Principles

Cardinal Principles

Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded on three cardinal principles: virtue, diligence, and brotherly love.

•       Virtue is an inclusive term; that it is not enough that I be merely passively virtuous: I must be positive on virtue's behalf.  Therefore, I will stand aggressively for honesty in all walks of life, and I will speak cleanly, play cleanly, and live cleanly.  Whenever I can, I will oppose lawlessness and vice.

•       Diligence is believing that my Fraternity can be no greater than any of its members.  I shall strive to make it so high and so worthy that men will consider it an honor and privilege to belong to it, and will strive to be admitted to it.

•       Brotherly Love must be given in order to be received, and it cannot exist without triumph of the principles of Virtue and Diligence, for these are essential parts of it.

*See Citation Below

Aretκ

 It is with the following values that I take pride in being Greek, historically characterized by the concept of aretκ the principle of striving for excellence and nobility in all dimensions of character.

•       I value integrity.

•       I value my own individuality while also valuing loyalty to my organization and the Greek community.

•       I value actions that honor the rituals established by our founders and that serve to inspire our future members.

•       I value the commitment to improving the broader world in which we live.

•       I value intellectual curiosity.

•       I value social responsibility.

•       I value supportive friendships and lasting memories.

•       I pledge to continually challenge myself and fellow Greeks to uphold these values.

*Principles taken from:  Thompson II, E. Scott, The Lifetime Responsibility of Brotherhood, USA: Banta Book Group, 2005.