Sigma Kappa General Overview
Sigma Kappa is a sorority that was founded in 1978 at the University of Arizona. The full name is Sigma Kappa Zeta Omicron Chapter.
The History of Sigma Kappa Sorority
During the time period where women and men were treated differently in college, women were determined to have the same college experience as men. Colby College was the first ever college to have women as students with equal experiences. Women wanted to have sororities along with equal scholarships, friendships, and clubs as men. In 1871, Mary Caffrey Low was the first woman to be admitted to Colby College until four more women came in 1873. Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, Ida Fuller, Frances Mann, and Louis Helen Coburn were the four women to join Mary Caffrey Low at Colby. These 5 women spent enough time together where they found themselves wanting to start the Sigma Kappa Sorority. These women were determined to start this sorority for the purpose of having a national organization of college women. Finally, the women received their approval letter on November 9th, 1874.
The Purpose of the National Panhellenic Conference
As greek life expanded to 18 organizations for women by 1900, they realized they needed the National Panhellenic to coordinate their efforts. By 1905, Sigma Kappa became a member of the National Panhellenic Conference. Sigma Kappa is a Greek letter organization that holds active memberships and voting in the NPC. The reason why the National Panhellenic is so important is because of guidance the organization gives to the sorority life. The mission of the NPC is to voice issues and help support this women organization and make the sorority experience amazing.
Sigma Kappa Values
Personal growth is an important value to the organization because being the best person you can be should be a top priority in life. Showing off your leadership skills will help you with success. Personal growth is also about living your life with purpose. Your leadership skills are promised to help your community and others in need. Another key value is demonstrating sisterhood and friendship throughout your life. Respect is taught throughout your life and is a staple with Sigma Kappa. The last value is to always remain loyal to your sisters at Sigma Kappa.
Arizona Chapter
The Sigma Kappa’s Zeta Omicron chapter was founded in 1978 at the University of Arizona. The chapter's house is located at 1588 E First St Tucson, AZ 85719. In 2014, the Sigma Kappa house went under construction to expand their home into a two story house, where 41 sisters can live in and experience the house. There are over 300 women who are active Sigma Kappa members at the University of Arizona. These women participate in extracurricular activities, internships, clubs, jobs, and much more around campus. School is a very important part of the sorority life because all members are required to keep a 3.35 GPA to continue as a Sigma Kappa. At the University of Arizona, Sigma Kappa is ranked number 4 on the list for highest GPA in the Panhellenic community. Throughout the semester, the sorority has many study events with the members to promote better study habits for school. Working with the sisters to be successful makes it easier to succeed.
Besides having strong friendships with all the Sigma Kappa sisters, the sorority forms friendships with other chapters at the University of Arizona. Panhellenic selects another sorority for the chapter to engage with and they called it PanhellLove. Sigma Kappa does fun events with other sororities such as cookie decorating and study sessions.
Philanthropy
Sigma Kappa at the University of Arizona hosts a fundraiser for the Pulse Fund every year for their philanthropy. The chapter also hosts events in support of the Alzheimer’s foundation. These events include music, dancing, food, and fun in order to raise money for their foundations. The philanthropy is a very moving part of the sorority and teaches the sisters how to use their leadership skills. All of the events are hosted in the Tucson community and anyone is able to attend the events. Some events that have been done at the University of Arizona are, The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Ultra Violet Dodgeball, Sigma Sliders, and Alzheimers Prom.
Sisterhood Events
The sisterhood events for the chapter are for making the bonds stronger and help new members to find their sisters. Every semester there is a retreat planned that is fun as well as educational.
The Executive Board of the Sigma Kappa Zeta Omicron Chapter follows:
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President
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Vice President of Standards and Values
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Vice President of Academic Excellence
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Vice President of Philanthropic Services
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Vice President of New Member Education
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Vice President of Membership
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Vice President of Alumnae Relations
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Vice President of Programing
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Vice President of Communications and Operations
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Social Chair
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Panhellenic Delegate
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Vice President of Finance
The Sigma Kappa Sorority has 122 collegiate chapters as well as 177,000 members worldwide. The chapter offers scholarships to women in the sorority to cover some academic expenses. The Sigma Kappa Foundation has awarded over $900,000 in scholarships. Sigma Kappa promises leadership opportunities, philanthropy, scholarships, sisterhood, and member development.
Alumnae Experience
Once you are a Sigma Kappa member, you are a member for a lifetime. The sorority life allows you to make friendships that will continue after college years. Alumnae members are able to volunteer and be a part of the sorority leadership team. There is an abundance of ways for past Sigma Kappa members to stay connected to the sorority. Some ways are, virtual clubs, Sigma Kappa triangle, the LowDown, Social media, road trips, and virtual tailgates. Alumnae are able to pay national alumnae dues to promote growth and support of the chapters around the country. Sigma Kappa also allows all Alumnaes to come and support any Philanthropy events.
Sigma Kappa Chapter is active on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
Sources:
http://arizona.sigmakappa.org/index
