Sigma Kappa Sorority

Sigma Kappa Sorority, founded on November 9, 1874, at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, is a social nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering lifelong connections among its members. The sorority was established by five pioneering women: Mary Caffrey Low Carver, Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, Ida Mabel Fuller Pierce, Frances Elliott Mann Hall, and Louise Helen Coburn, who were among the first women to attend Colby College.

History

Sigma Kappa emerged as a literary and social society during a period when women faced significant challenges in higher education. The founding members crafted a constitution and bylaws, which were approved by the college faculty, allowing the society to take shape. Originally, chapters were limited to 25 members, leading to the establishment of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma chapters at Colby. However, in 1893, the sorority members voted to stop expanding within Colby, focusing instead on national growth. This expansion began in earnest in 1904 with the installation of the Delta chapter at Boston University, marking Sigma Kappa's transition into a national organization. This development enabled Sigma Kappa to join the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) in 1905.

Philanthropy

Sigma Kappa is notably involved in various philanthropic initiatives. It has a long-standing partnership with the Maine Sea Coast Mission and supports gerontology research, with a special focus on Alzheimer's disease. The sorority also promotes environmental responsibility through the program "Inherit the Earth," launched in 1992.

Structure

Sigma Kappa operates through three distinct entities, each serving a specific purpose:

• Sigma Kappa Sorority: Encourages lifelong bonds among members while staying true to its intellectual and social roots.
• The Sigma Kappa Foundation: Enhances the lives of Sigma Kappa members by managing philanthropic funds.
• The Sigma Kappa National Housing Corporation: Focuses on providing safe and conducive living environments for members.

Membership and Chapters

Sigma Kappa has initiated over 226,000 members and currently maintains 119 active collegiate chapters and approximately 98 alumnae chapters across North America.

Symbols and Traditions

The sorority is recognizable through its colors, maroon and lavender, and its symbols, including the heart and dove. The wild purple violet is its official flower, and the pearl is designated as its jewel. Sigma Kappa annually celebrates November 9 as its Founders' Day.

Publications

The sorority publishes a magazine, Sigma Kappa Triangle, which serves as a platform for sharing member news and sorority-related announcements.

Values

Sigma Kappa values include personal growth, friendship, service, and loyalty, which are central to its mission of inspiring members to lead lives of purpose.