Scholarship
“How rich and varied was the intellectual and moral repast on which we regaled! There were minds to create, and minds to appreciate, whatever was splendid in conception, and beautiful in sentiment. Every brilliant thought that radiated from any one mind was reflected, and refracted, and diffracted, by polished mental prisms, until all its beauties were unfolded to the view. Every beautiful sentiment that was uttered, was thrilled upon the chords of well-tuned hearts and called forth a universal concord of sweet sounds. There thought was free, and expression unrestrained, save by that nice sense of propriety which dwells in every refined soul. There genius blazed, wit coruscated, taste wove her garlands, wisdom uttered her oracles, literature spread her stores and moral feeling exhibited its loveliest forms. And all was appreciated by all.”
— Brother George Washington Eaton U’1828, describing his experience with Sigma Phi
From its inception, Sigma Phi members have understood the power and necessity of academic scholarship to promote our values. We place a premium on academic achievement through scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who earn exemplary grades while exhibiting leadership within our fraternity. At U.Va., we offer:
The Viele Scholarship
The Viele Trust was created under the will of Florence H. Viele to provide scholarship grants to all qualified members of Sigma Phi who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. It is the largest scholarship of its kind for any fraternity or sorority across the nation. Each year, approximately 50% of student applicants receive grants totalling $179,000 from the trust’s multi-million dollar principal. Awards of several thousand dollars are common.
Read more about the Viele and find application materials >>
The Jenkins-Cooney Scholarship
James L. “Jim” Jenkins S’58 was instrumental in establishing a scholarship fund to honor the memory of his friend and brother Thomas F. Cooney S’60. After Jim’s passing in 2013, the scholarship was renamed to honor the lifelong service of Jim Jenkins to Sigma Phi (Alumni Association board member for nearly 50 years, Alumni Association President, and Chairman of the National Standing & Advisory Committee). This scholarship provides monetary awards to graduate and/or undergraduate Sigma Phi Society members in good standing at the University of Virginia. Awards are made annually by the U.Va. Alumni Association, under the advice and counsel of a committee of Sigma Phi alumni who review each application.
Alumni who wish to contribute toward building the principal of this fund can do so by designating an annual gift to the University of Virginia to the Jenkins-Cooney Memorial Scholarship Fund. Visit the Alumni page for more details on how to contribute >>
The Sigma Phi Scholarship at U.Va.
Endowed by Arthur K. Salomon S’54, this scholarship provides monetary awards to graduate and/or undergraduate Sigma Phi Society members in good standing at the University of Virginia. Awards are made annually by the U.Va. Alumni Association, under the advice and counsel of a committee of Sigma Phi alumni who review each application.
The Calhoun L. H. Howard S’54 Scholarship at the McIntire School of Commerce
Endowed by David S. Brown S’70 in honor of Cal Howard, a charter member of the Virginia chapter and longtime Chairman of the National Standing & Advisory Committee, this scholarship provides an annual award to one undergraduate member of Sigma Phi enrolled in U.Va.’s McIntire School of Commerce.
Scholar In Residence Award
All members in good standing who live in the Sigma Phi house at 163 Rugby Road and achieve a 3.25 grade point average automatically receive a $500 award.
Additional awards
Sigma Phi’s national organization offers a $1,000 annual grant to the Sigma Phi chapter with the highest collective annual GPA. It also offers a $1,000 award to the chapter judged to have produced the best newsletter. Finally, undergraduate brothers are invited to compete in the annual Hicks Oratorical Contest, a highlight of our national Convention. Winners of the contest receive a cash prize as recognition of their public speaking prowess.
In the past, successful brothers have offset the full cost of their annual dues and room rent through Sigma Phi’s various scholarships and awards.