A painting by Sigma Nu artist Michael Jaszczak (Delta Alpha, Case-Western Reserve) was presented to the General Fraternity at the 1986 Grand Chapter. Brother Jaszczak was named the Fraternity's All-Sigma Nu Talent of the Year for both 1983 and 1984.
"The Quest" symbolically expresses that noble pursuit of the human heart: to remain constant to the challenge of a lifelong search for Love, Honor, and Truth. Perhaps one is convinced of the Truth, is endowed with Brotherly Love, but finds Honor elusive. Or, he may possess Love and Honor, but is inflicted with an unquenchable thirst for Truth. Some will see "The Quest" as two Knights seeking a third whose heart, mind, and character make him worthy of our Brotherhood. In the background of the painting is the citadel of VMI at the foot of the towering Allegheny Mountains where Sigma Nu principles began. The darkening shadows forming the background behind a grove of white oak trees (the White Oak is the official brotherhood tree of the Fraternity) symbolically suggest that caution needs to be exercised in the quest for excellence lest Sigma Nu accept less than the best. Sure-footedness over the rocky pathway of Life is essential for Sigma Nus to achieve their maximum potential. "The Quest," then, symbolically expresses the Fraternity's constant challenge to capture the essence that yields the North American College Fraternity at its best. The careful observer with an astute knowledge of Sigma Nu's philosophical underpinnings and rich heritage will discover even deeper meaning in Brother Jaszczak's exquisite work.
