The Jordan Standard was established by the founders of Sigma Chi, built upon principles that were both aspirational and necessary in an imperfect world. These values represent the foundation of what it means to be a person of character, and they remain as relevant today as when they were first laid out.
The Jordan Standard says that members must be “a man of good character, a student of fair ability, with ambitious purposes, a congenial disposition, possessed of good morals, having a high sense of honor, and a deep sense of personal responsibility.” These qualities form the bedrock of personal and professional success, and they provide a blueprint for how we can live with integrity in our everyday lives.
For over 50 years, this Standard has meant the world to me. I have strived to live by its values, even as life has taken me far from the days of being a student and I have seen many trials and tribulations. What’s more, I believe that learning doesn’t stop when formal education ends—students of life continue to learn and grow with every new experience. The Jordan Standard reminds us that following a path of honor is not just about personal achievement but also about contributing positively to the communities around us.
In both work and family, success often depends on living up to these values—being ambitious, responsible, and maintaining high moral standards. In today’s fast-paced world, these traits are more important than ever. When we uphold these values, we position ourselves to be successful not only in our careers but also in our relationships with those we care about.
Living by the Jordan Standard is a lifelong pursuit. Though we may never achieve perfection, the effort to live by these principles helps shape us into better individuals, better workers, and better family members. It’s a guide that pushes us to continuously strive for excellence and, in doing so, make meaningful contributions to the world at large.
In closing, I encourage everyone to embrace the Jordan Standard and apply its principles to their lives. It is an honorable path and one that can lead to success in all areas, from professional endeavors to personal relationships and I can personally attest to that.
