defended academic freedom, even when it was controversial. Wells’ guiding principle was always the dignity of the individual and the responsibility of institutions to uphold that dignity. In this way, his leadership reflects precisely the stance our Fraternity must take against hazing.
Hazing, at its core, is an affront to dignity. It replaces brotherhood with coercion, honor with humiliation, and truth with secrecy. Neither can the virtue of love be found in hazing. Wells’ example teaches us that leaders do not shy away from difficult conversations or entrenched traditions when those practices conflict with higher ideals. Just as Wells stood firm in defending inclusion and fairness in the face of societal resistance, today we must show the same resolve in confronting hazing. True leadership means making decisions not because they are popular, but because they are right. It means choosing the harder right over the easier wrong!
Wells also embodied the idea of culture over compliance. His reforms at Indiana University were not merely policy changes; they reshaped the spirit of the institution. Similarly, hazing prevention cannot rely only on rules or external enforcement. What is required is a cultural shift within each chapter, where brothers collectively commit to treating one another with dignity and respect. Leadership, modeled after Wells, means cultivating an environment where hazing is unthinkable because it is incompatible with who we are.
Moreover, Wells’ vision was deeply student-centered. He believed in empowering students to lead, create, and grow. For Sigma Nu, this principle is especially relevant: hazing is often justified as a way to “toughen” or “bond” new members, but it undermines growth by fostering fear instead of trust. True development comes through mentorship, service, and shared accomplishment. Following Wells’ philosophy, we must ensure that the experiences we create for new members are empowering, educational, and constructive. They should be based on the principles of Love, Honor, and Truth.
Perhaps most importantly, Wells demonstrated the courage to speak truth to power. Hazing thrives in silence, when individuals see harm but choose not to act. Leadership in the Wells tradition requires moral courage: the willingness to speak up, to challenge harmful practices, and to chart a new path even when it is difficult. Every Sigma Nu member must be willing to embody this courage, knowing that the Fraternity’s reputation and the well-being of its members depend on it.
In reflecting on Herman B Wells’ life, we are reminded that leadership is not about preserving the status quo; it is about elevating people and institutions toward their highest ideals. Hazing prevention is not just about eliminating negative practices; it is about creating a positive fraternity culture where Love, Honor, and Truth flourish. By following Wells’ example, Sigma Nu members can lead with integrity, reject hazing unequivocally, and build a brotherhood that reflects the best of what fraternity can be.
As Sigma Nu men, we are called to leadership that honors human dignity, empowers growth, and speaks truth with courage. Herman B Wells showed us what that leadership looks like. Now it is our turn to live it.