From collection Member List
Harold Jacobsen was initiated into Lambda Chapter at Kenyon College, in 1921. After graduating, he was appointed by the Grand Council to be the first Executive Secretary of the Fraternity. The title later changed to Executive Director; he held the position from 1927 until he retired in 1963.
Jacobsen began by working out of his home in Roselle, New Jersey, but soon rented a new location, consisting of six rooms, which he staffed with three secretaries. All the Fraternity’s historical records and files were maintained there. Finally, in his last year, he helped prepare to move the headquarters to its new location in Shadowwood.
During his tenure, Jacobsen contributed to the growth and professionalism of the Fraternity. He wrote the first Sigma Pi Manual with assistance from Louis Foley (Ohio 1915). Much of the current manual comes directly from Jacobsen’s hand. He also compiled the first handbook for Sigma Pi chapter officers and advocated for the establishment of a traveling secretary, which occurred in 1937. In these ways and more, Jacobsen’s influence on the Fraternity continues to this day.
