About Sigma Alpha Mu
On November 26, 1909, eight sophomores from the College of the City of New York appeared at a meeting to decide on a plan for class redemption. Discovering they held many ideals in common, the eight became inspired and a new Fraternity was formed. Two years later, Sigma Alpha Mu began to grow and those eight men, Lester Cole, Hyman I. Jacobson, Adolph I. Fabis, Samuel Gaines, Abram N. Kerner, Jacob Kaplan, Ira N. Lind, & David D. Levinson are inscribed in the Fraternity’s history. Their stories follow.
In the fall of 1909, the sophomore class at the College of the City of New York had found itself embarrassed by “lowly freshmen.” At a school where “warfare” between freshman and sophomore class was a tradition, the sophomores found it necessary to regain their fallen honor. Class Marshal Lester Cole called a meeting of sophomore leaders on November 26, 1909, to decide on a plan for redemption. Eight appeared- Cole, Hyman I. Jacobson, Adolph I. Fabis, Samuel Gaines, Abram N. Kerner, Jacob Kaplan, Ira N. Lind, and David D. Levinson. These men are the Founders of Sigma Alpha Mu.
It is interesting to note that while there were many friends among the eight, none of them knew all the others. During the discussion which took place, much loftier ideals were expressed than the mere formulation of plans for asserting sophomore honor. The men discovered that they shared values and the inspiration for the formation of a new fraternity came to them. During this meeting, it was suggested that the Greek Letters “Kappa Phi Omega” be used to symbolize the words “Cosmic Fraternal Order” as the new name for the fraternity. This proposal was accepted and the meeting was adjourned.
Two years after the founding, Sigma Alpha Mu began to grow. To a small group of five at Cornell University, the Founders imparted their ideas and inculcated their ideals, and then guided, watched and aided them-their brothers in far-off Ithaca. Little wonder that Beta chapter patterned its growth as Alpha had and the two chapters, in the bond of brotherhood, were as one. After this, slowly but surely, Sigma Alpha Mu expanded North, South, East, and West. Sigma Alpha Mu maintains its commitment to growth and attends and assists both the old and new chapters.
About Gamma Tau
Sigma Alpha Mu at the University of Florida, now in its third iteration, began when Matthew Jacobson, a founder of the second iteration, was put in contact with Jordan Rosales, an initiated brother from the Delta Zeta Chapter who transferred from Florida International University. Rosales expressed his interest in reviving his involvement with Sammy and starting a colony in Gainesville. Jacobson coordinated a school visit and began his efforts to recruit the men who would comprise the founding fathers of the new chapter.
Jacobson was soon put in touch with Jordan Greenberg, with the three of them helping drive the recruitment of prospective founders. With efforts throughout the spring semester of 2010, Jacobson had finally found his new colony.
On March 26, 2011, almost 25 years after the chapter was first founded, Supreme Prior Philip Glauben and Executive Director Leeland Manders presided over the chapter’s instillation ceremony. Thirty-four men were initiated, joining Rosales as founding fathers of the new Gamma Tau Chapter.
Now, the chapter looks to the future to continue the legacy of Sigma Alpha Mu at the University of Florida. During their colony period, the chapter’s slogan was always, “The brotherhood you build is stronger than the brotherhood you join.” Although the chapter is no longer a colony, this statement resonates as powerfully today as it did on April 17, 2010.