Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
South Dakota State University. Sigma Xi
Sigma Xi
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The scientific research society Sigma Xi is an honorary organization dedicated to encouraging original investigations in the pure and applied sciences.
In the 1940s, faculty members at South Dakota State University formed the Natural Science Research Club. Meeting monthly, members shared reports on their research to foster awareness of ongoing work, promote discussion, and encourage scholarly activity among faculty. The club served as a platform for exchanging ideas and supporting a culture of research on campus.
Recognizing the benefits of broader affiliation, members of the club voted in 1952–53 to affiliate with Sigma Xi as a local club. This affiliation allowed them to maintain their existing activities while gaining formal recognition and access to the national organization’s network.
Membership grew significantly in the following years, aided by the arrival of new faculty who held Sigma Xi membership from other institutions. By 1959, the club was deemed ready for elevation to full chapter status. A formal petition was submitted in 1960, and chapter status was officially granted in May 1961.