Sigma Xi at Williams

The Williams College Sigma Xi Chapter has played an active role on the Williams Campus since it was founded as the Sigma Xi Club in 1969. Sigma Xi is a national society honoring and encouraging research in science since 1886. Professor Jay M. Pasachoff of the Astronomy Department, President, and Professor Lois Banta of the Biology Department, Secretary/Treasurer are currently serving as our chapter’s officers. Two public lectures are held each year highlighting current research of a Williams faculty member (see this page for a list of recent Sigma Xi speakers). One of the primary purposes of Sigma Xi is to recognize graduating science students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and promise for further contributions to the advancement of scientific research. Election as an associate member in Sigma Xi is a distinct honor, accorded to only a few of the graduating seniors from science departments at colleges and universities across the country that plan to continue in scientific research. At Williams, these students are inducted into the society at a ceremony during commencement weekend.