Phi Sigma Sigma: Difference between revisions
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==Chapters== |
==Chapters== |
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{{main|List of Phi Sigma Sigma chapters}} |
{{main|List of Phi Sigma Sigma chapters}} |
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==Tools of the Trade== |
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Phi Sigma Sigma (PSS) secretly stands for Philanthropic Social Society. However, this is never written down or recorded (until now) because it is so "sacred". The Handshake consists of a series of motions. Member A first begins with the pointer finger and the thumb surrounding Member B's pointer finger and thumb. This is the "Phi". Then Member A wraps the remaining fingers, middle, ring and pinky around the hand as a symbol of the "Sigma". Depending on who is the senior member, the pinky finger is wrapped around the older member's hand. Next is the hand knock. It goes Knock. Pause. Knock. Pause. Knock, knock, knock. The meetings are set up usually with the President, VP and other officers sitting at the front. The President wears a yellow or gold robe and the officers wear royal blue robes. The remaining members sit across from the officers in a pyramid formation with the base closest to the officers and the apex farthest from the officers. Members are seated by class order, then by alphabetical order. The table at which the President and Vice President are seated consists of candles on each side. Two gold candles and one blue at each corner of the table. Members usually recite an oath, "We, the members of Phi Sigma Sigma, promise to keep secret and sacred all of our proceedings." The way to enter the pyramid is by using the hand knock to notify the members you are wanting to enter the room. The President will respond back with her gavel by repeating the knock. The person will enter then travel to the apex of the pyramid formation. The President will say the secret and sacred words "Remove the Veil" and then the member will respond back with the Chapter's name, example, "Zeta Eta." The Gold and King Blue symbolize "Perpetuity" and "Sincerity". At initiation, blue "veils" (tulle from the local fabric store) are placed on the heads of the potential new members and are later removed to symbolize some sort of occult transformation and that they are full-fledged members. |
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==Notable alumnae== |
==Notable alumnae== |
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Revision as of 05:00, 28 November 2011
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| Phi Sigma Sigma | |
|---|---|
| ΦΣΣ | |
| File:Phisigcoatofrms.png | |
| Founded | November 26, 1913 Hunter College, (New York, New York) |
| Type | Social |
| Scope | International |
| Mission statement | To inspire the personal development of each sister and perpetuate the advancement of womanhood. |
| Vision statement | Phi Sigma Sigma is a dynamic sisterhood of powerful women fostering uncompromising principles, igniting positive change and embracing individuality. |
| Motto | Diōkete Hypsēla Aim High |
| Maxim | "Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, always a Phi Sigma Sigma." |
| Colors | King Blue Gold |
| Symbol | Sphinx |
| Flower | American Beauty Rose |
| Jewel | Sapphire |
| Publication | The Sphinx |
| Philanthropy | Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation |
| Chapters | 150+ (115 active) |
| Members | 60,000 collegiate |
| Headquarters | 8178 Lark Brown Road, Suite 202 Elkridge, Maryland USA |
| Website | http://www.phisigmasigma.org/ |
Phi Sigma Sigma (ΦΣΣ), colloquially known as "Phi Sig," was the first collegiate nonsectarian fraternity,[citation needed] welcoming women of all faiths and backgrounds. Founded by 10 women on November 26, 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma is now an international sorority with 60,000 initiated members, 115 collegiate chapters and more than 100 alumnae chapters, clubs and associations across the United States and Canada. The ten young women who founded Phi Sigma Sigma are: Lillian Gordon Alpern, Josephine Ellison Breakstone, Fay Chertkoff, Estelle Melnick Cole, Jeanette Lipka Furst, Ethel Gordon Kraus, Shirley Cohen Laufer, Claire Wunder McArdle, Rose Sher Seidman, and Gwen Zaliels Snyder.[1]
Dedicated to the twin ideals of promoting the brotherhood of man and alleviation of the world’s pain,[2] Phi Sigma Sigma strives to instill the values of leadership through service, lifelong learning and social inclusiveness in today’s young women and future leaders.
In 1918, Phi Sigma Sigma expanded by founding its Beta chapter at Tufts University in Medford, MA, and the Gamma chapter at New York University, although ironically, both of these chapters are inactive as of today. In November 2009, the Delta chapter, at the University at Buffalo, was reinstalled; making it the oldest active chapter. The second oldest active chapter is the Epsilon chapter at Adelphi University, in Garden City, NY, which was recolonized December 6, 2008. While other chapters were founded earlier and have been recolonized, the Xi Chapter at Temple University is the oldest chapter in continuous existence, having never lost its Charter, founded in 1926.
The official publication of Phi Sigma Sigma is The Sphinx, which first appeared in 1923. The sorority's first song, "The Hymn," was written in 1921 by Pearl Lippman of the Alpha chapter and her husband, Arthur Lippman.
Phi Sigma Sigma has also established chapters in Canada: Upsilon chapter (1930) at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Delta Epsilon chapter (1981) at University of Windsor in Windsor, and Zeta Eta chapter (1991) at Carleton University in Ottawa.
Philanthropy
The sorority's official philanthropy is the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, which supports the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation also provides scholarships and educational grants, as well as leadership programming to collegiate and alumnae members. The NKF has been Phi Sigma Sigma's primary philanthropic endeavor since 1971 because kidney disease was a leading health concern for women at that time. Since then, Phi Sigma Sigma has actively helped educate women, men and children about kidney disease, as well as the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Indeed, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is a major sponsor of the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games, a national Olympics-style event where organ-donor recipients compete in various athletic competitions, thereby highlighting the need for, and success of, organ donations and transplantation.
Following September 11, 2001, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation established the Twin Ideals Fund to provide assistance to disaster victims. Named for Phi Sigma Sigma's twin ideals - to promote the brotherhood of man and alleviate the world's pain - the fund has contributed to aid organizations in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami in southeast Asia and Hurricane Katrina.
Each year, thousands of Phi Sigma Sigma sisters participate in a philanthropic fundraising event known as "Rock-a-Thon," where they spend a marathon day gathering donations as they sit in rocking chairs located in highly public places, such as on campus, in malls and at community events. This event raises tens of thousands of dollars annually for the Foundation and NKF.
Collegiate and alumnae chapters also participate in various philanthropic events benefiting their communities. Examples of these include walking for multiple medical causes, gathering food and supplies for U.S. troops, coordinating local reading programs, fundraising so underprivileged women can attend college, providing shoes to needy children, and assisting Habitat for Humanity.
Timeline
- On November 26, 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma was founded at Hunter College in New York City.
- In 1918, Phi Sigma Sigma expanded by founding the Beta Chapter at Tufts University in Medford, MA, and the Gamma Chapter at New York University. This prompted the first National Convention in New York City that same year. Delegates to the Convention adopted the fraternity's Constitution and elected the first Grand Council. Fay Chertkoff was elected the first Grand Archon.
- In 1923, the first issue of The Sphinx, the sorority's official magazine, was published.
- In 1930, Phi Sigma Sigma became an international sorority when it founded the Upsilon chapter at The University of Manitoba in Manitoba, Canada.
- In 1936, 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 1947, Phi Sigma Sigma became an associate member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).
- In 1951, Phi Sigma Sigma became an official member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).
- In 1957, the Phi Sigma Sigma Cardiology Laboratory was established at Yeshiva University College of Medicine in New York City. Phi Sigma Sigma presented a $20,000 grant to establish the laboratory.
- In 1963, Phi Sigma Sigma celebrated its 50th year, the Golden Anniversary, in New York City. A centennial celebration is planned 2013 in New York City, as well.
- In 1966, the sorority created its national Leadership Training School (LTS), an event scheduled during those years when no convention was planned. LTS has since been replaced with the sorority's ACHIEVE leadership and risk-management program, launched in 2005. ACHIEVE stands for "Achieve, Challenge, Honor, Integrity, Engage, Value and Excellence" - among the top values Phi Sigma Sigma sisters hold dear.
- In 1968, the separation of Hunter College’s two campuses prompted the original Alpha chapter to divide. Alpha Alpha was installed at the new Herbert Lehman College in the Bronx, while Alpha chapter remained on Hunter College’s Park Avenue campus. Neither is active at this time.
- In 1969, in an effort to provide greater focus on the philanthropic activities of Phi Sigma Sigma, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation was created by Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg, who led the foundation as its first president.
- In 1971, the Fraternity adopted the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) as its official philanthropic cause at the National Convention.
- In 1999, the National Make a Difference Day Award was presented to Phi Sigma Sigma in recognition of its commitment to volunteer service and community involvement. Phi Sigma Sigma sisters still participate in Make a Difference Day, which is a national event promoted by USA Weekend magazine.
Founders
- Lillian Gordon Alpern
- Josephine Ellison Breakstone
- Fay Chertkoff
- Estelle Melnick Cole
- Jeanette Lipka Furst
- Ethel Gordon Kraus
- Shirley Cohen Laufer
- Claire Wunder McArdle
- Rose Sher Seidman
- Gwen Zaliels Snyder
Chapters
Tools of the Trade
Phi Sigma Sigma (PSS) secretly stands for Philanthropic Social Society. However, this is never written down or recorded (until now) because it is so "sacred". The Handshake consists of a series of motions. Member A first begins with the pointer finger and the thumb surrounding Member B's pointer finger and thumb. This is the "Phi". Then Member A wraps the remaining fingers, middle, ring and pinky around the hand as a symbol of the "Sigma". Depending on who is the senior member, the pinky finger is wrapped around the older member's hand. Next is the hand knock. It goes Knock. Pause. Knock. Pause. Knock, knock, knock. The meetings are set up usually with the President, VP and other officers sitting at the front. The President wears a yellow or gold robe and the officers wear royal blue robes. The remaining members sit across from the officers in a pyramid formation with the base closest to the officers and the apex farthest from the officers. Members are seated by class order, then by alphabetical order. The table at which the President and Vice President are seated consists of candles on each side. Two gold candles and one blue at each corner of the table. Members usually recite an oath, "We, the members of Phi Sigma Sigma, promise to keep secret and sacred all of our proceedings." The way to enter the pyramid is by using the hand knock to notify the members you are wanting to enter the room. The President will respond back with her gavel by repeating the knock. The person will enter then travel to the apex of the pyramid formation. The President will say the secret and sacred words "Remove the Veil" and then the member will respond back with the Chapter's name, example, "Zeta Eta." The Gold and King Blue symbolize "Perpetuity" and "Sincerity". At initiation, blue "veils" (tulle from the local fabric store) are placed on the heads of the potential new members and are later removed to symbolize some sort of occult transformation and that they are full-fledged members.
Notable alumnae
- Irna Phillips (Theta) - "Mother" of the modern soap opera, creator of Guiding Light, As the World Turns, Days of Our Lives, and Another World.[4]
- Nancy Pimental (Gamma Iota)-A screen play writer for The Sweetest Thing and a writer for the TV series South Park. She also replaced Jimmy Kimmel as co-host of the Comedy Central game show Win Ben Stein's Money, a job she held from 2000 through 2002
- Marian Rosen-The youngest woman lawyer to appear before the Supreme Court of the United States.[5]
- Meghan McCabe (Zeta Eta) – Manager, Communications for the JUNO Awards (Canada's Music Awards)
- Amy Diaz (Iota Theta) - Miss Teen USA 2001, Miss USA 2008 (top 15), Miss Earth USA 2009
- Shannon Ford (Delta Kappa) - Mrs. USA 2011
- Zelda Rubinstein (Iota) - Actress and activist
- Tatyana McFadden (Theta) - Six-time Paralympic medalist
- Alex Flinn (BetaTheta)- New York Times Bestselling author of Beastly
- Kyna Wise (Delta Gamma) - Singer and actress , daughter of Ray Wise
- Aliza Virani (Zeta Eta) - Miss Teen Vancouver 2007
- Louise Schlegel (Gamma Pi)- Miss Maryland 2008
References
- ^ >"History". Phi Sigma Sigma. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
- ^ "History". Phi Sigma Sigma. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
- ^ "History". Phi Sigma Sigma. Retrieved 8 November 2011.
- ^ "She Did It Her Way". Phi Sigma Sigma. October 20, 2009. Retrieved 2010-02-24.
- ^ "Famous Phi Sigs". Retrieved 2010-04-12.