History

Within these symbols lie the foundations of Gamma Iota Sigma and the future of this fraternity.

Learn more at the Gamma Iota Sigma Grand Chapter Page

Fire Mark

The fire mark was molded of metal, generally iron, and secured in a prominent place to the exterior of insured buildings. The purpose of the fire mark was to identify an insured property which in case of fire would be served by a specific fire fighting company. The fire mark was evidence that the 'marked' property was insured.

In England during the early days of fire insurance, the use of fire marks came into being. The fire marks were used to identify those risks accepted and insured by the fire insurance companies. These fire marks bore the trademark of insurers. Two of the oldest of these were the "Hand in Hand Fire Insurance Society" and the "Friendly Insurance Society."

The Hand In Hand Fire and Life Insurance Society fire mark consisted of two clasped hands emblazoned upon a shield. This fire mark identified the property as that of a member of the society. The clasped hands, signifying a contract, was adopted by Gamma Iota Sigma as a symbol marking the beginning of friendship, the beginning of a pledge.

Shield

The triangle or shield is an inverted triangle with rounded points. These three points of the triangle represent friendship, knowledge and integrity.

Greek Letters

The Greek letters Gamma Iota Sigma represent the letters C. I. S. for Collegiate Insurance Society. Gamma Iota Sigma, however has a more complex meaning. These letters in Greek spell earth. Inasmuch as all life, all material things subject to insurance have their origin in earth. Gamma Iota Sigma is well dedicated to the insurance industry.

Symbolism of the Fraternity Key

The Union Insurance Society was organized in London, England, in the year 1714. The fire mark of this society was composed of Four Clasped and Crossed Hands. Some of these fire marks portrayed crossed left hands. One of these, perhaps the oldest of all other such marks, portrayed Four Clasped Right Hands. Gamma Iota Sigma selected its emblem from this fire mark of The Union Insurance Society. These four clasped hands signify the four purposes of the Fraternity: Knowledge, Friendship, Fidelity, and Integrity. The four clasped hands are molded to a golden shield and this shield signifies Protection. Being of gold, the shield signifies Durability.

The Importance of Insurance

Insurance is a social science, designated to assist mankind in overcoming the potential losses inherent to civilization. It has contributed to further advancement. The services the industry may yet render will be born in research. The study of insurance will continue to open new avenues of thought, new gateways to progress. You are encouraged by Gamma Iota Sigma to study, engage in research and to advance in all fields of insurance endeavor. Your membership in Gamma Iota Sigma is only the beginning, and the associations you make will contribute greatly to your progress.