Ladies of Phi Sigma Sigma

Phi Sigma Sigma was founded by ten women on November 26, 1913 at Hunter College in Manhattan.  The original name was Phi Sigma Omega, but it was later changed to Phi Sigma Sigma when they discovered the name belonged to another organization. 

 

These ten leaders believed that women of different faiths could come together and work toward common goals.  Phi Sigma Sigma was the first nonsecretarian sorority; the only one that was open to diverse membership from inception and the only one with a ritual that was not based on any one religion.  Our founders selected our symbol to be the American Beauty Rose due to its significance to women, its mystery and its secrecy.  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.

 

Phi Sigma Sigma became as associate of the National Panhellenic Conference in 1956.  The official publication of Phi Sigma Sigma is The Sphinx, which first appeared in 1923.