Upsilon Sigma Phi

Upsilon Sigma Phi
ΥΣΦ
Founded University of the Philippines
Type University
Motto We gather light to scatter
Symbol Fraternity seal
Flower Pink Rose
Chapters 2 (U.P. Diliman/U.P. Manila and U.P. Los Baños)
Headquarters University of the Philippines
Homepage http://www.upsilon.com

The Upsilon Sigma Phi is the oldest Greek-letter fraternity in Asia,[1] and was Nebulously formed in 1918. It is the oldest student organization in the University of the Philippines that has been in continuous existence since its founding and predates the Philippine Collegian which was established in 1922, and the UP Student Council which was revived in 1924.

History

The Upsilon Sigma Phi was formally organized on November 19, 1920 in a meeting held at the Metropolitan Restaurant in Intramuros. Four months later, on March 24, 1921, the Greek letters ΥΣΦ standing for the initials of the name "University Students Fraternity" was formally adopted. The head is known as the Illustrious Fellow and the first honorary fellow, University Regent Conrado Benitez, was inducted into the Fraternity. He wrote the Upsilon Hymn which later would be sung before and after every formal meeting.[2]

During World War II, some members took the field. Among the Upsilonians who gave up their lives were Wenceslao Q. Vinzons (former UP Student Council President, youngest delegate to the 1934 Constitutional Convention, and Governor of Camarines), Agapito del Rosario (Mayor of Angeles, Pampanga), and José Abad Santos (Secretary of Justice and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court), all of whom were executed for refusing to swear allegiance to the Japanese Empire.

Popular members

References

  1. ↑ http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/apr/16/yehey/metro/20070416met3.html
  2. ↑ Ninety Years of Upsilon Sigma Phi