South Dakota State University
Chapter History
The scientific research society, Sigma Xi, is an honorary organization whose purpose is to encourage original investigations in pure and applied sciences. The South Dakota State University Chapter of the Society grew out of a desire of the faculty to do this very thing.
During the 1940's, a group of faculty members on the campus established what was called the Natural Science Research Club. Members met about once a month during the school year to hear one of the group report on his or her research findings. It was felt that this would expand the awareness of the faculty to research in progress on this campus, provide a broadened overview and discussion of various research projects, and encourage the faculty in their research effort by providing a show of interest in their work.
The Natural Science Research Club was a very active organization. After a few years, its members decided that they should establish themselves as a Sigma Xi Club, which would continue as it was already operating but, in addition, would have the advantages of formal outside contacts through the national Society. This was accomplished during the school year of 1952-53.
The number of Sigma Xi members on our faculty increased significantly as the result of the influx of new personnel who had been granted membership at other institutions. By 1959, it was felt that the Club was ready for Chapter status. In 1960, a petition for chapter status was presented to the national office of the Society.
Chapter status was granted in May of 1961. The following petitioners became charter members of the South Dakota State University Chapter:
Harold S. Bailey Magnhild M. Greb William M. Rogoff Orville G. Bentley Andrew W. Halverson James G. Ross Edward C. Berry Dale D. Harpstead Jack R. Runkles Burton L. Brage Gerald S. Harshfield Mary E. Saunders Bernard J. Brandwein David J. Holden Robert L. Saffle Delbert F. Breazeale Charles N. Hinkle George Semeniuk Hilton M. Briggs Ernest J. Hugghins Cecelia Shuck George J. Buntley Elmer R. Johnson Waldemar G. Sippel Lida M. Burrill Emory E. Johnson R. K. Strong Harman E. Calkins Raymond J. Kinch Kenneth N. Spurgeon Charles W. Carlson Paul L. Koepsell Charles R. Swanson Paul E. Collins James K. Lewis Howard H. Voelker Harold M. Crothers Bruce L. Miller Volney Wallace Christian A. Dinkel Ward L. Miller Richard C. Wahlstrom George Duffey Walter C. Morgan Robert J. Walstrom Lawrence B. Embry Cletus M. Nagel Norval E. Webb Royce J. Emerick William E. Nickell Victor S. Webster Emily M. Frisby Oscar E. Olson Frederick C. Westin Harold M. Froslie Robert M. Pengra Gerald C. Zoerb William H. Gamble Ronald M. Peterson Raymond J. Greb Jesse M. RawsonSigma Xi Research Proposal Contest
In 1971, this Chapter initiated a Research Proposal Contest. This contest is directed to students who have earned their bachelor's degree and have been accepted into a graduate program. In February, the contestants present a written proposal for the research project they intent to undertake. The proposals are read by a committee of judges prior to an oral presentation before an open quorum in March. The winner and sponsor are invited, as honored guests, to receive the award at the annual banquet. A monetary award of $100 has been made by the local Chapter to the winner.Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair
Each year the local chapter provides manpower, supervision, and planning for the annual spring Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair (ESDSEF). This involves announcements, correspondence with high school science teachers, arranging for facilities and judges, scoring, and making awards to the winners. In addition, the chapter has provided two fifty-dollar awards for the second-place winners in the senior division. The two first-place award winners receive an expense-paid trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which is held in May of each year. These students are accompanied by the Director of the ESDSEF, who is a Sigma Xi member. South Dakota State University (SDSU), and the SDSU Foundation have been helpful allies in sponsoring our regional fairs.The President's Award
In 1985, Walter C. Morgan, President of the local Sigma Xi Chapter was awarded the local $500 F.O. Butler Award for Outstanding Community Service. He, in turn, gave the money to this Chapter to establish a new President's award. The award annually identifies an individual who has served the local chapter with distinction. Interest from the grant is to be used to purchase appropriate mementos which are presented to the awardee(s) selected by the executive committee.The first awards were made at the 1985 banquet to three individuals who voluntarily served Sigma Xi through their work with Science and Engineering Fairs. Dr. Elmer Johnson of the Chemistry Department was recognized for his dedication in helping establish the Eastern South Dakota Science Fair program at South Dakota State University. During the first few years, he served as its director. Dr. C. Wendell Carlson of the Poultry Science Department dedicated over 15 years of his "extracurricular" time to duties as its director. Professor Eugene I. Whitehead of the Experiment Station Biochemistry Department served the activity as chairman of judging for about 20 years. These three provided the backbone for the continuance of this science promoting activity which is dedicated to encouraging high school students to enter into scientific investigations.
This history was compiled by Walter Morgan.