History of IFC
Greek Life began at the Missouri School of Mines on January 27th 1903 with the founding of the Gamma Xi Chapter of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. That spring the Kappa Alpha Order was founded and in November Kappa Sigma became the 3rd fraternity at the Missouri School of Mines. Over the next two decades 3 more fraternities were founded on campus.
Realizing the need for a strong governing body the social fraternities on this campus organized the Interfraternity Council in 1930. The council was recognized by the faculty as an agency designed to preserve harmony and close friendship among the six fraternities. The Council had four officers and a total of 9 members. The organization grew over the next few years. Each social fraternity was represented by a senior and junior rep; both being elected by their representative fraternity. These representatives presented the feelings of his fraternity on all matters coming before the Council. It was stated and expected that each fraternity was to abide by the ruling of the Council.
The Council experienced rapid success and growth with its aim to promote better feelings and cooperation among the fraternities and to act on all vital fraternity problems. The Councils business included the plans for social rushing, athletic activities, and discussion on any such matters affecting fraternity life. One of the first major social successes of the Council was the Interfraternity Ball. The Council also took on the role of setting the dates for all fraternity dances.
In 1943 the Council introduced new awards including the Interfraternity Sing Cup, which has evolved into the current day Greek Sing; the Scholarship Cup, today’s current scholastic award; and the plaque for Best Fraternity Man of the Year. In 1961 the old IFC insignia was replaced with the current IFC crest created by David John of the Kappa Alpha Order. 1962 marked the beginning of the first organized Greek Week by the Council. Over the next 50 years the Council continued its efforts in governance, recruitment, scholastics, philanthropy, service, community involvement, and programming events.
2018 makes this year the 88th year IFC has served fraternities on this campus.
Explanation of the Crest
Every day you fight a personal battle of good versus evil and you must be proud of our victory and show others by bearing the symbol of triumph, The Wreath of laurel leaves, over your hearts.
The torch represents the source of illumination, enlightenment, and guidance; often referred to as the torch of learning. You must remember that life, service, truth, and intelligence are the goals of a zealous man.
The Bend across the beveled shield is representative of a Knight Commander’s scarf and signifies Protection. The color of white is chosen as a sign of peace and sincerity; traits as these will protect you and the people you serve from those that seek to harm others.
The Beveled shield adorns the color of azure to symbolize the strength you have if you stay loyal to your brothers and the cause that unites us.
The Knight’s Helmet is a top the shield as a sign of wise defense. The thickest armor is worn to protect the most useful weapon. Do not forget the lessons learned in the past determine your actions in the future. Think wisely and do not be quick to judge others for their lives differ from yours.
The Banner below the shield written in Greek announces to all the Motto of the Interfraternity Council.
“ΔΙΚΑΙΟΣΥΝΗ ΚΑΙ ΦΙΛΙΑ” Read the Greek words as DIKAIOSYNI̱ KAI FILIAS whose Greek meaning is Justice and Friendship. Justice- “Vik-e-o-ceny” ; And- sounds like the Spanish word for what. “que” or the short sound of “c” like in cat; Friendship – is filia- pronounced like “feel-ee-a”