History of Phi Sigma Sigma

In 1913, when college was primarily for wealthy men, academic women were a new breed and skirt lengths were no higher than six inches above the floor. In this climate, ten Hunter High School lunchmates, committed to strength in friendship and the act of giving, founded Phi Sigma Sigma at Hunter College in New York City.

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. Looking below, you will see the pictures of our ten founders, and the two sisters who started it all - Lillian Gordon Alpern and Ethel Gordon Kraus.

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.