Epsilon Sigma is the honor society for graduates of Simpson College. It has a long-standing but relatively unfamiliar tradition at Simpson because most student members are not inducted until the second semester of their senior year. As described in "Beneath the Whispering Maples" by Epsilon Sigma member Joe Walt, the honor society was established as "Simpson's premier scholarship honorary" to recognize and honor:

1. Superior academic accomplishment within each graduating class, including the top 10 percent of the senior class as well as a few juniors with high GPAs,
2. Further academic achievement by members of the 15th reunion class, and 
3. Members of the faculty after their 3rd year of full-time service at Simpson.  (Members of Phi Beta Kappa may be inducted during their 1st year).

Every year since 1924, new members have joined Epsilon Sigma. New members are elected each spring and honored at a dinner held on the evening of Honors Convocation. After the banquet, the Epsilon Sigma lecture is given by an alumni member from the 15th reunion class or by a faculty recipient of the Distinguished Research Award. This talk may be a Simpson Forum event open to the whole community.

Epsilon Sigma has adopted the college motto:  et veritas te liberabit  ("the truth shall make you free": John 8:32). This promise by the great teacher from Nazareth provides a goal for studying and experiencing the liberal arts within the context of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Achieving academic excellence in the liberal arts curriculum at Simpson indicates that God-given intellectual talent has been applied with much diligent effort. It is that combination of qualities which is recognized and honored by membership in Epsilon Sigma.