SORORITY DESCRIPTIONS
alpha Kappa Delta Phi
alpha Kappa Delta Phi was established at the University of California at Berkley in the fall of 1989 and recognized by the College Panhellenic Association on February 7, 1990. The founding sistes: Susan Kim, Fannie Pon, Jill Yoshimura, and Reina Yuan, dedicated themselves to establishing a strong and lasting organization which would provide Asian American women the opportunity to participate in the Greek system.
Soon after being recognized by the College Panhellenic Association the founding sisters brought together a diverse group of women who shared with them the goals of sisterhood, scholarship, and leadership. These ideals were to later set the foundation for alpha Kappa Delta Phi's purpose. The purpose of this Asian-American interest sorority is to promote sisterhood, scholarship, leadership, and Asian American awareness in the university and in the community, while encouraging the expression of the individual.
The sorority is composed of highly motivated women with diverse backgrounds, interests, and fields of study. Each woman, however, shares a strong bond of love, friendship, and sisterhood. With a supportive network of sisters, each woman can strive to fulfill her personal, academic, and career goals.
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Sigma Alpha National Sorority, Incorporated was founded on November 15, 1901 at Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia. The Zeta Iota Chapter was recognized at Stony Brook University on November 19, 1994. The sorority flowers are the narcissus and aster and the national philanthropy is the S. June Smith Foundation, which is a center for children with developmental delays and the Special Olympics.
The members of Alpha Sigma Alpha believe in and strive for the wellness and culture of each woman through intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social development. This development is promoted through the many activities in which the members are involved, such as; Toys for Tots, AIDS Walk Long Island, blood drives, and many other events both on and off campus. Alpha Sigma Alpha is sisterhood, heritage, and leadership.
Delta Sigma Theta
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1913 by twenty-two women that envisioned an organization of college educated women who were pledged to serious endeavor and community service. The sorority is a national public service organization that works from a five-point program whose main thrust is to lessen the inequalities that the underprivileged are faced with. The five points are: Educational Development, Economic Development, Political Awareness and involvement, International Awareness and Involvement, and Physical and Mental Health.
The Pi Delta Chapter at Stony Brook University has served the campus community by providing information on educational, health, and political issues since it was officially chartered on May 12, 1984. The sorority jewel is the pearl and the sorority flower is the African Violet.
Epsilon Sigma Phi
Epsilon Sigma Phi Sorority, Incorporated was established as the Pandoras on November 21, 1995. The Pandoras were the interest group of the sorority, which is built on the belief of finding common ground in diversity. The sorority was officially recognized by Stony Brook University on January 31, 1997 and since that time the women of Epsilon Sigma Phi have held strong to their purpose of enhancing the education of diverse cultures and have worked hard to support the differences that have united them as a whole.
In addition, the enhancement and participation in the general activities of the university, and the surrounding community, is a priority for the organization. The sorority's ultimate goal would be one of creating a healthier understanding within our society by helping to ease the fear of not belonging due to being different. The women of Epsilon Sigma Phi participate in such community service projects as raising funds for children living oversees and raising funds for the Sloane Kettering Memorial Hospital, which was established to help children suffering from cancer.
Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated was born out of the belief that an organization was needed, on the campus of Binghamton University, which would provide inspiration and education for both the students and the surrounding community. This sorority, which is cultural in nature, seeks to gather women together and teach them to find their own voices. These women, united by the bonds of sisterhood and vision, strive to educate each other about their individual Asian cultures and traditions, while also teaching each other about strength, which helps them to learn about their true identities.
Sisters of Kappa Phi Lambda reach out to the community through charitable works, and in this way, teach others about the beauty and complexity of Pan-Asian cultures. Three years after these women established the sorority it has grown past the boundaries of Binghamton University. Relatively young for a Greek organization, Kappa Phi Lambda has grown to include SUNY Buffalo, New York University, St. John's University, SUNY Stony Brook, and is presently involved in the recruitment of more potential sisters. The sorority's goal, as an institution, is to become a national sorority and to spread this vision and share our experiences with other exceptional women everywhere.
D.I.V.A.S. of Lambda Fe Uson
This organization was started in 1995 as a mere interest group. Shortly after the young ladies formed, this interest group's goals changed. This group of young women then came together with the making of a dream, the unification of African-American and Latina women. Ultimately this organization would grow to include women of all races and backgrounds. This group was narrowed down to seven founding sisters and two founding mothers. By means of hard work, dedication, and endurance this dream became a reality through the fostering of knowledge of historical, social, and cultural aspects of each of their respective ancestry on July 17, 1996.
The colors of Lambda Fe Uson are also an important symbol of what the organization stands for. Their primary colors are coffee and cream, and their secondary colors are black and silver. Lambda Fe Uson’s mascot is a white Bengal Tiger, which is a rare and yet beautiful creature. This also signifies the members themselves, as they are such special and unique young ladies. The meaning of Lambda Fe Uson is derived from Greek, Latin, and African backgrounds. Lambda, which is Greek, means unity. Fe, which is Spanish, means faith. Uson, which is African, means strength.
Lambda Theta Alpha
The year 1975 saw the birth of what started as a vision—an idea of an organization, a sisterhood that would cater to the needs of Latinas and the universal woman. Thanks to the tremendous strides made by our seventeen founding mothers, this dream was realized and took form as the entity Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated as the first Latina sorority in the nation.
More than 30 years later, we have seen the outcome of such an organization. Lambda Theta Alpha has contributed to the advancement of all people by helping to produce educated women of many races, ethnicities, and creeds. These women are political leaders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, and hold other influential positions. Lambda Theta Alpha has also paved the way for many other Latina organizations, which also strive to empower and educate the community. From 1975 to date, Lambda Theta Alpha has upheld its purpose and mission, each day realizing the Founder's dream—that it may serve as a quintessential trailblazer for all women.
In the Fall of 2002, the Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. at Stony Brook University was officially recognized by the organization and in the Fall of 2003 the group was officially recognized by the Stony Brook University. From the time that the group was first formed until 2005, the interest group remained very involved in campus life, using their leadership positions to serve the Stony Brook community as well as the Long Island and New York City communities. In the Spring of 2006, eighteen dedicated ladies began the journey towards becoming Founding Sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Incorporated at Stony Brook University. Their patience, characters, and motivation were tested, but they prevailed stronger than ever. Their dreams were realized. The fruits of all their labor, dedication, and sacrifice matured as four years of dreaming finally became their reality with the formation and establishment of Delta Zeta Chapter at Stony Brook University.
Omega Phi Beta
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on March 15, 1989 at the State University of New York at Albany by seventeen dedicated women of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. They came together because they realized the apathy toward Latina women and decided they wanted to initiate change. They agreed to create an organization to fight against the injustices historically suffered by our gender. Omega Phi Beta was established due to the desire of identifying with and establishing our culture as well as symbolizing order strength and unity. Our founders set their precedence and today, we as a whole stand alongside them and exemplify what our values of pride, honesty and beliefs of tradition and custom symbolize.
In the spring of 1998, six dedicated women saw a need for an organization that would exemplify professionalism, sisterhood, and educate the Stony Brook community and the community at large. On May 18th, 1998, Omega Phi Beta was officially recognized by the Department of Student Union and Activities at Stony Brook. Using our motto of "Serving and Educating through our Diversity" as our stronghold, we proved to be a guiding force on our campus and within the sorority. Together they struggled, always striving to become true leaders and mentors to those who may follow their path; but never forgetting their humble, yet valiant beginnings.
Phi Sigma Sigma
Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1913 at Hunter College, in New York City, New York. The chapter at Stony Brook University was chartered on April 30, 1988. The mascot of the sorority is Bugs Bunny. Phi Sigma Sigma's goals are to further scholastic achievement and promote philanthropic service.
The national philanthropy is the National Kidney Foundation and an annual Rock-a-thon is held to raise funds for this foundation. Every semester, Phi Sigma Sigma sisters visit the children's ward of the Health Science Center where they entertain children with a holiday party. The sorority also takes part in many other philanthropic services. Phi Sigma Sigma also supports major events at Stony Brook University such as Alcohol Awareness Week, Sexual Awareness Week, and Women’s History Month.
Sigma Delta Tau
Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Incorporated was founded at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York on March 27, 1917. The Beta Phi Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau was chartered at Stony Brook University on April 4, 1984, making it the oldest national sorority on the campus of Stony Brook University, as well as one of more than 50 chapters throughout the nation. Sigma Delta Tau is very involved in campus and community events while also stressing academics, responsibility, dedication, and trust.
Sigma Delta Tau is also involved in the social aspect of campus life as well. The sorority takes part in activities such as fraternity mixers, sister socials, and Greek barbecues. SDT also competes in the annual Fraternity and Sorority Week and in 1992 was the first place winner among the sororities. Sigma Delta Tau is very concerned with fundraising and philanthropy. The national philanthropy is the National Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse (NCPCA). Each semester, SDT holds parties and various fund-raisers for this charity. There are many different aspects of sorority life and the bonds of sisterhood are very special and last forever.
Sigma Gamma Rho
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, the distinguished ladies of Royal Blue and Gold, was founded on November 12, 1922, by seven young school teachers at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sorority mascot is the French Poodle and the sorority flower is the Yellow Tea Rose. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority has more than 400 undergraduate and alumna chapters throughout the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Africa, and over the last decade they have more than doubled its membership.
The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority slogan is "Greater Service, Greater Progress," which serves as the foundation for the objectives and activities of the organization. The organization is a non-profit, collegiate sorority dedicated to the encouragement and promotion of high scholastic attainment, community service, and the improvement of quality of life. The sorority locally, nationally, and internationally participates in many charitable projects including, but not limited to, Project Africare, Project Reassurance, the March of Dimes, Vocational Guidance Workshop, the NAACP, the United Negro College Fund, and many others.
The Lambda Tau Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, dedicates itself to greater community service for greater community progress. At Stony Brook University and throughout the surrounding communities, Lambda Tau sponsors various events, which include campus safety workshops, career workshops, panel discussions, cultural events, outreach programs, and scholarships. Lambda Tau and the Grand Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority volunteer for any and all programs geared towards the improvement of our community.
Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha
Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. was founded on September 29, 1990 by thirteen young dedicated women from SUNY Albany, SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY New Paltz, and Rensselaer Politechnic Institute. Our foundation lays in the word "hermandad," which means "sisterhood" in Spanish, and is derived from our Latin American roots.
We are united by our common goals and bonded by the ties of sisterhood. As an organization, we are committed to the community; dedicated to our personal empowerment through academic achievement; and continue to increase the awareness of our beautiful and diverse backgrounds. Today, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. has expanded rapidly throughout New York State, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, California, Texas and Michigan. The chapters are composed of undergraduate, graduate and professional women.
The basic goals of Sigma Iota Alpha are to strive towards the awareness of the Latino culture, to promote sisterhood and leadership and to stand for excellence and academic scholarship among women. We are dedicated to educating the community about the many diverse Latino cultures and other ethnic groups as well by fostering a sense of pride for our heritage. In doing so, we attempt to abolish ignorance, prejudice and racism in the community at large.
Our Sorority takes pride in our involvement with the community. We strive to serve the needy by participating in local, national, and international causes. Our commitment has led us to establish national philanthropies, including Camp Heartland, Children International, Walk America, Multiple Sclerosis, and Special Olympics. SIA offers a unique learning experience. In the sorority, you are always accepted as an intelligent and professional woman with integrity, self-respect and femininity. The sorority does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed or ability.
Sigma Iota Sigma
The Beta Chapter of Sigma Iota Sigma was founded on November 17, 2000 at Stony Brook University to give women a different option in Greek life. Their main goal was to form a non-hazing sorority that would offer women the opportunity to experience a sisterhood unlike any other.
The Grand Chapter started as little sisters of the Omega Delta Phi Fraternity at Nassau Community College. In the summer of 1992, the little sisters broke apart from Omega Delta Phi to start their own sorority. The Sigma Iota Sigma, Alpha Chapter was started in 1997 at The New York Institute of Technology in Islip, and remains in contact with the Stony Brook, Beta Chapter.
Sigma Iota Sigma stands for Sisterhood, Unity, and Trust. Their mascot is the Guardian Angel, and they fundraise to promote breast cancer research each year, as well as contributing to Habitat for Humanities and recently Up Til Dawn. The sisters of Sigma Iota Sigma also participate in many campus-wide events, including Homecoming and Greek Week.
Sigma Lambda Gamma
The purpose and aims of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated is primarily one of promoting standards of excellence in morality, ethics, and education. The organization works to better serve the needs and wants of all people by disseminating information about the diverse culture which we all share. The sorority maintains respect for the views of others through acceptance and thereby enhances understanding towards one another for the betterment of the community, the country, and the world. The Tenacious Tau Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma was founded at Stony Brook University in 1995 and was the first chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated to successfully expand into the Northeast region.
The sorority promotes the idea of diversity in its organization, which can be seen in its belief in celebrating the diversity of all of its members by exploring the richness and traditions of not only the Latina culture, but also all that it encompasses. This diverse array of cultures includes, but is not limited to, Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, and their many different mixtures. This positive belief in diversity can also be seen in the motto of Sigma Lambda Gamma: "Culture is Pride, Pride is Success/Cultura es Orgullo, Orgullo es Exito."
Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.
On December 1, 1987 at Binghamton University, Founding Mothers Cynthia Santiago-Guzman, Adriana Zamora-Tirado, Carmen Ibeth Garcia-Quinones and Carol Elizabeth Torres created an organization that would not only serve as a voice for women in an academic setting, but would also provide sincere sisterhood and unconditional support while actively promoting academic achievement, service to the community, and cultural enrichment. Over a decade and more than 30 campuses later, the Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority Inc. continue the legacy of our Founders' vision by effectively bridging the gap between the Latino community and the campuses we represent.
Today, almost 18 years later, our goals and ideals continue to be exemplified in all our Hermanas: Sisterhood, Leadership, Community Service, Cultural Awareness and Academic Excellence. Though Latina-based, Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. is a non-discriminatory organization made up of women from all cultures, creed, disabilities, political beliefs, and sexual preferences.
Starting in the Fall of 2001, a group of women were determined to find a sorority that matched their goals and ideals. Not finding such a group on their campus, they began to research other organizations and found what they were looking for in Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. The journey to establish a chapter of this amazing Hermandad at Stony Brook University officially began in Spring of 2002. Through the years, several dedicated women worked tirelessly alongside equally dedicated Hermanas. After three long years, a group of nine women successfully established the Alpha Delta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. at Stony Brook University in the Spring of 2005.
Theta Phi Alpha
The Beta Alpha Chapter of Theta Phi Alpha was founded on September 13, 1987 on the campus of Stony Brook University. Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity came into being at Ann Arbor, Michigan on August 30, 1912. The Theta Phis are a diverse group of women from many different backgrounds. They are enthusiastic and actively participate in many campus events such as Homecoming and Senior Week, as well as Intramurals and various other sporting events.
Theta Phi Alpha has been involved in the Special Olympics, blood drives, and Hope House. Their enthusiasm and involvement provides an exciting social atmosphere and an opportunity to become lifelong friends with many different women.