Gamma Sigma Sigma

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Gamma Sigma Sigma
ΓΣΣ
The official crest of Gamma Sigma Sigma
Founded October 12, 1952 (1952-10-12) (59 years ago)
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
Jewel Garnets and Pearls
Publication Perspectives
Chapters 53 active collegiate chapters, 18 active alumni chapters
Ideals Service, Friendship and Equality
Headquarters Rindge, New Hampshire, USA
Homepage http://www.gammasigmasigma.org

Gamma Sigma Sigma (ΓΣΣ) is a national service sorority founded in October 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 10–12, 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 Sigma Lambda Phi[3] Eta [a]
Queens College Phi Gamma Theta

a. ^ Sigma Lambda Phi 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.[4]

[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 MADD.[5]

Chapters/Members participating in special emphasis projects are given recognition for their service through award competitions and certificate presentations.[6]

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

Number Location Host Theme Dates Woman of the Year Refs
&100000000000000000000000 Beekman Tower, New York City Organization and Constitutional 01952-10-10 October 10, 1952 – 01952-10-12 October 12, 1952 [7]
&100000000000000010000001st Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 01953-06 June 1953 [7]
&100000000000000020000002nd New York City, New York 01955-06-24 June 24, 1955 – 01955-06-26 June 26, 1955 [7]
&100000000000000030000003rd Detroit, Michigan Iota chapter 01957-06-21 June 21, 1957–01957-06-23 June 23, 1957 [7]
&100000000000000040000004th Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Zeta chapter and Philadelphia Alumni Chapter 01959-06-19 June 19, 1959–01959-06-21 June 21, 1959 [7]
&100000000000000050000005th Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts Epsilon chapter 01961-06-16 June 16, 1961–01961-06-18 June 18, 1961 [7][8][9]
&100000000000000060000006th University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland Xi chapter – 01963-06-15 June 15, 1963 – [7]
&100000000000000070000007th St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota Alpha Beta 01965-06-18 June 18, 1965–01965-06-20 June 20, 1965 [7]
&100000000000000080000008th Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri Alpha Gamma "Pioneers in Service" 01967-06-15 June 15, 1967–01967-06-18 June 18, 1967 [7]
&100000000000000090000009th Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida Alpha Kappa "Giving Sunshine" 01969-06-20 June 20, 1969–01969-06-22 June 22, 1969 [7]
&1000000000000001000000010th University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut Nu "Season with Service" 01971-06-17 June 17, 1971–01971-06-20 June 20, 1971 [7]
&1000000000000001100000011th University of Houston, Houston, Texas Alpha and Houston Alumni Chapter "Our Hearts in Service" 01973-06-14 June 14, 1973–01973-06-17 June 17, 1973 Esther Brenner [7]
&1000000000000001200000012th Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana Gamma Omicron and Indianapolis Alumni Colony "Crossroads to Service" 01975-06-20 June 20, 1975–01975-06-22 June 22, 1975 Dolly Melville [7]
&1000000000000001300000013th University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts Alpha Theta "Unity ... Spirit ... Service" 01977-06-17 June 17, 1977–01977-06-19 June 19, 1977 Margaret Kuster [7]
&1000000000000001400000014th University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia Chi and Atlanta Alumni Chapter "Service with a Smile Southern Style" 01979-06-15 June 15, 1979–01979-06-17 June 17, 1979 Dr. Ethel Allen [7]
&1000000000000001500000015th University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota Alpha Iota and Northern Lakes Region "Seeways to Service" 01981-06-19 June 19, 1981–01981-06-21 June 21, 1981 Margaret E. Kuhn [7]
&1000000000000001600000016th Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky Beta Sigma and Bluegrass Alumni Chapter "Run for the Roses" 01983-06-17 June 17, 1983–01983-06-19 June 19, 1983 JoAnn Verner [7]
&1000000000000001700000017th Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri Delta Xi, Gateway Alumni Chapter, and the Frontier Region "Service: The Finest Frontier" 01985-06-20 June 20, 1985–01985-06-23 June 23, 1985 Sharon Wenz [7]
&1000000000000001800000018th University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware Beta Gamma, Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, Mid-Jersey Shore Alumni Chapter, and District III "First in Service" 01987-06-11 June 11, 1987–01987-06-14 June 14, 1987 Barbara Bush* [7]
&1000000000000001900000019th Rime Garden Inn, Birmingham, Alabama Delta Sigma and District IV "Celebrate Service" 01989-08-10 August 10, 1989–01989-08-19 August 19, 1989 Mae Jemison* [7]
&1000000000000002000000020th Sheraton AirportCharlotte, North Carolina District II "Magic of Service" 01991-08-08 August 8, 1991–01991-06-11 June 11, 1991 P. Buckley Moss [7]
&1000000000000002100000021st Grand Milwaukee Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin District I "Servicefest '93" 01993-08-12 August 12, 1993–01993-08-15 August 15, 1993 Pat Mitchell* aka "Auntie Litter" [7]
&1000000000000002200000022nd Lord Baltimore Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland District III "Star Spangled Service" 01995-07-06 July 6, 1995–01995-07-09 July 9, 1995 Ellen Q. Ahlgren* [7]
&1000000000000002300000023rd Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel, Houston Texas District IV "Discover the Spirit" 01997-07-03 July 3, 1997–01997-07-06 July 6, 1997 Patty Wetterling* [7][8]
&1000000000000002400000024th Crown Plaza Hotel-Powers Ferry, Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta Alumni Chapter "Service on My Mind" 01999-07-09 July 9, 1999–01999-07-11 July 11, 1999 Karolyn Nunnallee* [7][8]
&1000000000000002500000025th Greenville Hilton, Greenville, North Carolina Delta Chi "Guiding Service through the New Millennium" 02001-07-19 July 19, 2001–02001-07-21 July 21, 2001 Beatrice Gaddy [7]
&1000000000000002600000026th Headquarters Plaza Hotel, Morristown, New Jersey "Pride in our Past, Faith in our Future" 02003-07-10 July 10, 2003–02003-07-13 July 13, 2003 Amy Callahan [7]
&1000000000000002700000027th Embassy Suites Hotes Cleveland-Rockside, Cleveland, Ohio "Service Rocks" 02005-07-06 July 6, 2005–02005-07-10 July 10, 2005 Barbara Irvine[10] [11]
&1000000000000002800000028th Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Lincolnshire, Illinois "Spotlight on Service"[12] 02007-07-11 July 11, 2007–02007-07-15 July 15, 2007 Liz Scott, Mother of Alex Scott (Alex's Lemonade Stand)[12] [13]
&1000000000000002900000029th Fort Lauderdale, Florida "Destination: Service" 02009-07-09 July 9, 2009–02009-07-11 July 11, 2009 Ann McGee (Miracle Flights for Kids)[14] [15]
&1000000000000003000000030th Herndon, Virginia "Capitalizing on Service" 02011-07-13 July 13, 2011–02011-07-17 July 17, 2011 [16][17]
  • The Woman of the Year also receives National Honorary membership.[7]

[edit] Active Chapters and Colonies as of November 29, 2011

[edit] Current Active Collegiate Chapters and Colonies[18]

[edit] Active Alumni Chapters and Colonies as of 2-27-2011[18]

  • Atlanta Metropolitan Alumni Chapter- Georgia
  • Bluegrass Alumni Chapter - Kentucky
  • Central New England Alumni Chapter - Vermont/New Hampshire/Massachusetts
  • Cottonball Alumni Chapter - Missouri
  • 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
  • Steel City Alumni Chapter - Pittsburgh, PA and western PA
  • Twin Cities Alumni Chapter - Minnesota
  • Yellow Rose Alumni Chapter - Houston, Texas
  • White Rose Alumni Chapter - Tennessee
  • Omicron Alumni Chapter - Tallahassee, Florida
  • Serenity Rose Alumni Chapter - Cypress, TX
  • Tarheel State Alumni Chapter - North Carolina

[edit] Inactive Chapters

A list of the inactive chapters of Gamma Sigma Sigma is available at the Sorority Website.

[edit] Notable alumni

National Honorary Members

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Gamma Sigma Sigma Mission-History
  2. ^ History page for Gamma Sigma Sigma at Missouri State
  3. ^ Eight Founding schools or seven? (Change on Wikipedia)
  4. ^ University of Miami 1961 Ibis page 283
  5. ^ 2008 Alumni Press Kit
  6. ^ Gamma Sigma Sigma Service
  7. ^ 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)
  8. ^ a b c Passing of Marvyn Glover
  9. ^ Alpha Eta chapter History
  10. ^ Fall 2003 Perspectives
  11. ^ Event Center
  12. ^ a b Spring 2007 Perspectives
  13. ^ Convention Landing
  14. ^ Gamma Sigma Sigma Mission
  15. ^ Upcoming Events
  16. ^ Convention page at National website
  17. ^ 30th National Convention of Gamma Sigma Sigma
  18. ^ a b 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 | DaQuana Carter 2007-2009 | Keli Connor 2009-11
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gamma_Sigma_Sigma&oldid=477913725"
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