National History

The early 1900's were turbulent times. 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 — 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 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 (our first chapter archon), Alpha Chapter was installed at Hunter College.

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.

Three new members were accepted into Phi Sigma Sigma during the first year: Bert Markowitz Goldstein, Bell Heyman Hoffman, and Leontine Friedman. 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.

Today Phi Sigma Sigma maintains 110 healthy, active collegiate chapters throughout the United States and Canada. 

Local History

Phi Sigma Sigma emerged at Johnson & Wales University in March of 1989. The brothers of Chi Lambda Sigma (a local fraternity) had decided they wanted little sisters. On March 28, 1989, the fraternity initiated 29 little sisters. Their founding executive board was:
            President: Tricia Woodward
            Vice President: Lori Melenda
            Secretary: Lauren Schueck
            Treasurer: Sharon Geiger
            Sergeant-at-Arms: Lisa Vidulich
            New Member Educator: Amy Morrison
            Assistant NME: Alex Sheldon

The second pledge class of Chi Lambda Sigma little sisters were initiated on January 9, 1990. In September of the same year, the fraternity became nationally associated with Phi Sigma Kappa, and their little sisters became known as Chi Lambda Sigma sorority. On February 21, 1991, they were ribbon pinned as Phi Sigma Sigma pledge colony. Finally, November 2, 1991, they were installed as Phi Sigma Sigma's Zeta Lambda chapter.