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Sigma Kappa

Sigma Kappa (ΣΚ) is an international women's fraternity founded on November 9, 1874, at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, by five pioneering women: Mary Caffrey Low, Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, Ida Fuller, Frances Mann, and Louise Helen Coburn.^[1] As the first fraternity for women in New England to admit members on equal terms with men, it was established amid limited educational opportunities for women, initially serving as a supportive literary society before evolving into a national organization focused on intellectual, social, and personal development.^[1] The fraternity's core values—personal growth, friendship, service, and loyalty—guide its mission to foster lifelong sisterhood and purposeful lives among members.^[2] Sigma Kappa's symbols include the dove (adopted in 1984 as a representation of peace), the heart (adopted in 1988 symbolizing love and loyalty), the wild purple violet flower (1892), and colors of lavender and maroon (1891), all of which are incorporated into its coat of arms designed in 1911.^[1] Its motto, "One Heart, One Way," underscores unity and commitment.^[1] With 118 active collegiate chapters and 93 alumnae chapters across the United States, Sigma Kappa has initiated over 229,000 members since its founding.^[3] The organization operates through three interconnected entities: the Sorority for membership and operations, the Sigma Kappa Foundation for educational and philanthropic support (including scholarships and mental health resources), and the National Housing Corporation for chapter housing management.^[2] Key philanthropies reflect its commitment to service, including support for the Maine Sea Coast Mission since 1918, gerontology education since 1954, and a $1 million pledge to the Alzheimer's Association in 2014, alongside broader initiatives in women's health.^[1] Sigma Kappa joined the National Panhellenic Conference in 1905, marking its integration into the broader Greek life community, and maintains a headquarters in Carmel, Indiana.^[1]

History

Founding and Early Years

Sigma Kappa was founded on November 9, 1874, at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, as the first women's fraternity at the institution, which had become the pioneering college in New England to admit female students on equal footing with men in 1871.^[1]^[4] The organization emerged from the efforts of five young women navigating the challenges of coeducation in an era when higher education opportunities for women were scarce and often met with resistance, motivating them to create a supportive network for intellectual and social growth.^[1]^[5] The founders were Mary Caffrey Low Carver (1850–1926), Elizabeth Gorham Hoag (c. 1857–1875), Ida Mabel Fuller Pierce (1854–1930), Louise Helen Coburn (1856–1949), and Frances Elliott Mann Hall (1853–1935), all natives of Maine who attended Colby during its early coeducational period. Mary Low Carver, the first woman admitted to Colby in 1871 and its inaugural female graduate in 1875, played a pivotal role in advocating for women's access to education, later becoming known as the "grandmother of coeducation" for her activism against segregating women students in the 1890s.^[5] Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, admitted in 1873, contributed to the group's early organizational efforts while studying amid a male-dominated environment, but died of tuberculosis in 1875 shortly after the founding. Ida Fuller Pierce, entering in 1873 and earning her degree in 1876, brought enthusiasm for literary pursuits to the founding discussions. Louise Helen Coburn, the youngest founder, enrolled in 1873, graduated in 1877, and later pursued law, using her experiences to champion women's rights and coeducation throughout her life. Frances Mann Hall, admitted alongside the others in 1873 and graduating in 1876, helped shape the sorority's emphasis on friendship and mutual support.^[1]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9] In the initial phase, the group—often referred to simply as "the five" due to their small number—concentrated on fostering intellectual development through literary debates, readings, and scholarly exchanges, alongside social activities to combat isolation on campus.^[1] They formalized their bond by drafting a constitution and bylaws, which received faculty approval on the founding date, officially establishing the Alpha Chapter under the name Sigma Kappa, derived from Greek letters symbolizing wisdom and unity.^[1] Early symbols included the adoption of the violet as the official flower in 1892, representing loyalty and modesty, followed by the maroon enameled Triangle badge in 1894 as the primary insignia.^[10] These elements underscored the sorority's commitment to peace, friendship, and enduring sisterhood during its formative years.

Expansion, Mergers, and Milestones

Sigma Kappa's national expansion began in 1904 with the installation of the Delta Chapter at Boston University, marking the sorority's first chapter beyond its founding institution at Colby College.^[1] This development transformed Sigma Kappa from a local group into a national organization, enabling further growth across the United States.^[10] In 1905, Sigma Kappa affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), joining as an early member to collaborate with other women's fraternities on standards and interorganizational relations.^[1] The sorority established its first national headquarters in Reading, Massachusetts, in 1924 to centralize operations and support expanding chapters.^[1] Subsequent relocations included Lawrence, Kansas, in 1930 and Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1936, where a permanent headquarters was purchased at 3433 Washington Boulevard in 1956; the organization moved to its current location at 695 Pro-Med Lane in Carmel, Indiana, in 2014.^[1] A significant milestone occurred in 1959 when Sigma Kappa merged with Pi Kappa Sigma, incorporating 32 active chapters and over 9,000 members, which substantially increased its footprint and membership base.^[1] This merger strengthened Sigma Kappa's presence on campuses nationwide and diversified its chapter network.^[10] The period surrounding World War II presented challenges for Sigma Kappa, as the war's onset in 1939 and the U.S. entry following the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 led to reduced chapter activities and membership due to women enlisting or prioritizing war-related efforts.^[10] In response, the sorority adapted by focusing on support initiatives, culminating in a new international philanthropy in 1948 to aid the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, in the war's aftermath.^[10] These efforts highlighted Sigma Kappa's resilience amid historical disruptions. Key modern milestones include the celebration of the sorority's 150th anniversary in 2024, which featured a year-long "150 Years of Sisterhood" campaign by the Sigma Kappa Foundation for scholarships and emergency grants, culminating in the national convention held in Boston, Massachusetts.^[11] By this time, as of 2024, Sigma Kappa had grown to more than 227,000 lifetime members across 118 active collegiate chapters and 93 alumnae chapters.^[12]

Symbols and Traditions

Colors, Flowers, and Mascots

Sigma Kappa's official colors are lavender and maroon, which were adopted in June 1891.^[1] The significance of these colors is revealed during the sorority's Initiation ceremony.^[1] The official flower of Sigma Kappa is the wild purple violet, adopted in June 1892 and officially clarified as such at the 83rd National Convention in 2008.^[1] This flower holds special meaning due to its prevalence along the banks of the Messalonskee River in Maine, where the founders often gathered and which they cherished from the sorority's early days.^[1] In addition to the colors and flower, Sigma Kappa recognizes the dove as an official symbol, adopted at the 1984 National Convention, and the heart, adopted at the 1988 National Convention.^[1] These symbols are frequently incorporated into rituals and chapter decorations, with their deeper significance also unveiled during Initiation.^[1] Sigma Kappa does not have an official mascot.^[1]

Badges and Insignia

The official badge of Sigma Kappa is a triangular pin featuring the Greek letters Σ and Κ, adopted on March 7, 1894, as an unjeweled design with maroon enamel.^[13] At the 1915 national convention, the badge was updated to include pearls at the points, establishing the pearl as the sorority's jewel.^[13] This jeweled version symbolizes the enduring commitment of initiated members and is crafted exclusively by the official jeweler, Herff Jones.^[14] New members receive a distinct pin upon pledging, adopted in 1920 and based on the sorority's earliest badge design, depicting the Greek letter Sigma shaped like a serpent entwined around Kappa.^[13] This pin signifies the beginning of the membership journey and is worn during the new member period.^[13] Variations of the badge include guard pins that attach to the main triangle, such as single or double letter guards with the sorority's initials, crown pearl designs incorporating additional pearls, and the coat-of-arms guard featuring symbolic elements like the dove.^[15] Other insignia encompass the Order of the Triangle pin for alumnae, adopted in 1978 as a maroon enamel triangle with gold ΣΚ lettering, and anniversary pins, including the 25-year silver violet design adopted in 2004, the 50-year gold circle encircling the triangle, and the 75-year golden violet with a diamond accent.^[13] The Pearl Court pin honors outstanding alumnae contributions, linking to the sorority's pearl motif without numerical limits on recipients.^[13] Badges and pins are reserved exclusively for initiated members as a lifetime privilege, worn over the heart on the outermost layer of clothing to indicate active membership and above all other fraternity jewelry.^[13] They may be buried with the member, willed to a Sigma Kappa relative, or returned to national headquarters, underscoring their significance as emblems of lifelong commitment to the sisterhood.^[13] The designs subtly incorporate the sorority's maroon color through enamel elements.^[13]

Core Values and Principles

Foundational Values

Sigma Kappa's foundational values originate from its establishment in 1874 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where five pioneering women formed the organization as a literary and social society to provide mutual support amid the challenges of being the first female students admitted on equal terms with men.^[12] These values emphasize intellectual development, lifelong sisterhood, commitment to the organization, and community involvement, reflecting the founders' focus on scholarship, friendship, mutual interests, and shared ideals to foster women's success in academia during the 1870s.^[1] The sorority's purpose was rooted in creating a supportive environment for personal and academic advancement, as the founders sought to counteract isolation and promote collective growth among women in higher education.^[16] The four core values—personal growth, friendship, loyalty, and service—have endured as the bedrock of Sigma Kappa's identity, bound by a promise of sisterhood. Personal growth centers on intellectual commitment and leadership, echoing the literary society's origins in scholarly pursuits. Friendship embodies lifelong sisterhood and mutual respect, while loyalty underscores unwavering dedication to the organization's principles. Service highlights involvement in community leadership, extending the founders' ethos of mutual aid beyond the academic sphere.^[1] These values are embodied in Sigma Kappa's rituals and creeds, which reinforce unity and purpose through symbolic practices revealed during initiation. The open motto, "One Heart, One Way," is tied to the heart symbol, which was adopted in 1988, encapsulates the commitment to harmonious, purposeful living in alignment with the sorority's ideals, though its deeper meaning is reserved for members.^[1] In the early 20th century, as Sigma Kappa expanded nationally starting in 1904 and joined the National Panhellenic Conference in 1905, the values evolved to incorporate broader social and moral growth, shifting from a primarily literary focus to encompass holistic development, including ethical conduct and societal engagement.^[1] This adaptation maintained the founders' emphasis on mutual support while adapting to the growing role of women's sororities in promoting well-rounded character.^[12]

Modern Strategic Initiatives

In 2024, Sigma Kappa Sorority unveiled its 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes three core pillars: embracing belonging as an organizational identity, deepening the member experience, and advancing operational excellence to support long-term sustainability.^[1] This plan responds to contemporary challenges by prioritizing inclusivity and holistic support for members, building on the sorority's commitment to personal growth and sisterhood in a diverse world.^[17] Central to the plan is the "embracing belonging" initiative, which integrates inclusivity efforts with expanded mental health resources to foster a supportive environment for all members.^[17] In alignment with this focus, Sigma Kappa launched educational resources in 2024 through its Membership Eligibility Special Committee, providing guidance on nonbinary inclusion, allyship, and creating welcoming spaces within chapters.^[18] These materials, including webinars and Q&As, aim to enhance understanding of nonbinary identities and promote respectful interactions.^[17] Complementing these efforts, the sorority offers diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) training via workshops facilitated by consultant Marlon Gibson, Ph.D., available to chapters upon request.^[17] For mental health support, Sigma Kappa maintains partnerships with Active Minds for awareness campaigns and Talkspace for accessible online therapy, ensuring members have tools to address well-being amid academic and personal pressures.^[19] To enhance professional development as part of the member experience pillar, Sigma Kappa established a partnership with Careerhouse in 2023, offering free on-demand training in resume writing, interviewing, and career planning for members at all stages.^[2] This initiative, accessible via a dedicated platform, equips sisters with practical skills to navigate post-collegiate opportunities.^[20] The 2024-2025 Annual Report underscores the strategic plan's impact, highlighting investments in leadership development through grants for programs like the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and emergency funding to support members facing unforeseen crises.^[2] These efforts, funded by the Sigma Kappa Foundation, distributed nearly $1.9 million in scholarships and individual grants to support approximately 900 members, reinforcing the sorority's focus on empowerment and resilience.^[21]

Philanthropy

National Causes

Sigma Kappa's national philanthropies reflect a commitment to service that has evolved since the organization's early years. The sorority's first national cause, adopted in 1918, was the Maine Sea Coast Mission, chosen to honor its Maine roots and the founders' origins.^[22]^[10] This partnership supports isolated island and coastal communities in Maine by addressing urgent needs through annual grants for education, health care, and emergency aid.^[23]^[22] In 1954, Sigma Kappa pioneered support for gerontology as its third national philanthropy, becoming the first sorority to emphasize the study of aging and the needs of the elderly.^[22]^[10] This initiative expanded in 1984 to include a specific focus on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, addressing companionship and research for those affected.^[10] Further development occurred in 2016, when Sigma Kappa intensified its efforts through nationwide participation in The Walk to End Alzheimer's, the largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for care, support, and research. In 2024, the sorority raised over $1 million through the Walk.^[24] As a national diamond-level team, the sorority has set a goal of raising $1,000,000 annually for the Alzheimer's Association, consistently meeting or exceeding this target and contributing more than $18 million (as of October 2025) since 1989 to initiatives like the Women's Alzheimer's Research Initiative and the U.S. POINTER study.^[21]^[25]^[26] The "Inherit the Earth" program, launched in 1992 as an extension of the gerontology focus, promotes environmental sustainability and stewardship.^[10] This initiative encourages purposeful actions such as recycling drives, community clean-ups, and water restoration projects to foster awareness of ecological preservation.^[22] Refreshed in 2025, it underscores Sigma Kappa's ongoing dedication to leaving a habitable planet for future generations.^[22] Earlier in its history, Sigma Kappa supported the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, beginning in 1948 as a post-World War II reconstruction effort to aid agricultural education and community development.^[10] This cause was later discontinued, allowing the sorority to redirect resources to emerging priorities.

Foundation and Impact

The Sigma Kappa Foundation was established in 1962 as a trust to support the sorority's educational and philanthropic initiatives, including scholarships and leadership programs for members.^[27] In 1989, it was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, enabling tax-deductible contributions to fund its mission of enhancing the lives of Sigma Kappa sisters through targeted grants and resources.^[28] The foundation operates independently while aligning with the sorority's values, focusing on five key funding priorities under the PULSE framework: programming, undergraduate leadership, scholarships and emergency grants, and support for national philanthropies.^[21] Funding for the foundation primarily comes from member donations, annual giving campaigns, and restricted endowments. The "1874 Minutes of Giving" is a global fundraising event that supports the PULSE Annual Fund, providing immediate resources for leadership development, educational programming, and member assistance; in recent years, it has mobilized thousands of donors to exceed $50,000 in contributions during its intensive campaign periods.^[29] Additional sources include the 1874 Giving Circle, where members contribute at least $18.74 annually to build endowments for emergency grants and conferences, as well as philanthropy events hosted by collegiate and alumnae chapters.^[30] According to the 2024-25 Impact Statement, these efforts enabled the distribution of $3 million in grants for leadership and educational programs, alongside $1.9 million in scholarships and emergency aid benefiting nearly 900 members.^[21] The foundation's impacts are evident in its annual scholarship awards and targeted support for member well-being. In the 2023-24 cycle, it awarded 109 scholarships totaling over $127,000 to undergraduate and graduate members, with the 2024-25 academic year marking the largest distribution yet at 102 scholarships worth $117,785.^[31] These funds address academic needs while fostering leadership; for instance, grants have supported mental health initiatives and professional development opportunities for hundreds of recipients each year.^[21] A key philanthropic achievement includes cumulative contributions exceeding $18 million (as of October 2025) to Alzheimer's disease research and services since 1989, highlighted by a $1 million pledge in 2019 to the U.S. POINTER Study aimed at preventing dementia through lifestyle interventions.^[21]^[26] This funding has advanced clinical trials and care programs, underscoring the foundation's role in driving measurable health outcomes.^[26]

Membership

Recruitment and Eligibility

Sigma Kappa extends membership opportunities to undergraduate women enrolled at institutions with active collegiate chapters, provided they consistently live and identify as women. Collegiate chapters establish their own scholastic standards, with many preferring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for potential new members to ensure alignment with the sorority's emphasis on intellectual growth. For women not affiliated with a collegiate chapter, such as alumnae or non-collegiate individuals, eligibility is available through the alumnae initiate program, which allows initiation into the organization after completing an application and education process focused on Sigma Kappa's values.^[32]^[33]^[34] The primary pathway for undergraduate recruitment occurs during formal Panhellenic recruitment in the fall, coordinated through the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), which governs 26 women's fraternities including Sigma Kappa. This structured process typically spans several days and includes multiple rounds designed to introduce potential new members (PNMs) to the sorority's culture and values: an initial open house or "Go Greek" round for broad overviews, a philanthropy round highlighting service commitments like support for girls and women, a sisterhood round fostering personal connections, and a preference round where PNMs share their motivations for joining. Chapters evaluate PNMs based on alignment with Sigma Kappa's core values of friendship, loyalty, personal growth, and service, without guarantees for legacies or recommended individuals. In the spring, informal recruitment, often called continuous open bidding (COB), provides additional opportunities for eligible women to connect with chapters through less structured events.^[32]^[35]^[36] Following a successful bid, new members enter a pledge period of new member education lasting approximately 6-8 weeks, during which they engage in programming centered on Sigma Kappa's history, traditions, and foundational principles to build a strong sense of sisterhood and commitment. This period culminates in initiation, marking full membership, and emphasizes anti-hazing policies and risk management to ensure a positive experience. As of 2025, Sigma Kappa has initiated over 229,000 members lifetime, reflecting the organization's enduring appeal and growth.^[3]^[34]^[12]^[32]

Member Benefits and Development

Sigma Kappa provides extensive leadership development opportunities to empower its members throughout their collegiate and alumnae years. The Summit for Collegiate Leadership is an institute-style program designed exclusively for collegiate members, emphasizing personal skill development and leadership training through interactive sessions and workshops.^[37] Similarly, the Emerging Leaders Conference offers targeted experiences in leadership and personal growth, fostering abilities in areas such as team collaboration and decision-making.^[38] Additionally, biennial national conventions include in-person and virtual training workshops that build on these skills, supporting chapter officers and volunteers in their roles.^[39] These programs are funded in part by the Sigma Kappa Foundation, which allocates grants specifically for leadership initiatives to ensure accessibility for all members.^[21] Alumnae engagement is a cornerstone of Sigma Kappa's commitment to sustained sisterhood, with programs tailored to professional and social growth. Since January 2022, Sigma Kappa has partnered with Careerhouse to offer free career development resources, including on-demand video trainings on resume writing, networking, interview preparation, and salary negotiation, all supported by the Sigma Kappa Foundation.^[20] This partnership extends through 2025 and provides members with a career workbook and personalized guidance to navigate job markets.^[20] Regional events, such as those hosted during the 2024 150th anniversary celebration tour across cities like Nashville, Kansas City, and Detroit, facilitate networking and community building among alumnae, with registration fees kept low to encourage participation.^[40] Mental health and wellness resources are prioritized through foundation-funded initiatives that promote holistic well-being. Sigma Kappa partners with Active Minds to deliver educational content on mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and crisis prevention, accessible via the organization's Learning Center.^[19] The Talkspace partnership offers virtual counseling sessions at subsidized rates for members seeking professional support.^[19] In 2024, as part of the strategic plan on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, Sigma Kappa introduced training resources focused on nonbinary inclusion and allyship, including guides and videos to foster supportive environments within chapters.^[18] These efforts are integrated into broader personal growth programming, ensuring members have tools for emotional resilience.^[21] Lifelong benefits extend membership beyond college, offering ongoing social and professional connections through Sigma Kappa's network. Members gain access to 93 alumnae chapters across the United States, providing opportunities for local events, mentorship, and career networking that strengthen bonds formed during collegiate years.^[3] This structure supports continuous involvement, from volunteering in chapter leadership to participating in national initiatives, reinforcing the sorority's values of friendship and service throughout a member's life.^[41]

Chapters

Collegiate Chapters

Sigma Kappa maintains 118 active collegiate chapters throughout the United States as of 2025.^[3] These undergraduate chapters operate on college and university campuses, emphasizing the sorority's core values of friendship, loyalty, personal growth, and service. As a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), Sigma Kappa's chapters adhere to established NPC standards for recruitment, operations, and interfraternal relations, ensuring consistent practices across all locations.^[42] The chapters are distributed nationwide, with a historical concentration in the Northeast and Midwest stemming from the sorority's founding, alongside notable expansion into the South and other regions. The Alpha Chapter, established in 1874 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, remains a cornerstone of Sigma Kappa's legacy as the original installation.^[1] Other examples include the Theta Phi Chapter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which highlights the sorority's presence in southern states.^[43] Chapter activities prioritize academic excellence through study support and scholarship programs, philanthropy efforts aligned with national partners like the Alzheimer's Association, and sisterhood-building events that foster lifelong connections among members. In 2025, Sigma Kappa recognized outstanding collegiate chapters through its annual awards program, honoring excellence in key areas such as reporting, service, programming, recruitment, public relations, and operations. Sixty-one chapters earned Star Awards for meeting Standards of Excellence criteria, including recipients like Kappa Zeta at Elon University for overall achievement and Theta Phi at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for universal excellence. Additional accolades went to individual members, such as Olivia Sullivan of Beta Sigma at Purdue University, underscoring the sorority's commitment to high-performing undergraduate groups.^[43]

Alumnae Chapters

Sigma Kappa alumnae chapters enable initiated members to maintain lifelong connections with the sorority after graduation, fostering continued engagement in its core values of personal growth, friendship, service, and loyalty.^[41] These chapters serve as professional and social networks for graduates, offering opportunities to build relationships, participate in community service, and contribute to the organization's broader mission.^[41] As of 2025, Sigma Kappa supports 93 alumnae chapters across the United States, organized by local geographic areas such as cities and states to facilitate regional networking and events.^[3] Representative examples include the Atlanta GA Alumnae Chapter and the Baltimore MD Alumnae Chapter, which host gatherings tailored to members in those locales.^[44] Alumnae chapters engage in a variety of activities, including social events, philanthropy initiatives like participation in Walk to End Alzheimer’s events, and mentorship programs.^[41] Members can also join virtual clubs, such as book, cooking, and travel groups, which expanded post-2020 to accommodate remote participation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.^[45] Additionally, alumnae provide guidance to collegiate chapters through advisory boards, offering leadership support and operational recommendations.^[46] These chapters play a key role in the sorority's sustainability by collecting national dues that fund resources for both alumnae and collegiate members, including educational programs and philanthropy efforts.^[47] Alumnae dues directly contribute to the Sigma Kappa Foundation's initiatives, such as scholarships and disaster recovery funds that benefit the entire membership.^[31] Each year, Sigma Kappa recognizes outstanding alumnae chapters with awards for excellence in areas like service, philanthropy, programming, and public relations, based on reported activities and impact.^[43] In 2025, several chapters received these honors for their contributions, highlighting their dedication to the sorority's values.^[48]

Notable Alumnae

Government and Politics

Margaret Chase Smith, initiated into the Alpha chapter at Colby College, became a trailblazing figure in American politics as the first woman elected to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate (d. 1995).^[49]^[50] Serving in the House from 1940 to 1949 and the Senate from 1949 to 1973, Smith represented Maine and was renowned for her independence, including her 1950 "Declaration of Conscience" speech criticizing Senator Joseph McCarthy's tactics during the Red Scare.^[51] Her career highlighted a commitment to bipartisan service, aligning with Sigma Kappa's core value of service through public advocacy for women's rights and national defense.^[1] Sarah Weddington, a member of the Zeta Nu chapter at the University of Texas at San Antonio, achieved lasting impact as the attorney who argued the landmark Roe v. Wade case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1971 (and reargued in 1972), resulting in the 1973 decision.^[49]^[52] At just 26 years old, Weddington, alongside Linda Coffee, represented "Jane Roe" (Norma McCorvey) in challenging Texas abortion laws, securing a 7-2 decision that established a constitutional right to abortion and influenced reproductive rights policy for decades.^[52] She later served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 to 1977 and continued as a law professor and advocate. She died on December 26, 2021, embodying Sigma Kappa's emphasis on personal growth and service in advancing women's legal equality.^[1] Other Sigma Kappa alumnae have contributed to political advocacy, such as Deb Ackerson, a longtime member who served as district director and lobbyist for Illinois State Senator Dan McConchie from 2016 to 2024, focusing on policy issues like health care and education.^[53] Ackerson's work in state-level lobbying underscores the sorority's ties to public service, where members leverage their networks to promote legislative change. Collectively, these women's efforts in government and politics reflect Sigma Kappa's foundational values of service and loyalty, fostering advocacy that supports community welfare and gender equity.^[1]

Arts, Media, and Entertainment

Sigma Kappa has produced several distinguished alumnae whose contributions to literature, media, and public advocacy have resonated widely, embodying the sorority's values of personal growth, service, and loyalty.^[49] These women have leveraged their platforms to inspire audiences, promote diversity, and advance social causes, often drawing on the supportive networks and principles fostered within Sigma Kappa chapters.^[43] Glennon Doyle, initiated into the Delta Rho Chapter at James Madison University, is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for works such as Untamed (2020), Love Warrior (2016), and Carry On, Warrior (2013), which explore themes of vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery.^[49] As the founder and president of Together Rising, an all-women-led nonprofit established in 2012, Doyle has directed efforts that have raised over $55 million to support women, families, and children facing poverty and abuse (as of its closure in 2024), aligning closely with Sigma Kappa's emphasis on service and community impact.^[49]^[54] Her writing and activism reflect the sorority's commitment to personal growth, as she frequently credits the bonds of sisterhood in her journey toward authenticity and advocacy.^[43] Nina Davuluri, a member of the Alpha Mu Chapter at the University of Michigan, made history as the first Indian-American winner of the Miss America title in 2014, using her platform to champion diversity, cultural competency, and opportunities for women in STEM fields.^[55] As a public speaker and host of the reality series Made in America on Zee TV America, she addresses issues of identity and inclusion, drawing on her experiences as a second-generation immigrant to foster broader societal understanding.^[49] Davuluri's advocacy work exemplifies Sigma Kappa's values of personal growth and service, as she promotes education and empowerment in ways that echo the sorority's philanthropic focus on community support and individual development.^[56] Rhea Seddon, from the Lambda Chapter at the University of California, Berkeley, served as a NASA astronaut from 1978 to 1996, completing five Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist and logging over 30 days in space, including carrying her Sigma Kappa badge aboard.^[49] Post-retirement, she authored Go for Orbit: One of America's First Women Astronauts Finds Her Space (2016), sharing insights from her pioneering career, and has been inducted into halls of fame such as the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2015 for her contributions to space exploration.^[57]^[58] Seddon's public speaking and writing on leadership and innovation highlight her embodiment of Sigma Kappa's principles of personal growth and loyalty, inspiring future generations through narratives of perseverance and sisterhood.^[59] Judith Guest, also of the Alpha Mu Chapter at the University of Michigan, gained prominence as the author of Ordinary People (1976), her debut novel that became the first unsolicited manuscript accepted by Viking Press since 1949 and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1980, exploring themes of family trauma and healing.^[55] She followed with novels including Second Heaven (1982) and The Tarnished Eye (2005), establishing her as a voice in contemporary American literature focused on emotional depth and human relationships.^[49] Guest's creative output aligns with Sigma Kappa's value of personal growth, as her storytelling reflects the introspective support and creative encouragement found within the sorority's community.^[55]

References

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About Us - Sigma Kappa
Lavender and maroon were first mentioned as sorority colors. 1892. At the ... The significance of Sigma Kappa's colors is revealed in the ceremony of Initiation.Philanthropy · Find a chapter · Leadership · Career Opportunities
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Sigma Kappa: Home
Sigma Kappa fosters lifelong connection in sisterhood while being true to our founding as an intellectual and social women's sorority.About UsSign_InHistoryLearning CenterSign In
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118 Collegiate Chapters - Sigma Kappa
118 Collegiate Chapters · 93 Alumnae Chapters ...93 Alumnae Chapters · Our Commitment To You · Personal Development
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Sigma Kappa Sorority was founded at Colby College in Waterville, Maine on November 9, 1874. Colby College was the first college in New England to admit women on ...
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Mary Low Carver, Colby 1875 - Colby College Libraries
Mary Low Carver was the first woman to graduate from Colby, co-founded Sigma Kappa, and is known as the "grandmother of coeducation at Colby".
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Activism and Social Justice Since 1813 » Louise Coburn
It began with Sigma Kappa. There were Colby fraternities, but no sororities when women were first admitted. As a student, Coburn helped found Sigma Kappa at ...
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Dove Adopted 1984. The dove is accepted as an official symbol of Sigma Kappa. Read More. Zeta Omega Chapter Founded February 4, 1984. Zeta Omega Chapter is ...Missing: 1882 | Show results with:1882
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Sigma Kappa (ΣΚ, also known as SK or Sig Kap) is a sorority founded on November 9, 1874 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
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150th Celebration - Sigma Kappa
In 2024 Sigma Kappa wrapped up our year long celebration of 150 years of sisterhood. Our historic celebration was included in our National Convention in Boston.
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Sigma Kappa
More than 227,000 women have become members of Sigma Kappa throughout its history and 217 collegiate chapters have been established, 118 of which are active ...
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Jewelry - Sigma Kappa
Badges & Pins · Pins and badges are to be worn above all other fraternity jewelry and over the heart on the outermost layer of clothing to indicate membership.Jewelry · Badges & Pins · Family Pin
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As the official jeweler for Sigma Kappa, Herff Jones crafts our member badges, chapter guards and other official jewelry. They offer accessories perfect for ...Shop · Herff Jones · Partnerships
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### Summary of Sigma Kappa Chapter Guards, Pins, and Designs
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It was incorporated in the state of Maine on April 19, 1904. The new status as a national sorority made Sigma Kappa eligible to join what was then called the ...
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Sigma Kappa is thrilled to partner with Active Minds to enhance the conversation about mental health and provide valuable resources to Sigma Kappa members!Talkspace & Sigma Kappa · Give Virtual Care Faqs · Active Minds & Sigma Kappa
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$$3 million for leadership, programming and educational area grants; $1.9 million in scholarships and individual emergency grants, supporting nearly 900 members ...Scholarships & Grants · 1874 Minutes of Giving · 1874 Giving Circle · Ways to GiveMissing: 2024-2025 | Show results with:2024-2025
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Sigma Kappa's philanthropies include the Sigma Kappa Foundation, Alzheimer's research, the Inherit the Earth program, and the Maine Seacoast Mission.
[21]
A Lasting Partnership Continues to Blossom - Maine Seacoast Mission
Jul 11, 2024 · ... 1918, Sigma Kappa Sorority chose the Mission as their national philanthropy. This year, as Sigma Kappa celebrates their 150th birthday, the ...
[22]
Sigma Kappa (NT) | Walk to End Alzheimer's
The Walk provides a great opportunity for alumnae and collegiate chapters to join together and raise dollars to help find a cure for this debilitating disease.
[23]
[PDF] An Informal History of the Greek System at Texas Tech
The result is an informal compilation of research aided by three student assistants to whom I am indebted: Kelli McDonald (Chi Omega), Patty Klunder (Kappa ...
[24]
The Sigma Kappa Foundation | LinkedIn
Founded as a trust in 1962, Sigma Kappa Foundation was incorporated in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
[25]
Sigma Kappa Foundation, Inc. - GuideStar Profile
Nov 4, 2020 · This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ. Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2024, 2023 and 2022.Missing: date | Show results with:date
[26]
1874 Minutes of Giving - Sigma Kappa
Your gifts during 1874 Minutes of Giving support the PULSE Annual Fund which provides ongoing support for leadership development, educational programming, ...Missing: sources | Show results with:sources
[27]
1874 Giving Circle - Sigma Kappa
The Collegiate Emergency Grant provides emergency support to collegians in unforeseen financial crisis. Grants help keep the member enrolled in school and ...1874 Giving Circlecoming... · Chapter Leaderboard · Mental Health Today
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Scholarships & Grants - Sigma Kappa
Leadership Grants Sigma Kappa Foundation offers grants for Sigma Kappa members to attend the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI).Available Grants · Alumnae Heart Fund · Scholarship FaqsMissing: 2024-2025 | Show results with:2024-2025
[29]
Sorority Service Sparks a Lifelong Commitment to Ending Alzheimer's
Oct 10, 2025 · As a national team in the Walk to End Alzheimer's, Sigma Kappa has raised and donated more than $18 million to advance dementia research, care ...Missing: Gerontology 1954 2016
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Membership & Responsibilities - Sigma Kappa
As outlined in Sigma Kappa National Policy Handbook, all collegiate chapter members must maintain the cumulative grade point average established by the ...Missing: 226000 | Show results with:226000
[31]
Alumnae Initiates - Sigma Kappa
Sigma Kappa's alumnae initiate program is a meaningful opportunity to experience personal growth, friendship and service.Alumnae Initiates · Faqs · What Are The Requirements...
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[PDF] Sigma Kappa Sorority Kappa Omega Chapter Code of Conduct ...
If any new member's grades fall below a 2.3, she will be asked to de- pledge. g. During the seven-week new member period, maintain acceptable scholastic ...Missing: length | Show results with:length
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Recruitment - Sigma Kappa
Primary recruitment is a week-long process in which potential new members attend 4 recruitment “rounds” to learn more about each sorority. This consists of an ...Missing: eligibility | Show results with:eligibility
[34]
Recruitment Info - Sigma Kappa
Sigma Kappa recruitment includes Go Greek, Philanthropy, Sisterhood, and Preference rounds. The schedule is: Aug 10-Go Greek, 11-13-Philanthropy, 14-15- ...
[35]
Summit For Collegiate Leadership - Sigma Kappa
The Summit for Collegiate Leadership (Summit) experience will focus on leadership and personal skill development in an institute model meant exclusively for ...Missing: programs | Show results with:programs
[36]
Emerging Leaders Conference - Sigma Kappa
The ELC experience will focus on leadership and personal skill development in an institute model meant exclusively for Sigma Kappa collegiate members.Emerging Leaders Conference · When And Where Will I Be... · What Can I Expect At Elc...Missing: programs | Show results with:programs
[37]
Convention - Sigma Kappa
Our 92nd National Convention will be a time for our members to come together to focus on the future of Sigma Kappa. We can't wait to see you there.Missing: workshops | Show results with:workshops
[38]
150th Tour - Sigma Kappa
Let's celebrate together! Beginning January 2024, we will host nine events as part of our 150th Celebration Tour in cities across the United States.Missing: anniversary | Show results with:anniversary
[39]
Alumnae Experience - Sigma Kappa
Sigma Kappa participates as national diamond level team with a goal of raising $1,000,000 annually. Learn More. Alumnae posing at the Walk to End Alzheimer's ...Membershipthat Lasts A... · Stay Connected · Start An Alumnae ChapterMissing: $1 | Show results with:$1
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Our Member Organizations - National Panhellenic Conference
The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is the trade association for 26 national and international member organizations that are autonomous, women's-only ...
[41]
Notable Sigma Kappas
Honoring Excellence. Our organization is proud to recognize members whose leadership, service, and achievements leave a lasting impact.
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Achievements - Sigma Kappa
A listing of collegiate, alumnae and Foundation award winners can be found below. Kappa Zeta, 2024's Founders' Award Winners ...
[43]
Chapters - Sigma Kappa
List of Alumnae Chapters. To find an alumnae chapter, search the name of the state or city you're looking for in the "Chapter" field.
[44]
Sigma Kappa Annual Report, 2020-2021 - HistoryIT
ry. are thankful for the support from the Sigma Kappa Foundation who ded Careerhouse. eerhouse is back beginning in January 2022. Learn more here.<|control11|><|separator|>
[45]
Volunteer - Sigma Kappa
Serve on advisory boards to guide and support collegiate chapters, helping them thrive and uphold Sigma Kappa's values. ... role in creating meaningful ...Sigma Kappamake An Impact · Make A Difference, Stay... · Volunteer LeadershipMissing: funding | Show results with:funding
[46]
Pay Dues - Sigma Kappa
In 1983, national council merged the payment of lifetime membership into Initiation fees to simplify the payment process for our members. Before and since ...Missing: 226000 2025
[47]
Huge congratulations to our 2025 Alumnae Chapter Award winners ...
May 5, 2025 · A total of 6 chapters received the award this year (and there are 280 in the country!), with the others being Converse College, Dickinson ...
[48]
First Woman Elected to Both Houses of Congress - Senate.gov
In January 1949, Margaret Chase Smith launched a successful 24-year Senate career, becoming the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress.
[49]
Biography - Margaret Chase Smith Library
After four terms in the House, she won election to the United States Senate in 1948. In so doing, she became the first woman elected to both houses of Congress.
[50]
Sarah Weddington, who successfully argued Roe v. Wade, has died ...
Dec 26, 2021 · Sarah Weddington, a Texas lawyer who as a 26-year-old successfully argued the landmark abortion rights case Roe v. Wade before the US Supreme Court, died ...Missing: Sigma Kappa
[51]
Deb Ackerson - Previously held position: State Sen. Dan McConchie ...
See more about Deb Ackerson including contact information, education and other biographical information.
[52]
Notable Alpha Mu's - Sigma Kappa at the University of Michigan
Nina Davuluri. Nina was crowned Miss America 2014. She became the first Indian American contestant to win both the Miss New York pageant followed by the Miss ...
[53]
Sigma Kappa - WSU Panhellenic
Notable Alumnae: Margaret Chase Smith, first female U.S. Senator. Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014. “One heart, one way”. Since 1874, Sigma Kappa has been ...
[54]
Sigma Kappa Triangle Summer 2015: Alumnae Highlights
On May 30, Sigma Kappa alumna Dr. Rhea Seddon, Lambda, was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Five Sigma ...
[55]
Sigma Kappa Founders Day (Lambda Chapter) - Rhea Seddon
Aug 13, 2020 · Dr. Seddon is an alumni of the Lambda Chapter, Berkely, CA and has been asked to be a part of their Founders Day event.Missing: Beta | Show results with:Beta