Marquette University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives ASN

< Alpha Sigma Nu Index

ALPHA SIGMA NU & GAMMA PI EPSILON
NATIONAL ARCHIVES

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

Alpha Sigma Nu, National Jesuit Honor Society for Men, was founded at Marquette University as Alpha Sigma Tau in 1915-1916 by Rev. John Danihy, S.J. The society was organized to honor students of colleges and universities who distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty, and service to the university and all laudable activties of the students and student organization; and to bring together those alumni who most fully understand and appreciate the ideals of Jesuit higher education.

The society continued as a local organization until 1921, when Creighton University was invited to join. Other invitations were extended to St. Louis University in 1923 and to Detroit University in 1924. In 1930 the name was changed to Alpha Sigma Nu. Gradually, other colleges and universities joined until there are now 23 chapters.

Gamma Pi Epsilon is a national honor society for women. It was founded at Marquette University in 1925. In 1947 it became a national society with the addition of St. Louis University. In 1973 the two associations of Alpha Sigma Nu and Gamma Pi Epsilon merged into one society named Alpha Sigma Nu. It continues to be a Jesuit National Honor Society with the same goals of scholarship, loyalty, and service.

Series 1 through 8 contain the records of Alpha Sigma Nu, and Series 9 contains the records of Gamma Pi Epsilon (1947-1973). The records identify the members, provide descriptions of the work of the societies, and contain the correspondence of officers. The constitution and bylaws, newsletters and bulletins, financial records, records of meetings and conventions, and correspondence and descriptions of each chapter are also included, as well as explanations of the merger of the two societies.

The Archival records of the Marquette Chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu are maintained as part of the Marquette University Archives.