Phi Sigma Sigma
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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.
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[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 religion, 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." Phi Sigma Sigma also stresses life long learning as a core value along with inclusiveness. 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.
- In 1951, Phi Sigma Sigma became a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).
- 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.
- At the 1971 convention, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) was adopted as the Fraternity’s official philanthropic cause.
- 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
- Irna Phillips (Wisconsin) - creator of The Guiding Light.
- Nancy Pimental (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) - Writer of South Park and the movie The Sweetest Thing.
- Sylvia Field Porter (Hunter College) - American economist and journalist.
