Phi Sigma Sigma

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Phi Sigma Sigma

ΦΣΣ

Open Motto: Diokete Hupsala

Aim High

Nicknames: Phi Sigs
Image:phisigcoatofrms.gif

The Coat of Arms

Founded: November 26, 1913 at

Hunter College, (New York, New York)

Founders:
  • Lilian Gordon Alpern
  • Josephine Ellison Breakstone
  • Fay Chertkoff
  • Estelle Melnick Cole
  • Janette Lipka Furst
  • Ethel Gordon Kraus
  • Shirley Cohen Laufer
  • Claire Wunder McArdle
  • Rose Sher Seidman
  • Gwen Zaliels Snyder
Official Philanthropy: Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation
Official Colors: King Blue and Gold
Official Flower: American Beauty Rose
Official Symbols: Sphinx and Pyramid
Official Jewel: Sapphire
Official Magazine: The Sphinx
Phi Sigma Sigma Website

Phi Sigma Sigma (ΦΣΣ) was the first nonsectarian sorority, meaning that there was to be no judgement regarding religion or background. Founded on November 26, 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma has since become an international, inclusive sorority with over 125 chapters across the United States and Canada.

Contents

[edit] History

In 1913, Lillian and Ethel Gordon, two Jewish sisters attending Hunter College in New York, were interested in joining one of the local sororities on their campus. Because of their ethnic background, they were turned away. The sisters decided that this would be the time to make a change. Along with their friend, as well as another founding member, Fay Chertkoff, created their own sorority. The inspiration for Phi Sigma Sigma's mottoes and insignia came from a variety of sources including Egyptian Lore. The twin ideals of Phi Sigma Sigma are "Allievation of the world's pain" and "Brotherhood of mankind." Following Phi Sigma Sigma's mottoes and insignia the official publication, first appearing in 1922, is called "The Sphinx." It's national song, called "The Hymn", was written by Pearl S. Lippman and her husband, Arthur.

The sorority was originally named Phi Sigma Omega, until it was discovered there was another Greek organization carrying the same name. On November 26, 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma was born. The founding chapter/class, the Alpha class, was born at Hunter's College with the following members:

  • Lilian Gordon Alpern
  • Josephine Ellison Breakstone
  • Fay Chertkoff
  • Estelle Melnick Cole
  • Janette Lipka Furst
  • Ethel Gordon Kraus
  • Shirley Cohen Laufer
  • Claire Wunder McArdle
  • Rose Sher Seidman
  • Gwen Zaliels Snyder

Shortly thereafter, the Beta chapter was founded at Tufts College in Boston, MA, and the Gamma chapter at New York University in 1918.

Phi Sigma Sigma also has chapters outside the US. Upsilon chapter was established at the University of Manitoba in Manitoba, Canada making it the first international chapter for Phi Sigma Sigma.

[edit] Philanthropy

The sorority's official philanthropy is the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation which supports the National Kidney Foundation, as well as provides Educational Grants and programming to members. Phi Sigs have supported the NKF as their primary philanthropic endeavor since 1971 and help to educate their communities about organ and tissue donation.

[edit] Timeline

  • Phi Sigma Sigma’s first double letter guard, signifying the beginning of the Greek alphabet, was granted to Beta Alpha Chapter at the University of Maryland in 1936.
  • The Phi Sigma Sigma Cardiology Laboratory was established at Yeshiva University Medical School in New York City in 1957. Phi Sigma Sigma presented a $20,000 grant to establish the laboratory.
  • Phi Sigma Sigma celebrated its 50th year, the Golden Anniversary, in New York City in 1963.
  • In 1966, Leadership Training School (LTS) was created for the sorority. LTS is held on a national basis in years when there is not a national convention to meet the training and informational needs of the collegiate chapters, alumnae chapters and national personnel.
  • With the separation of Hunter College’s two campuses in June 1968, the original Alpha chapter also divided. Alpha Alpha was installed at the new Herbert Lehman College in the Bronx, while Alpha Chapter remained on Hunter College’s Park Avenue campus.
  • In 1969, in an effort to provide greater focus on the philanthropic activities of Phi Sigma Sigma, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation was created.
  • The National Make a Difference Day Award was presented to Phi Sigma Sigma in 1999, in recognition of their commitment to volunteer service and community involvement.

[edit] Notable alumnae


[edit] External links


National Panhellenic Conference
Alpha Chi Omega | Alpha Delta Pi | Alpha Gamma Delta | Alpha Epsilon Phi | Alpha Omicron Pi | Alpha Phi | Alpha Sigma Alpha | Alpha Sigma Tau | Alpha Xi Delta | Chi Omega | Delta Delta Delta | Delta Gamma | Delta Zeta | Delta Phi Epsilon | Gamma Phi Beta | Kappa Alpha Theta | Kappa Delta | Kappa Kappa Gamma | Phi Mu | Phi Sigma Sigma | Pi Beta Phi | Sigma Delta Tau | Sigma Kappa | Sigma Sigma Sigma | Theta Phi Alpha | Zeta Tau Alpha
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