On November 26, 1913 the Alpha Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma was founded at Hunter College in New York. Its 10 founding members; Lillian Gordon Alpern, Josephine Ellison Breakstone, Fay Chertkoff, Estelle Melnick Cole, Jeanette Lipka Furst, Ethel Gordon Kraus, Shirley Cohen Laufer, Claire Wunder McArdle, Rose Sher Seidman, and Gwen Zaliels Snyder had a very clear vision about the type of sorority they wanted to establish. They wanted to establish a nonsectarian sorority and welcomed women of all faiths and backgrounds. In fact, Phi Sigma Sigma was the first collegiate sorority of this kind. The founding members were definitely pioneers of their time.

According to the official Phi Sigma Sigma website, their core values are:

Lifelong Learning
As new members, as collegiate members and as alumnae, learning is a priority and we encourage our sisters to make the most of educational opportunities at our colleges and in our communities. Through education and challenging ourselves to reach new goals, we become women of influence and substance.

Inclusiveness
An inclusive sisterhood prepares its members for a world filled with diversity. By embracing our differences, we become a stronger organization that benefits not only our members, but those around us. We seek out and include women of various races, cultures, levels of ability, socioeconomic origin, backgrounds and perspectives.

Leadership through Service
Phi Sigma Sigma believes that a woman who serves is also a woman who leads. By serving others, our members become more valuable citizens, students, parents, workers and community leaders.

 

 

 

 

 

As stated in the Phi Sigma Sigma core values, philanthropy is exceptionally important to teaching leadership. The official philanthropy is the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation. This foundation provides scholarship and educational grants among other assistance for the members and alumnae. The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation also contributes to the National Kidney Foundation. It's members also work hard to raise funds and donate their time to local organizations as well.

Phi Mu ~ ΦΜ

Open Motto: "The Faith Sisters.
Mascot: The Lion "Sir Fidel"
Symbol: Quatrefoil
Colors: Rose and White
Flower: Rose Colored Carnation

Phi Mu is the second oldest women's fraternity in the nation. It was originally founded as  the secret society Philomathean Society on January 4, 1852 at Wesleyan College. It was founded by three dynamic young women who were pioneers of their time; Mary Elizabeth Myrick (Daniel), Mary Ann DuPont (Lines) and Martha Bibb Hardaway ( Redding). The came together to form this society to support and encourage one another, for friendship and sisterhood and to challenge each other academically. After many very successful years of growth and development, the Philomathean Society had achieved a lot of respect, recognition and prestige. August 1st, 1904 they were granted a charter to become a national and they adopted the Greek Letters Phi Mu. Mary Ann DuPont (Lines) was the only one of the three founders to see the Philomathean Society become Phi Mu. In 1911 Phi Mu became a proud member of the National Panhellenic Conference. There are currently 115 chapters and they boast over 175,00o collegiate members.

THE CREED OF PHI MU FRATERNITY

To lend to those less fortunate a helping hand.
To think of God as a protector and guide of us all.
To keep forever sacred the memory of those we have loved and lost.
To be to others what we would they would be to us.
To keep our lives gentle, merciful and just,
Thus being true to the womanhood of love.

To walk in the way of honor, guarding the purity of our thoughts and deeds.
Being steadfast in every duty small or large.
Believing that our given word is binding.
Striving to esteem the inner man above culture, wealth or pedigree.
Being honorable, courteous, tender,
Thus being true to the womanhood of honor.

To serve in the light of truth avoiding egotism, narrowness and scorn.
To give freely of our sympathies.
To reverence God as our Maker, striving to serve Him in all things.
To minister to the needy and unfortunate.
To practice day by day love, honor, truth.
Thus keeping true to the meaning, spirit and reality of Phi Mu. 

From the official Phi Mu website ~ www.phimu.org

The members of Phi Mu do so much to help each other, their community and the Children's Miracle Network. Phi Mu strives to raise 500,000 annually for Children's Miracle Network, which they donate to one of the 170 CMN hospitals nationwide. They contribute their time, treasure and resources to assist those in need.

Kappa Kappa Gamma ~ ΚΚΓ

Open Motto: N/A
Mascot: Owl
Symbol: Fleur-de-Lis, Key
Jewel: Sapphire
Colors: Dark Blue and Light Blue
Flower: Fleur-de-Lis

On October 13th, 1870 Kappa Kappa Gamma women't fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. It is said that in the late 1860's two friends Mary Louise Bennett and Hannah Jeannette Boyd were frustrated that there weren't any women's organizations similar to men's fraternities.  At a time when very few women were encouraged to seek higher education, the women who were at these colleges and universities needed the support and sisterhood that a women's organization could provide.  Soon after their initial discussion the recruited 4 other women; Mary Moore Stewart, Anna Elizabeth Willits, Martha Louisa Stevenson and Susan Burley Walker. As noted on the official Kappa Kappa Gamma website:

"Kappa's six Founders were exceptional young women who believed they could take on the world and create something totally new. Taught to love learning and literature, these educated ladies not only originated the idea of Kappa Kappa Gamma but wrote its constitution, planned its motto and chose its badge and name."

There are strict regulations regarding the Kappa Kappa Gamma badges, which since it's founding have been golden keys. Member are discouraged from loaning their badges to those who are not initiated members because they represent membership. As noted on the KKG website, it is strongly recommended that badges be returned to the main headquarters upon a member's death. This is to help ensure that only initiated members are in possession if these keys.

Currently there are 138 chapter and over 240,000 collegiate members nationwide. They are all strong women who support each other through their endeavors and they also active members in their community through their philanthropy. In addition, these caring women have also partnered with RIF - Reading is Fundamental. They share their time, treasure and talent to help young people discover the joys of reading.

•  

  Kappa Delta ~ ΚΔ

   

  Open Motto: "Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest
  Mascot: Teddy Bear
  Symbol: Nautilus Shell, Katydid, Dagger|
  Jewel: Diamond, Emerald, Pearl 
  Colors: Olive Green and Pearl White
  Flower: White Rose

  
  

  
  

  In the fall of 1897, four friends gathered together to found the sorority Kappa Delta. In Farmville, Virginia  - at the State  Female Normal School  (now Longwood University) -  Lenora Ashmore Blackiston, Julia Gardiner Tyler Wilson, Sara Turner White and Mary Sommerville Sparks Hendrick came together to found Kappa Delta. Their objective, as stated on the official Kappa Delta website, was (and is):

  "The object of Kappa Delta Sorority is the formation and perpetuation of good fellowship, friendship and sisterly love among its members; the encouragement of literature and education; the promotion of social interest; and the furtherance of charitable and benevolent purposes."
  

  

   

  On October 23rd, 1897  Kappa Delta officially became a sorority. It is noted that Kappa Delta was the first sorority to be accepted to the National Panhellenic Conference as soon as they petitioned to join. Today there are 142 active chapters and 516 alumnae chapters and they are now headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. There are also more that 230,000 members throughout the world.

   

  Philanthropy is a huge part of Kappa Delta life. They work hard in their community and for each other. They also support four national charities; Prevent Child Abuse America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Orthopaedic Research Awards, and Children's Hospital of Richmond, Virginia.

Kappa Alpha Theta ~ ΚΑΘ

Open Motto: "Faith, Hope, Love."
Mascot: Kite
Symbol: Key
Colors: Black and Gold
Flower: Black and Gold Pansy

Kappa Alpha Theta was founded in 1870 and was the very first Greek-Letter organization for women. At a time when it was rare for women to obtain a higher education, there were those who knew their potential, wanted to pursue their dreams and knew that they could do great things with the education they would receive if just given the chance. At what is now DePauw University (formerly Indiana Asbury) four women came together to start an organization where women could support and encourage one another. The original founders of Kappa Alpha Theta were Elizabeth McReynolds Locke Hamilton, Alice Olive Allen Brant, Elizabeth Tipton Lindsey, and Hannah Virginia Finch Shaw.

Elizabeth (Betty) Locke was the one who originally decided to establish a women's fraternity. She had contacts with two of the fraternities  on campus; Beta Theta Pi which was her father's fraternity and Phi Gamma Delta which was the fraternity her brother belonged to. The members of Phi Gamma Delta had asked Betty to wear their letters as a supporter (not an actual member) for the fraternity but she did not feel comfortable doing that since she was not privy to the secrets and purposes that the letters represented. Instead - with her father's encouragement - Betty decided to start a women's fraternity and along with the other three founders started Kappa Alpha Theta. They got their constitution drawn up and badges designed, which  they wore them proudly. In March 1870 Kappa Alpha Theta became the very first Greek-letter women's organization.

Today Kappa Alpha Theta boasts over 170 college chapters and 190 alumnae chapters throughout the Unites States and Canada. They have 210,00o+ collegiate members.  As noted on the official Kappa Alpha Theta website their values consists of "Scholarship, service, leadership, personal excellence, and friendship/sisterhood." Of course, philanthropy is a huge part of Theta life and in 1989 they partnered with CASA  - which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate - as their international philanthropy.  CASA is made up of community volunteer who fight to protect the rights and dignity of children.

Delta Zeta ~ ΔΖ

Open Motto: N/A
Mascot: Turtle
Jewel: Diamond
Colors: Rose Pink and Nile Green
Flower: Pink Killarney Rose
Badge: Roman Lamp

1902 was an exciting time for the women of Oxford, Ohio who wanted to obtain higher education from Miami University. When Dr. Guy Potter Benton was elected as the  president of the University one of his first actions was to allow women into Miami University in the fall of that year. It didn't take long for a group of six very bright young women; Alfa Lloyd Hayes, Mary Jane Collins, Anna Louise Keen, Julia Lawrence Bishop, Mabelle May Minton, and Anne Dial Simmons to come together with common goals and ideals and form Delta Zeta. It was to be the first women's fraternity to be established at Miami University in Oxford, OH - which is known as the "Mother of Fraternity" because many prominent men's fraternities that originated there.

It wasn't an easy go for the founders of Delta Zeta. It is reported that at one point their constitution was stolen but Dr. Benton was able to get the offenders to return it and on October 24th, 1902 it was formally established by the state of Ohio. The Delta Zeta Creed really explains so much about this women's fraternity and her members:

Delta Zeta Creed

To the world,
I promise temperance and insight and courage,
To crusade for justice,
To seek the truth and defend it always:
To those whom my life may touch in slight measure,
May I give graciously
Of what is mine;
To my friends,
Understanding and appreciation;
To those closer ones,
Love that is ever steadfast;
To my mind,
Growth;
To myself,
Faith
That I may walk truly
In the light of the Flame.
–– Dorothy Mumford Williams, Alpha Zeta (Adelphi University) (1939)

(Via Wikipedia)

 Another important aspect of the women's fraternity Delta Zeta, is philanthropy and service. They have made speech and hearing their main priority and Delta Zeta has nationally partnered with The Starkey Hearing Foundation, Gallaudet University and the House Research Institute. Each chapter also helps to support local organizations that are committed to this cause. 

Delta Zeta's other national philanthropy is The Painted Turtle, which helps to provide a camp experience for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses. According to the official Delta Zeta website:

Delta Zeta supports The Painted Turtle camp as one of its national philanthropies through fundraising, donating items on The Painted Turtle's wish list, and via our collegiate and alumnae members who volunteer their time to the camp, helping the children that it serves.

Visit The Painted Turtle camp at http://www.thepaintedturtle.org/turtle/

Delta Delta Delta ~ ΔΔΔ

• Open Motto: "Let us steadfastly love one another."
  Mascot: Dolphin
  Jewel: Pearl
  Colors: Silver, Gold, Cerulean Blue
  Flower: Pansy

The women's fraternity Delta Delta Delta is also known as Tri Delta. It was founded in November 1888 by Sarah Ida Shaw, Eleanor Dorcas Pond,  Florence Isabelle Stewart and Isabel Morgan Breed At Boston University. During this time in history women were just starting to slowly enter the world of higher education. Many of these young women came to rely on others like them who were paving the way for a whole new generation of women. This was a time when public opinion was that women didn't need higher education because there were very few women in the workplace at this time; in fact women weren't even allowed to vote.

Although there were already three women's organizations on the Boston University campus Sarah Ida Shaw wanted to start a women's fraternity that was different from the others. It is noted on Tri Delta's Official Website  that she said to her friend Eleanor Dorcas Pond:

"Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance."

So the two enthusiastic friends set out to create the organization they both envisioned. They got to work writing the constitution, rituals and designing an emblem. From the very beginning these two friends pour their heart and soul into the sorority. They set a strong foundation before the official founding took place. Delta Delta Delta was also the first organization to be founded without the help of a men's fraternity. Tri Delta was not a weak struggling sorority -- instead their numbers grew and quickly surpassed a new chapter of Gamma Phi Beta. They were a strong tightly knit group of devoted sisters.

Today Delta Delta Delta has 180 Chapters (in the US and Canada) and since it's founding in 1888, it has welcomed 235,000 members into the Tri Delta Sisterhood.

As noted on the Tri Delta website their purpose is:

"THE PURPOSE OF DELTA DELTA DELTA shall be to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way.

IT SHALL ALSO BE THE PURPOSE OF DELTA DELTA DELTA to promote and develop mutually beneficial relationships between the Fraternity and the colleges and universities where the Fraternity has established chapters, to develop qualities of unselfish leadership among its members, and to encourage them to assume, with integrity and devotion to moral and democratic principles, the highest responsibilities of college women." 

The Tri Deltas also do all they can to help their members and to give improve their community. They volunteer their time and talents to many causes and their national philanthropy is Children's Cancer Research and they partner with St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Chi Omega ~ ΧΩ

Open Motto: "Hellenic Culture and Christian Ideals."
Mascot: Owl
Jewel: Diamond, Pearl
Colors: Cardinal and straw
Flower: White Carnation

Chi Omega women's fraternity was founded April 5, 1895 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The women founders, Ina Mae Boles, Jean Vincenheller, Joebelle Holcombe and Alice Simonds came together during  new and promising time in history. They embraced their independence and moved forward to blaze a trail for all the other women who would come after them Dr. Charles Richardson of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity also helped to found Chi Omega. According to the official Chi Omega website Dr. Richardson was a dentist by trade and crafted the first badge of dental gold.

According to Chi Omega's official website, the women's fraternity was originally founded with the intent of becoming a national organization and expanding all across the country. Each time a new chapter was established, current members would write warm letters of welcome and congratulations. In the 1900's philanthropy was of the greatest importance to the women's fraternity. They gave of their time, talents and raised money to help local organizations as well. It was also the first organization of it's kind to make a substantial gift to a University.

Today Chi Omega has 174 collegiate chapters and over 230 alumni chapters. The Chi Omega Foundation was established in 1982 to help fund the educational goals of the women's fraternity. The organization has always put philanthropy at the top of their to-do list. From the very beginning they worked hard to make a difference in their communities but in 2002 they announced the Chi Omega/Make-a-Wish Alliance. So, in addition to helping out in their communities they are also making a difference nationally through Make-a-Wish. According to the Chi Omega website they have donated over 6.4 million dollars and 400,000 volunteers hours to this worthwhile organization.

Chi Omega provides its members with the tools they need to excel in the real world and to become successful in whatever they choose to do. They will have enormous support from members and alumnae throughout their lives.

Sorority gift ideas...

If you have a sorority girl on your Christmas list we have got some fantastic Christmas gift ideas for you. As you probably know, young women who belong to a sorority are fiercely loyal and dedicated to their organization. They are also very proud to wear their Greek letters and the mascots that represent their sorority. At Charming Chick we carry a large selection of  licensed Greek jewelry as well as many of the mascots that are used.

Don't know what the letters or the mascot is for a particular sorority? No problem. We have complied a list for you and all you have to do is click on the name of the sorority you are looking for or the highlighted mascot for that sorority and you will be directed to the corresponding merchandise. This should give you some great gift ideas. We have also included a few other facts about each Greek organization so when you present the Christmas gift you can also dazzle her with your knowledge about her sorority. Just the fact that you care enough to take an interest in something that is so special and meaningful to her, will be a huge gift.

• Alpha Chi Omega ~ ΑΧΩ

   

  Open Motto: “Together let us seek the heights.”
  Mascot: Butterfly
  Symbol:  Grecian Lyre
  Colors: Scarlet and Olive Green
  Flower: Red Carnation

   

  Alpha Delta Pi ~ ΑΔΠ

   

  Open Motto: “We Live For Each Other”
  Mascot: The Lion (nicknamed Alphie)
  Jewel: The Diamond
  Colors: Azure Blue and White
  Flower: Woodland Violet

   

   

   Alpha Gamma Delta ~ ΑΓΔ

   

  Open Motto: “Inspire the woman. Impact the world.”
  Mascot: Squirrel
  Jewel: Pearl
  Colors: Red, buff and green
  Flower: Red and buff rose

   

   

   

   

  Alpha Epsilon Phi ~ AEΦ

   

  Open Motto: “Many hearts. One Purpose.”
  Mascot: Giraffe
  Jewel: Pearl
  Colors: Green and White
  Flower: Lily of the Valley

   

   

   

  Alpha Kappa Alpha ~ ΑΚΑ

   

  Open Motto: “By Culture and By Merit.”
  Mascot: None
  Symbol: Ivy Leaf
  Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green
  Flower: Tea Rose

   

   

   

   

  Alpha Omicron Pi ~ AOΠ

   

  Open Motto: “One motto, One Badge, One Bond and Singleness of Heart.”
  Mascot: Panda
  Jewel: Ruby
  Colors: Cardinal
  Flower: Jacqueminot Rose

   

   

   

  Alpha Phi ~ ΑΦ

   

  Open Motto: “Union hand in hand.”
  Mascot: Phi Bear
  Symbol: Ivy Leaf
  Colors: Bordeaux and Silver
  Flower: Lily of the Valley and Forget Me Not

   

   

   

  Alpha Phi Omega ~ ΑΦΩ

   

  Open Motto: “Be a Leader. Be a Friend. Be of Service.”
  Mascot: Golden Eagle
  Symbol: Sturdy Oak
  Jewel: Diamond
  Colors: Royal Blue and Old Glory Gold
  Flower: Forget-me-not

   

   

   

  Alpha Sigma Alpha ~ AΣA

   

  Open Motto: “Aspire, Seek Attain.”
  Mascot: Dot the Lady Bug
  Symbol: Phoenix
  Jewel: Pearl, Ruby
  Colors: Crimson, Pearl White, Palm Green and Gold
  Flower: Narcissus and Aster

   

   

   

  Alpha Sigma Tau ~AΣΤ

   

  Open Motto: “Active, Self-reliant, Trustworthy.”
  Mascot: They encourage each local chapter to choose their own mascot.
  Symbol: Anchor
  Jewel: Pearl
  Colors: Emerald Green and Gold
  Flower: Yellow Rose

   

   

   

  Alpha XI Delta ~ AΞΔ

   

  Open Motto: “The quill  is mightier than the sword.”
  Mascot: Betxi Bear
  Symbol: Quill
  Colors: Double Blue and Gold
  Flower: Pink Killarney Rose

   

   

   

  Chi Omega ~ ΧΩ

   

  Open Motto: "Hellenic Culture and Christian Ideals."
  Mascot: Owl
  Jewel: Diamond, Pearl
  Colors: Cardinal and straw
  Flower: White Carnation

   

   

   

  Delta Delta Delta ~ ΔΔΔ

   

  Open Motto: "Let us steadfastly love one another."
  Mascot: Dolphin
  Jewel: Pearl
  Colors: Silver, Gold, Cerulean Blue
  Flower: Pansy

   

   

   

  Delta Gamma ~ ΔΓ

   

  Open Motto: "Do Good."
  Mascot: Hannah Doll
  Symbol: Anchor
  Colors: Bronze, Pink and Blue
  Flower: The Delta Gamma Cream Colored Rose

   

   

   

  Delta Zeta ~ ΔΖ

   

  Open Motto: N/A
  Mascot: Turtle
  Jewel: Diamond
  Colors: Rose Pink and Nile Green
  Flower: Pink Killarney Rose
  Badge: Roman Lamp

   

   

   

  Delta Phi Epsilon ~ ΔΦΕ

   

  Open Motto: "To be rather than to seem to be."
  Mascot: Unicorn
  Jewel: Pearl
  Colors: Royal Purple and Pure Gold
  Flower: The lovely purple iris

   

   

   

   

  Delta Phi Lambda ~ ΔΦΛ 

   

  Open Motto: "Let Our Light Shine Forth."
  Mascot: Butterfly
  Jewel: Jade
  Colors: Navy blue and silver
  Flower: Blue Rose

   

   

   

  Gamma Phi Beta ~ ΓΦΒ

   

  Open Motto: "Founded Upon a Rock."
  Mascot: White Seal
  Symbol: Crescent
  Colors: Brown and Mode
  Flower: Pink Carnation

   

   

   

  Kappa Alpha Theta ~ ΚΑΘ

   

  Open Motto: "Faith, Hope, Love."
  Mascot: Kite
  Symbol: Key
  Colors: Black and Gold
  Flower: Black and Gold Pansy

   

   

   

  Kappa Delta ~ ΚΔ

   

  Open Motto: "Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest
  Mascot: Teddy Bear
  Symbol: Nautilus Shell, Katydid, Dagger|
  Jewel: Diamond, Emerald, Pearl 
  Colors: Olive Green and Pearl White
  Flower: White Rose

   

   

   

  Kappa Kappa Gamma ~ ΚΚΓ

   

  Open Motto: N/A
  Mascot: Owl
  Symbol: Fleur-de-Lis, Key
  Jewel: Sapphire
  Colors: Dark Blue and Light Blue
  Flower: Fleur-de-Lis

   

   

   

  Kappa Phi Lambda  ~ ΚΦΛ

   

  Open Motto: "Sisterhood, Service and Social Diversity."
  Mascot: Phoenix
  Jewel: Diamond
  Colors: Scarlet Red, White, Heather Grey
  Flower: Orchid

   

   

   

  Phi Mu ~ ΦΜ

   

  Open Motto: "The Faith Sisters."
  Mascot: The Lion "Sir Fidel"
  Symbol: Quatrefoil
  Colors: Rose and White
  Flower: Rose Colored Carnation

   

   

   

   

  Phi Sigma Sigma ~ ΦΣΣ

   

  Open Motto: "Aim High"
  Mascot: Sphinx
  Jewel: Sapphire
  Colors: King Blue and Gold
  Flower: American Beauty Rose

   

   

   

   

  Pi Beta Phi ~ ΠΒΦ

   

  Mascot: Angel
  Symbol: Arrow
  Colors: Wine and Silver Blue
  Flower: Wine Carnation

   

   

   

  Sigma Delta Tau ~ ΣΔΤ

   

  Open Motto: "One hope of many people."
  Mascot: Teddy Bear
  Jewel: Lapis Lazuli
  Colors: CafèAu Lait and Blue
  Flower: Golden Tea Rose

   

   

   

  Sigma Kappa ~ ΣΚ

   

  Open Motto: One Heart, One Way."
  Mascot: Dove, Heart
  Jewel: Pearl
  Colors: Maroon and Lavender
  Flower: Wild Purple Violet 

   

   

   

  Sigma Sigma Sigma ~ ΣΣΣ

   

  Open Motto: "Faithful unto death."
  Mascot: Sailboat
  Jewel: Pearl
  Colors: Royal Purple and White
  Flower: Purple Violet

   

   

   

  Theta Phi Alpha ~ ΘΦΑ

   

  Open Motto: "Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring."
  Mascot: Penguin
  Symbol: Compass
  Jewel: Sapphire, Pearl
  Colors: Blue, Gold, Silver
  Flower: White Rose

   

   

   

  Zeta Tau Alpha ~ ΖΤΑ

   

  Open Motto: "Seek the noblest."
  Mascot: Crown, strawberry
  Colors: Turquoise, Steel Grey
  Flower: White Violet

  
  

  
  

  We hope this list has helped to give you some gift ideas for your sorority girl. We care about our customers and want to ensure their Christmas gifts arrive on time. Please take a look at our Christmas Delivery Guarantee for shipping deadlines and deals.