History of Sigma Pi Sigma

Sigma Pi Sigma leadership from 1928. Picture from M. White personal records.

Sigma Pi Sigma’s History

Founded as a local honor organization at Davidson College in 1921, the honor society has been a growing part of the physics and astronomy community for more than a century

Sigma Pi Sigma was founded as a local honor organization at Davidson College, NC, on December 11, 1921. The local society was so successful that a movement for nationalization was started in 1925. By 1968 there were 170 chapters.

On April 22, 1968, Sigma Pi Sigma joined with the American Institute of Physics (AIP) Student Sections to form the Society of Physics Students (SPS). It continues to operate as a fully recognized honor society within the SPS, a unique arrangement in student organizations.

Sigma Pi Sigma is national in scope, with chapters located at colleges and universities across the country. Nearly 600 SPS chapters now include an active Sigma Pi Sigma chapter. The total historical membership is more than 100,000.

Sigma Pi Sigma’s Physics and Astronomy Congress is unlike any other physics meeting, bringing together students, alumni, and professional physicists for a weekend of cutting edge science and reflection on the role of the scientist in society. Since its first convening a century ago, the Congress has grown from a small gathering of a few chapters to a triennial event that attracts thousands of participants from hundreds of institutions. If you’re interested in the history of the Physics and Astronomy Congress, learn more here.

Sigma Pi Sigma Presidents

2022-present — Blane Baker, William Jewel College

2018-2022 — James Borgardt, Juniata College

2014-2018 — Willie Rockward, Morehouse College

2012-2014 — William DeGraffenreid, California State Sacramento

2010-2012 — Diane Jacobs, Eastern Michigan University

2006-2010 — Ann Viano, Rhodes College

2002-2006 — Steve Feller, Coe College

1998-2002 — Thomas Olsen, Lewis & Clark College

1994-1998 — Jean Krisch, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, first female president

1990-1994 — Reuben James, SUNY College of Oneonta

1986-1990 — George Miner, University of Dayton

1982-1986 — Richard Waring, University of Missouri-Kansas City

1978-1982 — Arnold Strassenburg, SUNY at Stony Brook

1976-1978 — Wallace Hilton, William Jewell College

1972-1976 — Cecil Shugart, University of Louisiana at Monroe

1970-1972 — Donald Tendam, Purdue University

1967-1970 — Marsh White, Pennsylvania State University

1962-1967 — L. Worth Seagondollar, University of Kansas

1959-1962 — Stanley S. Ballard, University of Florida

1955-1959 — Vincent Parker, Oak Ridge Associated Universities

1950-1955 — Merriam Trytten, National Research Council

1947-1950 — Homer L. Dodge, Norwich University

1943-1947 — Joyce C. Stearns, University of Denver

1939-1943 — Frederic Blacke, Ohio State University

1934-1939 — Robert Colwell, University of West Virginia

1931-1931 — Roscoe Young, College of William & Mary

1931-1934 — Marshall States, Central Scientific Company

1928-1931 — Charles Hatley, Duke University

1925-1951 — James Douglas, Davidson College

1925-1928 — Robert Graces, Davidson College

1923-1923 — R. M. Brice, Davidson College

1922-1922 — J.K. Price, Davidson College

Honorary Membership

Honorary membership recognizes meritorious service to physics, astronomy, and related fields. As the highest class of membership in Sigma Pi Sigma, only distinguished physicists, astronomers, and related physical scientists who have made valuable contributions to physics at the national level are eligible for this honor. Local chapters may nominate such individuals, but election is only done by the National Council.

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Honorary Members

Arthur Adel

Hannes Olof Gosta Alfven

William P. Allis

Aziza Baccouche

William Band

Robert Ballard

John Bardeen

Barry Barish

Charles S. Barrett

Henry H. Barschall