Sigma Alpha Mu

Sigma Alpha Mu is a collegiate fraternity founded at the City College of New York with the support of Columbia University, New York University, and Yale University. The fraternity was established by eight Jewish men, including Lester Cohen, Hyman Jacobson, and Adolf G. Kaufmann, who were influenced by the Zionist movement and the Theodore Herzl's vision for a Jewish state. The founders were also inspired by the Alpha Epsilon Pi and Zeta Beta Tau fraternities, and they sought to create an organization that would promote Jewish values and provide a sense of community for its members, who were often excluded from other fraternities due to anti-Semitism. The fraternity's early development was shaped by its relationships with other organizations, including the B'nai B'rith and the American Jewish Committee.

● History

The early history of Sigma Alpha Mu was marked by its growth and expansion to other colleges and universities, including Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of California, Berkeley. The fraternity was influenced by the Progressive Era and the Social Gospel movement, and its members were involved in various social and philanthropic activities, including the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. During World War I, many Sigma Alpha Mu members served in the United States Army and the United States Navy, and the fraternity played an important role in supporting the war effort, including the Liberty Bond campaign and the War Relief Fund. The fraternity also had relationships with other organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the Elks.

● Organization

Sigma Alpha Mu is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is governed by a board of directors composed of alumni and undergraduate members. The fraternity has a constitution and bylaws that outline its purpose, structure, and operations, and it is a member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference and the Fraternity Executives Association. Sigma Alpha Mu also has a close relationship with other organizations, including the Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Sigma, and Pi Kappa Phi fraternities, as well as the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations. The fraternity's leadership is influenced by the Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

● Chapters

Sigma Alpha Mu has over 50 active chapters in the United States and Canada, including chapters at Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of Michigan. The fraternity also has a strong presence in the Midwest, with chapters at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ohio State University, and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Many Sigma Alpha Mu chapters are involved in local philanthropic activities, including the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Special Olympics. The fraternity's chapters also have relationships with other organizations, including the Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board honor societies.

● Notable_members

Sigma Alpha Mu has a number of notable alumni, including Bob Diamond, former CEO of Barclays; Michael Steinhardt, founder of Steinhardt, Fine, Berkowitz & Co.; and Seymour Milstein, founder of Emigrant Savings Bank. Other notable members include Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve; Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and former Mayor of New York City; and Jon Huntsman Sr., founder of the Huntsman Corporation. The fraternity's members have also been involved in various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment, and have included individuals such as Herb Kohl, Norm Coleman, and Jerry Springer.

● Philanthropy

Sigma Alpha Mu is involved in various philanthropic activities, including the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to undergraduate members. The fraternity also supports the Children's Miracle Network and the American Red Cross, and many of its chapters are involved in local community service projects, including the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the Habitat for Humanity. The fraternity's philanthropic efforts are influenced by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

● Controversies

Like many other fraternities, Sigma Alpha Mu has been involved in various controversies over the years, including hazing incidents and allegations of discrimination. In 2015, the fraternity's chapter at Pennsylvania State University was suspended due to allegations of hazing and misconduct. The fraternity has also faced criticism for its handling of sexual assault allegations and its response to diversity and inclusion issues on campus, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The fraternity's response to these issues has been influenced by the National Organization for Women and the American Civil Liberties Union.