Purpose
"To promote and reward scholarship and service among students and
practitioners of international studies, international relations, global
studies, and
to foster integrity and creative performance in the conduct of world
affairs."
History
Sigma Iota Rho was founded in 1984 by the Dean of the School of International
Service at American University to recognize outstanding students in International
Relations. In 1983 the Dean observed during an induction ceremony for Pi Gamma
Mu, the national political science honorary society, that a high proportion
of new inductees were actually IR majors, hence the need for a new honorary
society. By 1984, the first chapter of Sigma Iota Rho was officially recognized
by American University. In 1985, the Dean took the idea to the International
Studies Association annual meeting where it was decided that there was enough
interest to take the idea back to college campuses and to report on the level
of interest at the next meeting. In 1987, a formal organizational meeting was
held in Washington, DC, where Dean Olson was elected the first Director of Sigma
Iota Rho. Twenty-six colleges presented petitions for establishemnt of local
chapters, and thus Sigma Iota Rho was born. At the present time there are approximately
52 chapters of Sigma Iota Rho at colleges and universities throughout the United
States.
The Naming of Sigma Iota
Rho
The name of the honor society was carefully chosen by Professor Theodore
Couloumbis to reflect characteristics which are realistically necessary
for the study of international relations.
Sigma stands for "synesi", which stands
for prudence.
Iota stands for "ideosi", which stands for ideals.
Rho stands for "romi", which stands for power.
These three qualities are essential for the conduct of successful foreign policy.