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Iota Sigma History

Tracing a century of leadership, service, and excellence in Sigma

1920
Honorable Brother Harry S. Crawford, Sr. Charters Chapter

Originally named the Richmond Alumni Chapter

 

 

 

1924
Greek Letter Designation Received

Designated as the Iota Sigma Chapter (ΙΣ)

1925
Annual Conclave

Jointly hosted the 1925 Annual Conclave with the Lambda Chapter at Virginia Union University. During this conclave, the Bigger and Better Business initiative was adopted as a national program

1952
Credited with the Orchid Ball

Iota Sigma is credited with initiating what is now a Conclave staple, the Grand Orchid Ball complete with leis flown in fresh from Hawaii

1959
A. Philip Randolph becomes a member

Labor and civil rights leader Asa Philip Randolph becomes a member of the Iota Sigma Chapter

1963
March on Washington Architect

Brother Asa Phillip Randolph became the architect of the March on Washington for jobs and Freedom.

1970
Chartering Of The Delta Upsilon Chapter

The Iota Sigma Graduate Chapter sponsored the chartering of the Delta Upsilon chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University.  It is the first Divine 9 fraternity established at a PWI in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

1974
Chartering Of The Zeta Eta Chapter

The Iota Sigma Chapter was instrumental in chartering the Zeta Eta chapter at the University of Virginia.

1984
Chartering Of The Omicron Rho Chapter

The Iota Sigma Graduate chapter is instrumental in chartering the Omicron Rho chapter at Longwood College.

1986
Chartering Of The Pi Nu Chapter

The Iota Sigma chapter is instrumental in chartering the Pi Nu chapter at James Madison University.

2005
Chartering Of The Beta Beta Nu Chapter

Iota Sigma Chapter is instrumental in chartering the Beta Beta Nu chapter at Washington and Lee University

2020
Centennial

The Iota Sigma Chapter celebrated their centennial during the global pandemic.  The Eastern Regional Conference scheduled for Richmond was held virtually.

1920 - Present
Iota Sigma has produced leaders at the highest levels

Distinguished Service Chapter Members

  • Honorable Brother Harry S Crawford Sr (DSC #12) – Iota Sigma and Lambda Chapter Founder
  • Honorable Brother Dr. Felix J Brown (DSC #23) – National President #13 and the only brother to receive DSC outside of conclave
  • Honorable Brother Hutson L. Lovell (DSC #46) – National Treasurer
  • Honorable Brother Richard M. Ballard (DSC #71) – National President #22
  • Honorable Brother Moses McClendon (DSC #109) – National President #26
  • Honorable Brother T. Harding Lacy, Jr. (DSC #140) – International Treasurer
  • Honorable Brother Millard J. Watkins (DSC #159) – Virginia State Director (longest tenured State Director in the Fraternity)
  • Honorable Brother Devon M. Henry (DSC #208)