The early 1900's were turbulent times. Racial vindictiveness emerged as a result
of earlier
waves of emigration, and divisions developed along religious, ethnic, and
economic lines.
The city of New York was seen as a cauldron for social change.
In 1913, our Founders — Lillian Gordon, Ethel Gordon, Josephine Ellison,
Shirley Cohen, Fay
Chertkoff, Claire Wunder, Estelle Melnick, Rose Sher, Jeanette Lipka, and Gwen
“Rae”
Zaliels — approached the Dean of Women at Hunter College in New York City with
a vision.
They wanted to start a sorority that would promote open membership to all women
of
character regardless of background; a sorority committed to sisterhood,
excellence in
scholarship, and selfless giving.
On November 26, 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma was born, unobtrusively, without the
thought of
expansion. It was the first nonsectarian sorority; the only one that was
open to diverse
membership from inception and the only one with a ritual that was not based in
scripture.
Under the leadership of Fay Chertkoff (our first chapter archon), Alpha
Chapter was
installed at Hunter College.
The Founders first objective was to establish the twin ideals -
“The brotherhood of man and
the alleviation of the world’s pain.” Each woman extended herself to her
greatest capacity
to live up to the standards the group chose. They attained high scholastic
standing,
developed intense bonds, and each served in philanthropic activities, donating
to a variety
of charities consistent with Phi Sigma Sigma's twin ideals and nonsectarian
trait.
Three new members were accepted into Phi Sigma Sigma during the first year:
Bert
Markowitz Goldstein, Bell Heyman Hoffman, and Leontine Friedman. For five
years, Alpha
Chapter continued locally. When a friend of Rose Sher who attended Tufts
College contacted
her with interest in the sorority, expansion became a reality. In 1918,
the Founders
installed Beta Chapter at Tufts College in Boston, and Gamma Chapter
at New York
University.
1918 was also the year of our first National Convention held in
New York City. Fay Chertkoff
was elected Phi Sigma Sigma’s first grand archon. Representatives from
Alpha, Beta, and
Gamma Chapters met, promulgated the original Phi Sigma Sigma Constitution,
and elected
the first Supreme Council. This included Fay Chertkoff as grand archon,
Ethel Gordon Kraus
as grand vice archon, Shirley Cohen Laufer Goldstein as national tribune,
and Estelle Melnick
Cole as national bursar. This Supreme Council served from
Today Phi Sigma Sigma maintains 110 healthy, active collegiate chapters
throughout the
United States and Canada.
Phi Sigma Sigma, founded in 1913 at Hunter College in New York City, is an international philanthropic and social organization, and the first non-sectarian fraternity for women. Dedicated to the twin ideals of promoting the brotherhood of man and alleviation of the world's pain, Phi Sigma Sigma strives to instill the timeless values of leadership through service, lifelong learning and social inclusiveness in today's young women and future leaders. Our 55,000 initiated members in 111 collegiate chapters and more than 100 alumnae chapters, clubs and associations worldwide perform valuable works for their communities and campuses.
*Information courtesy of www.phisigmasigma.org
SYMBOLS
Colors: King Blue and Gold
Official Hymn: Liebestraum
Open Motto: Diokete Hupsala - Aim High
Flower: American Beauty Rose
Stone: Sapphire
Symbol: Sphinx