Arizona State University, under the leadership of President Michael M. Crow, has embraced the identity of the “New American University,” an institution defined by innovation, inclusivity, and societal impact. But what does it mean to be the New American University, and how can fraternity life, specifically Sigma Nu at ASU, reflect these values? By aligning itself with ASU’s charter and design aspirations, Sigma Nu is on a mission to redefine what it means to be a fraternity — what it calls the “New American Fraternity.”
The New American University emphasizes access to education, a commitment to research that benefits the public, and a focus on social outcomes. ASU’s charter stresses inclusivity and measures success by those it includes, not excludes, and by the impact it makes in the wider community. These values resonate strongly with Sigma Nu’s long creed, which encourages members to live lives centered around honor, virtue, and service. In Sigma Nu, these ideals translate into a dedication to shaping men of high moral character who are prepared to lead, both within their communities and beyond.
For Sigma Nu at ASU, being a “New American Fraternity” means actively contributing to ASU’s mission, embodying the principles of service, and excelling in academics, leadership, and community involvement. Sigma Nu members are encouraged to become engaged citizens, supporting ASU’s commitment to public service and enriching the campus experience. The chapter regularly collaborates with university groups and dedicates time to serving the university community, reinforcing its identity as a fraternity deeply invested in ASU’s goals. By offering campus resources like the airport shuttle service in the 1970s, founding the safety escort program, raising funds for charities such as Childhelp, and repainting the “A” on Tempe Butte to protect it from rivals, Sigma Nu has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ASU’s community-focused ethos.
In academics, Sigma Nu stands out for its high GPA and extensive involvement in leadership opportunities on campus. Members are active in groups like Devils’ Advocates, Business Ambassadors, and Undergraduate Student Government, showcasing their dedication to leadership and service. This focus on academic and extracurricular excellence pays off in the form of top internships, promising career paths, and strong alumni support, all of which contribute to a cycle of success that brings alumni back to campus and encourages them to give back to the university.
Due to their impressive track record, Sigma Nu at ASU has been recognized for their commitment to excellence by one of the leading authorities in fraternity life, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). In 2023, at Sigma Nu’s national biennial meeting, NIC CEO Jud Horras awarded the chapter with all three of the NIC’s highest honors — Chapter of the Year, Member of the Year, and Advisor of the Year — and remarked, “This has never happened before.”
This alignment of values between ASU and Sigma Nu is no accident. Many of ASU’s most impactful alumni have emerged from Greek life, and Sigma Nu in particular. Sigma Nu alumni have left a lasting mark on Arizona’s political, business, and sports landscapes. Distinguished members include NBC Sportscaster Al Michaels, Arizona Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall, former Phoenix Suns VP Rob Harris, and part-owner of the Phoenix Rising, Mark Detmer. Other notable alumni like former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano, who famously used the Sigma Nu house as a phone bank in his first Tempe city council race, exemplify the fraternity’s legacy of leadership and civic engagement. Many Sigma Nu alumni are also members of the prestigious Phoenix Thunderbirds, a nonprofit organization known for its charitable work and for hosting the annual Phoenix Open golf tournament, further demonstrating Sigma Nu’s influence in the region.
Sigma Nu’s history at ASU also includes a strong connection to athletics, with many members actively participating in sports during their university years. In recent years, Sigma Nu has prioritized building a vibrant intramural sports community to unite all students and encourage campus involvement outside of the traditional fraternity experience.
Sigma Nu’s commitment to being the New American Fraternity means fostering a culture that prioritizes ethical conduct, academic achievement, and social impact. This aligns with ASU’s newest design aspiration, Practice Principled Innovation, which places character and values at the center of decisions and actions. The fraternity prides itself on maintaining high standards that others around the country can look to as a model, focusing on dismantling outdated traditions that have no place in fraternity life, such as hazing and alcohol abuse. Instead, Sigma Nu offers a vision for fraternity life that centers on respect, honor, and constructive contributions to campus
Sigma Nu’s hard work has paid off with visits from notable community leaders and distinguished guests. The fraternity recently hosted ABOR Regent Lyndel Manson, former Governor Doug Ducey, and the world’s best-selling author, Mark Victor Hansen. It’s also not unusual for a candidate for political office to stop by and engage with the members. Recently, Karrin Taylor Robson, a former ABOR Regent and candidate for Governor of Arizona, made a visit to connect with the chapter.
The fraternity’s unique approach has led to measurable successes: a high GPA, strong post-graduate career paths, continuous alumni support, and a culture of giving back to the university. Countless Sigma Nu alumni are significant donors to the university, including Spike Lawerence whose family for decades has contributed to ASU Athletics. Sigma Nu members are also frequent recipients of scholastic awards and honors, and each year the fraternity raises significant funds for charitable causes. These values encourage brothers to remain connected to ASU long after graduation, fostering a supportive network of alumni that contributes to ASU’s legacy.
In embracing the New American Fraternity model, Sigma Nu at ASU aims to create men who, above all, strive to be honorable, servant leaders who leave an enduring, positive impact on their communities. By working toward a future that reflects the aspirations of ASU’s charter, Sigma Nu stands as a beacon for the modern fraternity experience — one that aligns with ASU’s mission, supports the university community, and prepares its members to be leaders and changemakers in Arizona and beyond.
