Gamma Sigma Sigma
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gamma Sigma Sigma (ΓΣΣ) |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Founded | October 12, 1952 Beekman Tower, New York, NY |
| Type | Service |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | Unity in Service |
| Colors | Maroon and White |
| Symbol | Shepherd's Crook, Omicron |
| Flower | White Rose |
| Publication | Perspectives |
| Chapters | 62 active collegiate chapters, 22 active alumni chapters |
| Free label | Service, Friendship and Equality |
| Headquarters | PO Box 248 Rindge, New Hampshire, USA |
| Homepage | http://www.gammasigmasigma.org |
Gamma Sigma Sigma (ΓΣΣ) is a national service sorority founded in October of 1952 at Beekman Tower in New York City. by representatives of Boston University, Brooklyn College, Drexel Institute of Technology,Los Angeles City College, New York University, Queens College, and the University of Houston. Their intention was to form a nationally-based service organization. The purpose of Gamma Sigma Sigma is "to assemble college and university students in the spirit of service to humanity and to develop friendship among students of all races and creeds".
Contents |
[edit] Historical Background
On October 10th-12th 1952, representatives from eight colleges and universities met at Beekman Tower in New York City.
Represented were groups from Boston University,Brooklyn College, Drexel University, Los Angeles City College, University of Miami, New York University, Queens College, and University of Houston. During the weekend, the representatives from these groups decided on the name Gamma Sigma Sigma, the colors of Maroon and White and charters were given to these groups.[1][2] As the group from University of Miami did not commit to membership at the founding meeting, they are not counted as a founding group.
| School | Original Group Name | Assigned Chapter Name |
|---|---|---|
| University of Houston | Alpha Gamma Chi | Alpha |
| Brooklyn College | Booster Squad | Beta |
| Los Angeles City College | Alpha Gamma Chi | Gamma |
| New York University | Women's Service Organization | Delta |
| Boston University | Omega Service Sorority | Epsilon |
| Drexel University | Gamma Sigma Sigma | Zeta |
| University of Miami | Eta [a] | |
| Queens College | Phi Gamma | Theta |
a. ^ The group from University of Miami did not attend the final day of convention. Eta Chapter was reserved for this group. They later joined as Upsilon Chapter in 1958.
[edit] About Gamma Sigma Sigma
All chapters, collegiate and alumni, are required to perform a defined number of service hours during the year as set forth in national and chapter bylaws.
Projects range from nationally sponsored causes to individual dedications, and chapters/individuals may be awarded for their efforts. Each member of the organization brings individual talents, skills and ideas to the organization, uniting in the spirit of service.
Each individual University chapter is led by an executive board. The officers of the chapters hold the offices of President, Service Vice President, Membership Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary, Public Relations Coordinator, National Representative, and Alumni Liaison, all of whom, except the Parliamentarian, shall be elected by membership. The President shall appoint the Parliamentarian.
At each National Convention, two special project areas are chosen by the delegation for special emphasis during the following biennium. These areas, known as Project I.M.P.A.C.T. (Individuals Making Progress Across Communities Together), encourage participation by all members, and help to establish relations with other national charitable organizations.
In addition to Project I.M.P.A.C.T. area suggestions and individual chapter projects, Gamma Sigma Sigma, as an organization, partners with charitable organizations to provide a combined, concentrated level of service to the nation. These affiliations are many, though the longest standing partnership is with the national March of Dimes. The sorority's national service partners include: March of Dimes, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and M.A.D.D.
Chapters/Members participating in special emphasis projects are given recognition for their service through award competitions and certificate presentations.[3]
The governing body of Gamma Sigma Sigma is the National Convention, held biennially in odd-numbered years. The National Board of Directors, elected at each National Convention, coordinates sorority activities in accordance with organizational bylaws and policy. National staff members assist in administrative functions.[1]
[edit] Membership
Gamma Sigma Sigma is not selective. The sorority does not discriminate based on race, sex, or gender nor do they tolerate hazing in any form. Membership is determined by guidelines set by each chapter, within guidelines set by the national organization and academic institution. These tasks are in direct relationship to both chapter and national service programs. Members-in-training are not required to perform personal services for members, or any activity that can be construed as hazing. Gamma Sigma Sigma also accepts individuals who are members of other organizations, including social sororities, into its membership.
[edit] National Conventions
- Women of the year who also received National Honorary membership.[4]
[edit] Active Chapters and Colonies as of April 24, 2008
Current Active Collegiate Chapters and Colonies [10]
- Zeta - Drexel University
- Tau - Pennsylvania State University
- Chi - University of Georgia
- Alpha Eta - Howard University
- Alpha Iota - University of Minnesota Duluth
- Alpha Pi - University of Wisconsin, Stout
- Alpha Psi - Southeast Missouri State University
- Beta Gamma - University of Delaware
- Beta Delta - University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
- Beta Zeta - Tuskegee University
- Beta Theta - Texas Wesleyan University
- Beta Sigma - Western Kentucky University
- Beta Phi - Lynchburg College
- Beta Chi - Lebanon Valley College
- Beta Psi - Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Gamma Alpha - Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Gamma Delta - Duquesne University
- Gamma Eta - Utica College of Syracuse University
- Gamma Theta - Stephen F. Austin State University
- Gamma Kappa - University of Tennessee
- Gamma Pi - Carson-Newman College
- Gamma Phi - St. Francis University
- Gamma Chi - Texas State University-San Marcos
- Delta Nu - University of Maine, Orono
- Delta Xi - Missouri State University
- Delta Sigma - Samford University
- Delta Upsilon - SUNY Potsdam
- Delta Phi - Dillard University
- Delta Chi - East Carolina University
- Delta Omega - La Salle University
- Epsilon Beta - Clemson University
- Epsilon Eta - Florida Memorial College
- Epsilon Nu - Bethune-Cookman University
- Epsilon Xi - Moravian College
- Epsilon Upsilon - University of Florida
- Epsilon Psi - Tennessee State University
- Zeta Beta - University of St. Thomas
- Zeta Epsilon - Austin Peay State University
- Zeta Iota - Prairie View A&M University
- Zeta Lambda - Temple University
- Zeta Nu - Slippery Rock University
- Zeta Xi - North Georgia College and State University
- Zeta Omicron - Georgia College and State University
- Zeta Rho - Marquette University
- Zeta Sigma - McDaniel College
- Zeta Tau - Georgia State University
- Zeta Psi - Mississippi Valley State University
- Zeta Omega - Clark Atlanta University
- Eta Alpha - Georgia Southern University
- Eta Beta - Francis Marion University
- Eta Gamma - Murray State University
- Eta Delta - James Madison University
- Eta Epsilon - University of West Georgia
- Eta Zeta - Spelman College
- Colony - University of North Texas
- Colony - University of Central Florida
- Colony - Madonna University
- Colony - Henderson State University
- Colony - University of Texas-Dallas
- Colony - Middle Tennessee State University
- Zeta Upsilon Reactivating Chapter - Ohio State University
Active Alumni Chapters and Colonies [11]
- Atlanta Metropolitan Alumni Chapter- Georgia
- Bluegrass Alumni Chapter - Kentucky
- Central New England Alumni Chapter - Vermont/New Hampshire/Massachusetts
- Cherry Blossom Alumni Chapter - Washington, DC metro area
- Cottonball Alumni Chapter - Missouri
- Dogwood Alumni Colony - Knoxville, TN
- Empire Alumni Chapter - New York
- Gateway Alumni Chapter - Missouri
- Gemini Alumni Chapter – Philadelphia/Tri State Area, Pennsylvania
- Greater Baltimore Alumni Chapter - Maryland
- Houston- Bayou City Alumni Chapter - Texas
- Lone Star Alumni Chapter - Dallas, Texas
- Mid-Jersey Shore Alumni Chapter - New Jersey
- Nutmeg Alumni Chapter - Connecticut
- Philadelphia Alumni Chapter - Pennsylvania
- Pine Tree Alumni Chapter - Maine
- Southern White Rose Alumni Colony - Alabama
- Twin Cities Alumni Chapter - Minnesota
- Yellow Rose Alumni Chapter - Houston, Texas
- White Rose Alumni Chapter - Tennessee
- Buckeye City Alumni Colony - Columbus, Ohio
- Omicron Alumni Colony - Tallahassee, Florida
- Steele City Alumni Colony-Pittsburgh, PA and western PA
- Dogwood Alumni Colony
[edit] Notable Alumni
- Karen House - Howard University- Howard University Bison Express
- Dr. Janette Hoston Harris - Alpha Delta, Southern University - civil rights activist, DC Government Official
- Jessye Norman - Howard University - opera singer
National Honorary Members
- Barbara Bush - National Honorary Member (1987)- first lady
- Mae Jemison M.D. - National Honorary Member - first African-American woman to travel to space
- P. Buckley Moss - National Honorary Member (1991)[4] - Artist
- Pat Mitchell - National Honorary Member (1993)[4] - "Auntie Litter"
- Ellen Ahlgren - National Honorary Member (1995)[4] - Founder of ABC Quilts
- Patricia Wetterling - National Honorary Member (1997)[4] - Founder of the Jacob Wetterling Foundation
- Karolyn Nunnallee -National Honorary Member (1999)[4] - President of MADD
- Beatrice Gaddy - National Honorary Member (2001)[4] - Founder of Bea Gaddy's Family Center
- Amy Callahan -National Honorary Member (2003)[4] - Founder and President of the Better Days Foundation
- Barbara Irvine - National Honorary Member (2005) - Founder of Alice Paul's Institute/Women's Rights
- Liz Scott - National Honorary Member (2007) Founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ a b [http://www.gammasigmasigma.org/gss_mission-history.htm Gamma Sigma Sigma Mission-History
- ^ [http://studentorganizations.missouristate.edu/gammasigmasigma/history.htm History page for Gamma Sigma Sigma at Missouri State
- ^ Gamma Sigma Sigma Service
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai The Staff –– History (2003)
- ^ a b c d e Passing of Marvyn Glover
- ^ a b Spring 2005 Perspectives
- ^ Event Center
- ^ a b Spring 2007 Perspectives
- ^ Convention Landing
- ^ http://www.gammasigmasigma.org/Members/our_organization.htm
- ^ http://www.gammasigmasigma.org/Members/our_organization.htm
| Gamma Sigma Sigma National Presidents |
|
| Barbara Ferraro, 1952-1955 | Margaret Zimmerman, 1955-1957 | Norma Jean McKenty, 1957-1959 | Annell Hargraves, 1959-1961 | Denise Fecketter, 1961-1963 | Barbara Stabler 1963-1965 | Mary Lou Bartley, 1965-1967 | Charlotte Mendoza, 1967-1969 | Barbara Macarillo, 1969-1971 | Mary Scout 1971-1975 | Rosalie Powell, 1975-1977 | Christina Tomczak, 1977-1981 | Maryjane Cass Burdge 1981-1985 | Sue Majeski, 1985-1987 | Mary Ann Carr, 1987-1989 | Patricia Saul, 1989-1991 | Sharon Tompkins, 1991-1993 | A. Michele Slay, 1993-1995 | Kathyjo Kuenzle, 1995-1997 | Nancy Crane, 1997-1998 | Diane Janvier, 1998-2001 | Lynne Mowers, 2001-2005 | D’Ann Brosnahan, 2005-2007 | Dee Carter 2007-current | |
