Fun finds come in small accessions. This week we received a new bundle of historical goodness from Student Media Services (of all places!) to add to our Sigma Delta Chi collection.

“What is Sigma Delta Chi and why would they have a need for such fancy outfits?” you may be asking yourself…

The Oregon State Chapter of the Sigma Delta Chi national professional fraternity in journalism was established in December 1920 to promote and encourage professional ideals and stimulate high standards of scholarship. Members were selected based on scholarship, leadership, and a commitment to enter the journalism profession after graduation.

“Holy smokes, what might I find in this collection?” you might wonder… The Sigma Delta Chi Oregon State Chapter Records

document the membership and activities of the student chapter of the national professional fraternity in journalism, which was established at Oregon State University in 1920. The records include correspondence, membership rosters, reports, publications, and a constitution.

And, of course, pamphlets for garb and paraphernalia… Curious and want to know more?
Photographs of the members and activities of Sigma Delta Chi during the 1930s are part of the Journalism Department Photographs (P 208) and correspondence pertaining to the founding of the chapter is available in the Journalism Department Records (RG 091). The Memorabilia Collection (MC-Sigma Delta Chi) includes a 1926 pamphlet prepared by Sigma Delta Chi, Getting Out an Effective High School Annual. The records of the Oregon State chapter of Theta Sigma Phi, the women’s journalism professional society are also held by the Archives as well as the papers of several journalism faculty and alumni: Ted Carlson, Hope Chamberlin, and Fred M. Shideler.