Sigma Nu Girl… Sigma Nu girl, you'll always be Sigma Nu girl, dearest to me. All of my worries and cares depart When you wear the White Star on your heart. Sigma Nu girl, someday you'll know Dreams will come true; I love you so. Our star will shine pledge of the time When you are mine in Sigma Nu. Sigma Nu history is rich with strong men whose leadership has built the fraternity into what it is today.

Our 'Sigma Nu Girl' Margaret Davis

However, men aren't the only ones who have made their mark. There are a few women who have shared their time, talents and resources to help further its goals, and like the old song "Sigma Nu Girl" says, these women wear the White Star on their hearts and are dear to the organization.

Margaret Davis is revered not only by the staff at Sigma Nu but also by the many brothers and friends who have visited Headquarters in Lexington, Va., over the years. Since she joined the staff of the fraternity 46 years ago, Davis has had a huge impact on maintaining Sigma Nu's history and preserving its goals and values.

"I loved working for Sigma Nu and with all the people who work there," said Davis, who retired in 1984 but helps take care of the grounds on a volunteer basis. "It wasn't just a nine-to-five job, we became a family and still are today."

Davis moved to Virginia with her family in 1942 when her father took the position as post surgeon in Lexington. She set her sights on moving to England, but when her father passed away a few years later, she remained in Lexington to be with her mother.

"I was a physical therapist, and at the time there was no physical therapy department at the hospital in Lexington," said Davis. "When Sigma Nu moved its headquarters here, they needed someone to archive their materials. Our home was next door to the Fletchers and the new Sigma Nu office so I got the job."

Davis speaks highly of then executive director Richard "Dick" Fletcher, who hired her as archivist in 1949.

"Dick Fletcher just loved the idea of the fraternity being back in this place," said Davis. "He made everyone feel like family and was very committed to Sigma Nu. He even talked VMI's superintendent into getting a piece of the rock that was buried under the parade ground."

Davis enjoyed working as archivist and getting to know the members of Sigma Nu by keeping track of their history. Over time, it has become part of her history, too.

When her home burned down in 1969, Davis moved into a small house on the property. She and her sister have donated the Davis property to Sigma Nu, and they retain life interest in the home in which she lives. In addition, she is establishing an endowment to maintain the Headquarters grounds as part of her estate plan.

"Sigma Nu is my family," said Davis. "It's kind of my life in a way, and I will be here until I die."

Over the last few years, Davis found that her investment income was inconsistent and in some months very insignificant. So, a few months ago, Davis established a Charitable Gift Annuity with the Foundation which guarantees her monthly income for life at an annual rate of almost 9%. Davis said, "I am pleased that Sigma Nu will benefit from this gift, and I like having the security of knowing that each month I will receive a consistent stream of income from this gift."

Davis often can be found pruning trees and working on the grounds of Sigma Nu Headquarters. Lucky visitors who encounter her in the yard are often treated to her personal tours and anecdotes about her time with the fraternity. Providing funds for grounds maintenance is a fitting legacy.

"I think it's important to maintain the grounds of such a beautiful place," said Davis. "Like the wings of the Headquarters building which were designed to be welcoming arms, maintaining the grounds is another way to make visitors feel welcome and special. It costs a lot to maintain them, and I want that work to continue once I'm gone."