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History: Founded The founders 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 the all could not join one of the sororities already established on campus. They approached the Dean of Woman at Hunter, Dean Higgenbottem, and inquired about starting their own sorority, one that would promote open membership to all women of character regardless of background. Under the leadership of Fay Chertkoff, the first Archon of Alpha Chapter, the Founders obtained permission and Phi Sigma Sigma was born on November 26, 1913, quietly, unobtrusively and without thought of expansion. First in the minds of these ten woman were the twin ideals which endure today: the brotherhood of mankind and the alleviation of the world's pain. Each Founder extended herself to her fullest capacity to live up to these mottos. The Founders attained high scholastic standing in an effort to stress the importance of scholarship and the advancement of womanhood, and each served in philanthropic activites such as filling stockings and baskets for the needy, assisting in nurseries in hospitals, and volunteering in homes for the aged. They affiliated with and raised money for the Godmodther's League and Foster Mothers of America. They donated to a variety of charites consistent with their character as a nonsectarian sorority, the only one with a ritual not based on scripture. Phi
Sigma Sigma is an organization open to diverse membership. The
founders chose the fraternity symbols with great care. The Sphinx
is the mythical figure of mystery and secrecy for women. The American
Beauty Rose was chosen for its statuesque beauty, and for the
balance of sharp thornsand soft petals. Our colors are King Blue
and Gold and our stone is the sapphire. Our open motto, Aim High,
is translatedfrom the Greek Diokete Hupsala and appears on the
crest of the fraternity.
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