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.

Gamma Phi Beta ~ ΓΦΒ

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

Gamma Phi Beta was founded at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY -- November 11, 1874. During a time when it was looked down upon - or thought unnecessary - for women to receive a higher education, four women banded together to provide support for each other and others like them by forming a sorority. Gamma Phi Beta's four founding members were Helen M. Dodge, Francis E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham.

Dr. Erastus Haven - chancellor of Syracuse University at the time - enrolled his daughter into the school and maintained that women should have the opportunity to receive a higher education. Francis Haven was approached by the Alpha Phi Women's Fraternity (the only such organization at Syracuse at the time) but instead Haven decided to ask three friends if they would be interested in starting their own women's organization. They were delighted for the opportunity and with the help of Francis' father Dr. Haven, their brothers, two members from existing fraternities and college faculty they were able to form Gamma Phi Beta.

Gamma Phi Beta is part of the Syracuse Triad, which refers top the three sororities - or women's fraternities - founded at Syracuse University; Alpha Phi founded in 1972, Gamma Phi Beta founded in 1874 and Alpha Gamma Delta founded in 1907. All three of these sororities maintain a close bond.

There are currently 173 active chapters and 175+ alumnae chapters and 180,000 initiated members. The main goal of Gamma Phi Beta's philanthropic mission is to raise funds to support local camps. They have also partnered with Camp Fire USA and Girl Guides of Canada. According to the official Gamma Phi Beta website camping is very important to its members because:

"We strongly believe the experiences gained at camp play the same vital role in the lives of young girls today as they have in the past. Studies have shown a camping vacation benefits girls in ways that are remembered for a lifetime, and for that reason, it's a cause we resolutely support."

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.

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

 Alpha Xi Delta women's fraternity was founded April 17th, 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois. Ten young women at the college were seeking close friendships and wanted to form a national organization which would be dedicated to the personal growth of women. The original founders were Cora Bollinger Block, Alice Bartlett Bruner, Bertha Cook Evans, Harriett Luella McCollum, Lucy W. Gilmer, Lewie Strong Taylor, Almira Lowry Cheney, Francis Elizabeth Cheney, Eliza Drake Curtis Everton and Julia Maude Foster. Alpha Xi Delta is one of the oldest women's fraternities and was one of the 10 founding members of the National Panhellenic Conference.

Alpha Xi members are called to enrich the lives of women through sisterhood, leadership, knowledge and service. There are currently 113 chapters with over 150,000 members nationwide. They support each other through shared experience and understanding. According to the Alpha Xi Delta official website, their mission is as follows:

• Nurture unity and cooperation.
• Foster intellectual, professional, and personal growth.
• Exemplify the highest ethical conduct.
• Instill community responsibility.
• Perpetuate fraternal growth.

The Alpha Xi Delta women's fraternity let each chapter decide on what  groups or community activities they wanted to help with but on April 2,2009 they chose their official national philanthropy Autism Speaks. As their website states they have raised over 400,000 for this cause. 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with autism each year and Autism Speaks helps raised the funds needed for research and education. It also brings awareness and helps advocate for individuals with autism and their families.

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 is a women's fraternity that was founded at Syracuse University on September 18, 1872.  Alpha Phi was the third Greek-letter organization for women and was founded by Clara Bradley Wheeler Baker Brudette, Hattie Florence Chidester Lukens, Martha Emily Foote Crow, Ida Arabella Gilbert DeLamanter Houghton, Jane Sara Higham, Kate Elizabeth Hogoboom Gilbert, Elizabeth Grace Hubbell Shults, Rena A. Michaels Atchison, Louise Viola Shepard Hancock and Clara Sittser Williams.  These ten founders were pioneers when it came to higher education for women.

During this time in history it didn't seem necessary for women to attend colleges and universities but these women - and others like them - felt very differently. It wasn't an easy time and having the friendships and support of other women who were facing the same struggles made all the difference.

According to the Alpha Phi website their purpose is as follows:

The objectives of our Fraternity are the promotion of growth in character;
unity of feeling, sisterly affection, and social communion among our members.

In all that we do, we try to obey God's principles of justice and right. We have
banded ourselves together to improve our minds and hearts, and we seek to aid
each other through a constant watchcare always given in love.

We believe ourselves to be sincere searchers for truth.

We seek the highest ideal of womanhood, and we try to gain this
ideal by cultivating not only the power and passion for seeking
intellectual development but, also, the spirit of love and charity.

And we who are thus united are under a solemn pledge to lend
a helping hand to one another.

 ~ Constitution of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Incorporated, Article II

Alpha Phi are innovative thinkers and they are committed to empowering women. Through the Alpha Phi Foundation they officially adopted Cardiac Care and raise funds to support programs that focus on studying the symptoms of women's heart disease, its treatment and prevention.

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 Omicron Pi is a women's fraternity founded on January 2, 1897 -- at Barnard College for women on the campus of Columbia University in New York. Alpha Omicron Pi is a known as a women's fraternity -verses a sorority - because it came into being before the term sorority was commonly used, so it is officially considered a "fraternity for women."

The four founders Stella George Stern Perry, Helen St. Clair Mullen, Elizabeth Hayward Wyman,  and Jessie Wallace Hughan all met at the Columbia Law library to begin the women's fraternity. The badge was designed by Stella George Stern Perry who would later become Alpha Omicron Pi's president. Within one week of its founding, Alpha Omicron Pi initiated it's very first member, Anne Richardson Hall. These women were friendly, determined and fiercely devoted to one another and their purpose. As noted on the AOΠ website Stella Perry wrote:

 “that which makes our bond is promise certain of success. Let us follow our ensign devotedly, utterly and bravely. For our purpose cannot fail.”

There are now 189 chapters and 389 alumni chapters in the United States and Canada and it is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference. One of the main priorities of Alpha Omicron Pi is to be of service to others. Their official philanthropy is arthritis, juvenile arthritis and related diseases. It was chosen because arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the nation. It's international foundation has donated over a million dollars to arthritis research and it's members have donated countless hours to local community projects that benefit children the elderly and the less fortunate.