National History

Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity INC. was founded November 26th, 1913 at Hunter
College, New York, NY, by ten women committed to strength in friendship and
the act of giving. The founders of Phi Sigma Sigma came from a variety of
religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. They wished to stay together as the
group they had become while still in high school, but found that because of their
varied backgrounds they all could not join on of the existing sororities on
campus. Lillian Gordon Alpern, Ethel Gordon Kraus, Josephine Ellison
Breakstone, Shirley Cohen Laufer, Fay Chertkoff, Clair Wunder McArdle,
Estelle Melnick Cole, Rose Sher Seidman, Jeanette Lipka Furts and Gwen
Zaliels Snyder wanted to begin a sorority, one that would promote open
membership to all women of character regardless of background.

Under the leadership of Fay Chertkoff, the first Grand Archon of Alpha
Chapter, the founders obtained permission and Phi Sigma Sigma was born. Phi
Sigma Sigma was the first non-sectarian sorority, the only one open to diverse
membership from its inception with a ritual not based on scripture. First in the
mind of these ten women were the twin ideal which endures today. To the
brotherhood of man and the alleviation of world's pain, each Founder extended
herself to her fullest capacity to live up to the mottoes the group chose. The
Founders attained high scholastics in an effort to stress the importance of
scholarship and advancement of womanhood. Today each member also strives to
continue the standards set by The Founders and to carry on the tradition of
excellence associated with Phi Sigma Sigma. With over 125 chapters, and
gaining an average of 4 a year, Phi Sigma Sigma has become one of the
successful international sororities.

Vision Statement: Phi Sigma Sigma is a dynamic sisterhood of powerful and
passionate women maintaining uncompromising principles, igniting positive
change, and embracing individuality.

Mission Statement: To perpetuate the advancement of womanhood and
promote the development of each sister.

Flower: The American Beauty Rose
The American Beauty Rose was selected because of its statuesque beauty, and
the balance of its sharp thorns and soft petals.

Stone: Sapphire

Official Song: Liebestraum ~ Dream of Love (By Frank Liszt)

Colors: King Blue and Gold

Open Motto: Diokete Hupsula ~ Aim High

Twin Ideals: The brotherhood of man and the alleviation of the world's pain

Core Values: Lifelong learning, Inclusiveness, and Leadership through service

National Symbol: Sphinx
In the decade of Phi Sigma Sigma's founding, the discoveries of Ancient Egypt
and mummies astounded the world. Shirley Cohen Laufer chose the Sphinx
because it is a mythological figure which represents the mystery and secrecy of
women.

National Philanthropies: The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation and the National
Kidney Foundation

Local Mascot: Kangaroo