About Us

Sigma Kappa Facts:
Founded: November 9, 1874, at Colby College in Waterville, Maine
Open Motto: One Heart, One Way
Colors: Maroon and Lavender
Jewel: Pearl
Flower: Violet
National Symbols: Heart and Dove
Local Symbol: Panda Bear
Chapter Members: 64
Philanthropies: Gerontology, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease research and programs directed at improving the lives of older citizens; Inherit the Earth; Maine Seacoast Mission.

History of Sigma Kappa:
Sigma Kappa Sorority began at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. This was the first college to admit women on an equal basis with men. Mary Caffery Low was the only woman attending the college for two years, beginning in 1871. In 1873, four more women, Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, Ida Fuller, Frances Mann, and Louise Helen Coburn were all admitted. In 1874, the five women decided to form a literary and social society: Sigma Kappa Sorority. They were told by their college that they needed to present a constitution and bylaws with a petition requesting to form the group. Their purpose was for Sigma Kappa to become what it is now: a national orgranization for college women. On November, 9, 1874, the petition was approved. This is now considered our Founders' Day.
Originally, each chapter was limited to twenty-five members. After the Alpha chapter was filled, the Beta and Gamma chapters were also formed at Colby College. These groups all met together. In 1893, members felt that intramural expansion was not desireable, so no more new members were initiated in to the Beta and Gamma chapters. It was time for Sigma Kappa to expand past the walls of Colby College. In 1904, the Delta chapter was installed at Boston University, thanks to Elydia Foss of the Alpha chapter who transferred to Boston. It was she who took the necessary steps to finally make Sigma Kappa a national organization. The new status as a national sorority made Sigma Kappa eligible to join what was then called the Interfraternity Conference, now known as the National Panhellenic Conference.

History of the Alpha Sigma Chapter:
On October 20, 1922, five Westminster female students selected the name, motto, colors, flower, and pin which were to symbolize the organization's purpose. Following the writing of ritual and the constitution and official recognition, Sigma Phi Delta Sorority was formed on March 23, 1923. The purpose of Sigma Phi Delta was "To emphasize mental ability, physical purity, social responsibility, and moral uprightness."
In the summer of 1924, Sigma Phi Delta set two goals for the coming year: to secure the scholastic cup and to form connections with a national sorority whose purpose harmonized with those which members already cherished. Following Christmas break, Mabel Wallace, president of Sigma Phi Delta, made contact with Miss Emma Kinne, a national officer of Sigma Kappa Sorority. At an interview in Pittsburgh with Emma, Mabel became captivated by Sigma Kappa as reflected through her loyal member. Emma Kinne had found something of interest in the group of girls on Westminster's campus. Investigation and discussion only incressed the Sigma Phi Delta's enthusiasm for Sigma Kappa.