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    Sigma Xi was founded in 1886 at Cornell University by a group of engineering students and a junior faculty member, Frank Van Vleck. From the beginning, the founders emphasized that the new scientific honor society would be very broad in its outlook, devoted to all of science and engineering.

    Sigma Xi was designed to reward excellence in scientific research and to encourage a sense of companionship and cooperation among scientists in all fields. In selecting a name and motto for the new honor society, the founders chose a combination of Greek letters Sigma Xi. Later, a motto – Spoudon xynones, or "Companions in Zealous Research." – based on these initials was developed to confirm its purpose.
      – modified from the website of the U.S. Naval Academy Chapter of Sigma Xi
    The Indiana University chapter of Sigma Xi, the 19th chapter to be formed, was chartered in 1904. The first officers were William Lowe Bryan, President (also president of the university), Arthur L. Foley, Vice- President, David M. Mottier, Treasurer and Edgar R. Cumings and Joshua W. Beede were named Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary, respectively.
    – modified from Indiana University Archives. Guide to the Sigma Xi records, 1904-1974