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, unobtrusively, without the thought of expansion. It was the first non-sectarian 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 (our first chapter archon), Alpha Chapter was installed at Hunter College.

The Founders first objective was to establish the twin ideals. 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 non-sectarian trait.

For five years, Alpha Chapter continued locally. When a friend of Rose Sher who attended Tufts College contacted her with interest in the sorority, expansion became a reality. In 1918, the Founders installed Beta Chapter at Tufts College in Boston, and Gamma Chapter at New York University.

1918 was also the year of our first National Convention held in New York City. Fay Chertkoff was elected Phi Sigma Sigma’s first grand archon. Representatives from Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Chapters met, promulgated the original Phi Sigma Sigma Constitution, and elected the first Supreme Council. This included Fay Chertkoff as grand archon, Ethel Gordon Kraus as grand vice archon, Shirley Cohen Laufer Goldstein as national tribune, and Estelle Melnick Cole as national bursar. This Supreme Council served from 1918-1920.

Today Phi Sigma Sigma maintains approximately 150 healthy, active collegiate chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

SYMBOLS

Colours : King Blue and Gold
Official Hymn: Liebestraum
Open Motto: Diokete Hupsala - Aim High
Flower: American Beauty Rose
Stone: Sapphire
Symbol: Sphinx

The Fraternity symbols were chosen because they appealed to the Founders. Shirley Cohen Laufer chose the Sphinx because it is a mythological figure of mystery and secrecy for women. The American Beauty Rose was selected because of its statuesque beauty, and the balance of its sharp thorns and soft petals. Fay Chertkoff, Gwen Zaliels Snyder, and Estelle Melnick Cole literally locked themselves in a room together to write the first ritual. Gwen Zaliels Snyder designed the familiar sapphire-eyed Sphinxhead pin.

LOCAL HISTORY

Phi Sigma Sigma at the University of Windsor began December 12th, 1981 as a chapter of the Chi Delpheans, or Sisters of the White Rose. This organization served as sisters to the fraternity, Delta Chi. As Delta Chi began to remove these sister organizations nationally, the 12 members began to search for a sorority that suited them. They chose Phi Sigma Sigma.

Our first Archon was Linda Ottenbrite, and the sisters inhabited a University owned house on Sunset Avenue. A University councilor served as their advisor.

Our local founders are Susan Ash, Lorette Bergoine, Guiliana Bertoni, Pam Catlin, Nicole Damboise, Barbara Francis, Cathy Janisse, Anne Marie Lauzon, Linda Ottenbrite, Dawn O'Connell, Lorie Montague and Sandra Reaume.