MU's Sigma Tau Gamma wins award

By Gwen Daniels

Published Feb. 29, 2008

Last weekend, the MU chapter of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity was named the top chapter in the country.

Sigma Tau Gamma, Zeta Alpha chapter, received the Edward H. McCune Most Distinguished Chapter Award, the national excellence award presented by the national Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Inc.

The award recognizes membership, scholarship, involvement, programming and finance, Sigma Tau Gamma President Ryan Morimura said.

The award is a big step for Sigma Tau Gamma, Morimura added.

“I think we’re looking to use this recognition and this award to take the next step, to take our chapter to the next level when it comes to membership and positive relations, our footing in the community and giving ourselves the needed confidence,” he said.

Last year, Sigma Tau Gamma was recognized on the regional level. It received the Earl A. Webb Most Improved Chapter for the Great Plains Region.

Sigma Tau Gamma came to MU in 2001 and is one of the smaller fraternities on campus, Morimura said. The fraternity includes 36 active members and six pledges.

Morimura said he hopes the award will further establish the fraternity’s identity on campus.

“We are taking this award and trying to show that we are more than just a small number of guys,” he added. “It shows a lot of purpose for what we do here.”

Morimura said membership is one of Sigma Tau Gamma’s greatest assets.

“That’s where we have a lot of strength this year because of our rush leaders working tirelessly to acquire new members,” he said.

Last semester, the fraternity’s incoming class had 13 members.

Sigma Tau Gamma also excels in community service, Morimura said.

Together members of the fraternity volunteer in the Columbia community, he said.

Last semester, members of the fraternity helped with the Columbia Festival of the Arts and the basketball tournament Fowl Shoot, sponsored by Columbia Parks and Recreation.

Morimura said fraternity members plan to volunteer at the children’s Easter egg hunt sponsored by the City of Columbia in March.

Several fraternity members also serve as mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri, Morimura added.

Sigma Tau Gamma has a history of community service. Last year, the fraternity was nominated for the Columbia Daily Tribune HERO Award, which recognizes exceptional volunteers or service groups.