Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1978-2004 (Creation)
Extent
0.21 linear feet (1 half-document case)
Name of creator
Administrative 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.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Sigma Xi, SDSU Chapter 139 Records document the activities and history of the South Dakota State University chapter of Sigma Xi, a scientific research honor society. The collection includes a commemorative booklet marking the first 25 years of the chapter, materials related to distinguished lectures and graduate student research awards, newsletters, documentation of the chapter’s involvement in science and engineering fairs, and a historical paper titled Nicolaus Copernicus: His Life and Work by Marian Wnuk, presented under the auspices of Sigma Xi. These records reflect the chapter’s role in promoting scientific research, recognizing scholarly achievement, and engaging the university and local community in scientific discourse.
This collection is significant for understanding the development and contributions of a major scientific honor society at SDSU. It illustrates the chapter's efforts to foster research excellence, support graduate student work, and organize public-facing events such as lectures and science fairs. The materials serve as a record of faculty and student involvement in the broader scientific community and offer insight into the academic culture of SDSU over several decades.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
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If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
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Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Society of the Sigma Xi (Subject)