Why The Term Worms?
Why The Term Worms?
Sigma Gamma’s founders developed a nickname for potential new members that continues to be used today. It is derived from the term “bookworms”, since the founders envisioned the men of the new member class to spend significant amounts of their time studying in order to secure good grades to stay in school and thus, keep the fraternity going. They reasoned that reinforcing good study habits while a young potential new member was just beginning their academic career at Oswego would bode well for the future as that "worm", or potential new member, progressed into being a brother.
To that extent, that reasoning has continued over our history to date, as there has always been an emphasis on making sure the New Member Education program includes certain mandatory “Library Nights” or “Study Nights”.
Since the 50’s,“Worms” have worn green sweatshirts turned inside out. For many years, they also wore pins with their name and hometowns on them, and have also carried Sigma Gamma wooden books and paddles with them. Alas, recent developments in the 2000’s and the evolution of certain policies deems some of these traditional historical requirements to be potentially classified as “hazing”, when in fact, we know that not to be the case.
Nonetheless, “worms” initiate their progression into the fraternity by formally indicating their intention to receive a “bid” on Bid Day, and are invited to the House where they are instructed on certain rules and specific details associated with the New Member Education program.
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