Historic Plaque Donated to Sigma Nu Recognizes Longstanding Legacy of Chapter House

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Sigma Nu Fraternity at Virginia Tech is honoring a significant piece of its history with the installation of a new commemorative plaque at its chapter house on Progress Street, donated this semester by alumnus David McCready, Fall ’70.

The plaque highlights the historic value of the house, a landmark that has served students for more than six decades. Current members and alumni say the marker offers a tangible connection to the chapter’s origins and long-standing presence within the Blacksburg community.

Recent photos show the plaque mounted on the house as it appears today. Additional images trace the home’s evolution, including a 1986 photograph and an early 1920s image of the property when it stood on what was then known as Faculty Row. The century-old photo features Ms. Patton and Professor Williams on the porch, underscoring the building’s early ties to the university.

The house, located at 401 Progress Street, was first leased to Pi Kappa Fraternity in 1961. A decade later, the chapter transitioned to Sigma Nu, and the building has since remained a central space for meetings, social events, and fraternity traditions. Alumni from both Pi Kappa and Sigma Nu have continuously worked to maintain the property and preserve its historical significance.

McCready’s donation adds a formal marker recognizing the chapter house’s role in student life and its long-standing impact on those who have called it home. Sigma Nu plans to continue expanding historical documentation of the property, with the plaque serving as the first visible step in that effort.