ETA SIGMA GAMMA
The National Professional Health Education Honorary

The idea of ESG can be traced to three men:

• Robert Synovitz, HSD
• Warren Schaller, HSD
• William Bock, Ph.D

Founded in Muncie, Indiana at Ball State University (BSU) on August 14, 1967, Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) became established as a Health Education honor society.  Chapters exist at colleges and universities that have Community Health Education, School Health Education (teacher preparation), and Public Health programs.

The principal purpose of Eta Sigma Gamma is to promote the standards, ideals, competence, and ethics of professionals trained for the Health Science discipline. Eta Sigma Gamma's objectives clarify that the principal purpose can be achieved by:

1. Stimulating scientific research
2. Facilitating communication and discussion between individuals, agencies, and governmental jurisdictions though the exchange of practices and philosophies; motivating service, and academic achievement
3. Recognizing service and academic achievement
4. Developing methods, materials, and programs
5. Raising professional standards, and ethics.

 ESG Ideals:

Eta Sigma Gamma is the national professional health education honorary. The organization is designed specifically for professionals in health education anywhere in the United States as well as other nations. 

Why ESG?:

In the tradition of Greek usage, the letters Eta, Sigma, Gamma were chosen to represent the Greek equivalent of the letters H, S, C, the abbreviation for the term health science.

The ESG Seal:

The ideals of Eta Sigma Gamma are symbolized in its seal. The tri-dimensional concept is embodied in the triangle surrounded by three joined circles. The triangle is divided into four equilateral triangles, each carrying a symbol.

• A lamp of learning is in the center triangle. 
• It is surrounded by an open book representing teaching, a microscope signifying research, and an outstretched hand representing service.
  • These three elements form the basic purposes of the organization and the profession; teaching, research, and service.
  • The unifying element of these purposes is symbolized by the lamp of learning, since it is though the learning process that each purpose is achieved.

ESG Goals:

• Supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health education programs and resources
• Stimulating and disseminating scientific research
• Motivating and providing health education services
• Recognizing academic achievement
• Supporting health education advocacy initiatives
• Promoting professional standards and ethics
• Promoting networking activities among health educators and related professionals

Evidence of ESG Leadership

• Commitment to goals
• Confidence in self and others
• Creativity to explore
• Communication skills
• Perseverance
• Positive attitude
• Organizational skills