The Programs

Sigma Phi is so much more than the typical fraternity – and so much more than a place to eat and sleep.

During its first eight decades, members were selected for their campus involvement and leadership and were were expected to participate in extracurricular activities across the campus, often rising to leadership positions in clubs, teams and organizations. While this tradition continues, in the 1960s a generous bequest from James Norris Oliphant transformed Sigma Phi Society in the eyes of its members and the Cornell community.

How about dinner with a Nobel laureate? Established in the 1960s, the Oliphant Distinguished Speakers Fellowship of Sigma Phi brings world-renowned speakers to campus for public lectures, and private events and discussions with the members of Sigma Phi. Over the decades, Sigma Phi students and their guests have had intimate conversations with politicians, business executives, authors, actors, entertainers, and thought-leaders – often late into the night – including Muhammad Ali, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, British Prime Minister Edward Heath, World Trade Center tightrope walker Philippe Petit, legendary actor and activist Jane Fonda, astrophysicist Isaac Asimov, artist Leroy Neiman, humanitarian Elie Wiesel, rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, CIA Director William Colby, actor William Shatner, Ralph Nader, gnome scientist Dr. J. Craig Venter, Cornell alumnus and executive Tom Jones, and Senators Eugene McCarthy, George McGovern and Bill Bradley.

In 2006, the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Distinguished Speakers Fund was established bringing additional speakers to Cornell and to Sigma Phi. A Cornell alumnus and Sigma Phi member, Larry Tanenbaum ‘68 is Chairman and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment - part-owner of the 2019 NBA Champion Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. [Larry, along with fellow Sigma Phi alumnus, The Honorable Ken Dryden ‘69 - NHL Hall of Famer – were awarded the Order of Canada - the nation’s second-highest civilian honor.]

What you cannot teach in the classroom. The new Tanenbaum Leadership Fund provides financial resources for leadership and personal development programs for the members of Sigma Phi. Partnering with organizations such as Cornell Outdoor Education, these programs will provide opportunities for the students to development personal and professional skills, confidence, and leadership experiences that they employ as part of the Cornell community and demonstrate as they begin their professional careers.

CO-SPONSORSHIP events with Sigma Phi

Sigma Phi welcomes co-sponsorship with other campus organizations, faculty, and academic departments interested in bringing noted speakers to campus. Funding available includes outright grants, hosting of receptions and dinners, travel, and other expenses. Co-sponsorship requires that the speaker spends time at the Society's chapter house for a more intimate discussion with the members of Sigma Phi. For more information.