| Benjamin Piatt Runkle was 18 years old when Sigma Chi was founded and was, perhaps, the most rebellious of the seven, noted by his adamant stance when confronted by the Deke alumni. He, along with Lockwood, designed the badge: "Its selection grew from an admiration of its meaning." After graduation, he served nobly in the Civil War; he volunteered for service and quickly became Major General. At the battle of Shiloh he was seriously wounded and left for dead leading to premature accounts of his death in newspapers; his wounds forced him to retire from military service. He was the only founder to serve Sigma Chi as its national president from 1895-1897. He lived his last eight years in Hillsboro, Ohio, and, ironically, died on the 61st birthday of Sigma Chi at the age of 80. He is remembered for his courage: first in college by standing firm on his principles and later on the battlefield. |
