Sigma Xi papers

Sigma Xi is an academic fraternity founded at Cornell in 1886 to "to honor excellence in scientific investigation and encourage a sense of companionship and cooperation among researchers in all fields of science and engineering." Only universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific research are eligible for their own chapters. Promising undergraduates are offered associate membership status and may be promoted to full membership based on their achievements.

A Sigma Xi chapter for Rochester was first proposed in 1909 due to the high proportion of University of Rochester students enrolled in science courses. The application process was formally begun by Professor Victor J. Chambers in 1916. By 1925, the establishment of the University of Rochester Medical Center brought in large numbers of faculty who had become members of Sigma Xi elsewhere, prompting the formation of a local club. The charter for a formal Sigma Xi chapter at Rochester was finally approved by the national organization in 1930.

Members of Sigma Xi met several times a year to demonstrate experiments and showcase research projects to their colleagues. A popular outside activity was the annual Junior Science lecture on Washington's birthday, which brought hundreds of high school students to the University of Rochester campus. The chapter also sponsored more advanced lectures by prominent scientists for the benefit of the general public. They remained active throughout World War II, although they held fewer meetings and focused more on military topics.

The Rochester chapter of Sigma Xi became inactive in 1999. Honorary societies still active at the University of Rochester are Phi Beta Kappa for the humanities and Tau Beta Pi for engineers.