Shenandoah University Announces The Addition Of Its First Fraternity

Shenandoah University continues to expand its Greek life opportunities for students, as it will add a fraternity beginning in Fall 2025.

Sigma Nu will be the first national social fraternity at Shenandoah, which previously announced the addition of its first social sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, in March. This fraternity will help Shenandoah continue to create more opportunities for leadership building, academic support, and networking for its students during their time at the university and beyond. 

Like Alpha Gamma Delta, the Sigma Nu fraternity will maintain a physical presence on Shenandoah’s main campus in Winchester, Virginia, but there will not be university-sponsored fraternity housing.

Shenandoah began exploring the expansion of its Greek life opportunities in 2023, as students expressed interest in adding communities to campus that furthered the mission of the university while creating new student experiences. The Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and a committee made up of SU students, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees members reviewed interested organizations, hosted campus visits, and gathered student feedback to identify organizations that aligned with the university’s values and would enhance the Shenandoah experience.

We’re excited to welcome Sigma Nu into our university community as we continue to introduce new ways to enhance the student experience at Shenandoah. At Shenandoah, our mission is to educate and inspire our students to become ethical, compassionate citizens who are prepared to lead and make significant contributions to our society, and we’re eager to partner with Sigma Nu to reach those goals.”

Yolanda Barbier Gibson, D.A., Shenandoah’s vice president for student affairs

Sigma Nu, which was founded in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, was originally established in direct opposition to hazing. Built on the principles of love, honor, and truth, Sigma Nu’s mission is to develop ethical leaders by fostering the growth of each member’s mind, heart and character while promoting lifelong bonds of brotherhood.

In 2004, Sigma Nu established the Helping Hand Initiative, a call to action for collegiate and alumni members to get involved in community service and philanthropy within their local communities. Over the past 20 years, Sigma Nu chapters have raised over $17 million for charity and volunteered over 2.5 million hours of community service.

Sigma Nu is also home to the award-winning LEAD (Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, Development) Program, which is widely recognized as one of the premier leadership development programs in the fraternity world. LEAD equips members with the skills, experiential learning, and principles necessary to become ethical leaders on campus and beyond.

Sigma Nu boasts over 150 active chapters throughout the U.S. and has initiated over 270,000 members since its founding.

Sigma Nu is honored to be selected as one of the first national fraternities to join the community at Shenandoah University. Our mission to develop ethical leaders aligns strongly with Shenandoah’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and student success. We look forward to building a lasting partnership and empowering students to lead lives of integrity, service, and impact.”

Mac McNeilly, director of expansion and recruitment for Sigma Nu