|
Local History
The Epsilon Nu chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma was founded in 1988, and was officially started in April of 1989. We will be
celebrating our 20th year here at SUNY Oswego in the Spring.
The Suny Oswego pledge colony was established on December 10, 1988 by 54 exciting young women. The few days prior to
the ribbon pinning were filled with excitement and activities. On Thursday, December 8, Louis Kier, Nancy Stanner, Bonnie
Cymbrella, and several Phi Sigma Sigma sisters from SUNY Brockport Delta Sigma chapter arrived to present to interested women
an informal information session. The following day the anticipation began to build as Louise Kier, Bonnie Cymbrella and Nancy
Stanner tried to choose the most suitable women for Phi Sigma Sigma's Oswego pledge Colony. The founders will always remember
the snow storm that hit Oswego unexpectedly on that Friday afternoon, which led us to our local mascot, the Penguin. Despite
the cold outside, inside Hewitt Union woman gathered with warm hearts for a preference party early Saturday morning. After
the party, many waited to see if they would receive a bid for Phi Sigma Sigma. at approximately 3:00 PM, Bonnie Cymbrella,
Nancy Stanner, and Louise Kier ribbon pinned the woman who would begin the traditions of Phi Sigma Sigma at Oswego State.
National History
In 1913, our founders — Lillian Gordon, Ethel Gordon, Josephine Ellison, Shirley Cohen, Fay Chertkoff, Claire Wunder,
Estelle Melnick, Rose Sher, Jeanette Lipka, and Gwen “Rae” Zaliels — 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 as 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 scripture. Under the leadership of Fay Chertkoff,
the Alpha Chapter was installed at Hunter College.
Today Phi Sigma Sigma maintains 110 healthy, active collegiate chapters throughout the United States and Canada
Symbols
Flower : American Beauty Rose
Open Motto : Diokete
Hupsala - Aim High
Colors : King Blue and Gold
Stone : Sapphire
Twin Ideals : The brotherhood of man and the
alleviation
of the world's pain
Official Hymn : Liebestraum
Symbol : Sphinx
|
