History | phisighu

Chapter History

"I Love the Green Wreath's Friendship Sign,
I Love the Thoughts it Brings to Mind"

Phi Sigma Sigma at Hofstra University was originally known as Wreath and Foil. This local sorority was founded in 1937, and alumni of the organization remain active in the Hofstra community to this day. One notable alumna includes music legend Ellie Greenwich. A Hofstra Garden located outside New Academic Building has been dedicated in her honor.

In April 1988, members of Wreath and Foil began to consider the benefits becoming a national sorority could bring them. On April 1, 1989 Wreath and Foil became the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma at Hofstra University when its members were initiated and inducted by the national organization. A boulder with a Wreath and Foil plaque can be found outside of Brower Hall.

Wreath & Foil Sorority's Las Vegas Night, 1967

National History

Phi Sigma Sigma is a proud, strong member of the Greek community because our Founders were leaders of their time, who developed a mission to perpetuate the advancement of womanhood.

They believed that women of different faiths could come together and work toward common goals. They established the ideals that endure today and are upheld by Phi Sigma Sigma collegians and alumnae bound by the strength of sisterhood. Our Founders charted the course for milestones that have enabled Phi Sigma Sigma to prosper. Membership in Phi Sigma Sigma remains a lifelong, meaningful experience for women with like values.

The early 1900s were turbulent times in the United States. 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 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. 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 any one religion. Under the leadership of Fay Chertkoff (our first chapter archon), Alpha Chapter was installed at Hunter College.

Phi Sigma Sigma was incorporated in 1913 in New York City. The original name of the Fraternity was Phi Sigma Omega, until, when trying to have it incorporated, the Founders learned that the name was already being used by another Greek letter society. Our Founders selected our symbols after careful consideration. The American Beauty Rose was chosen because it was the premier flower in the U.S. following its introduction at a Washington DC nursery in 1885. At $2 a stem, it was no common rose! Shirley Cohen suggested the sphinx as a symbol because of its mythological significance to women, and because it represents mystery and 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 a true national sorority when Zeta Chapter was installed in 1921 at the University of California at Los Angeles. Phi Sigma Sigma was also UCLA’s first national sorority. Then in 1930, Phi Sigma Sigma became an international sorority with the founding of Upsilon Chapter at the University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada.

In 1969, in an effort to provide greater focus on the philanthropic activities of Phi Sigma Sigma, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation was created. At the 1971 Convention, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) was adopted as the Fraternity’s official philanthropic cause.

Based on results from a member survey and focus groups, in 2014 Phi Sigma Sigma decided to change the focus of the fraternity's philanthropy to school and college readiness. The Kids in Need Foundation was adopted as the Fraternity's official philanthropic cause.

Phi Sigma Sigma has shaped the priorities of its sisters throughout the decades. Our sisterhood and love for Phi Sigma Sigma bind us together and encourage us to always work toward our twin ideals. Today, Phi Sigma Sigma maintains 108 healthy, active collegiate chapters in the United States and Canada and has more than 70,000 members worldwide.