Sigma Psi Zeta

Sigma Psi Zeta (ΣΨΖ) Sorority, Inc., also known as Sigmas or SYZ, is a progressive multicultural sorority. It was founded on March 23, 1994 at the University at Albany and incorporated in New York on March 15, 1996 by the 10 Founding Mothers. The sorority's colors are red and gold and its flower is a yellow rose with baby's breath. It is a part of the National APIDA Panhellenic Association (NAPA).

Sigma Psi Zeta
ΣΨΖ
FoundedMarch 23, 1994 (1994-03-23)
University at Albany
TypeCultural interest
EmphasisAsian-American
ScopeNational
Motto"Lead from the front."
ColorsRed and Gold    
FlowerYellow Rose with Baby's Breath
PhilanthropyTo Combat Violence Against Women
Chapters39
NicknameSYZ, Sigmas
Websitehttp://www.sigmapsizeta.org

Sigma Psi Zeta is a cultural, social, educational and community service–oriented Greek organization. It is the third largest Asian-interest sorority in the nation. Its philanthropic focus is to combat violence against women in its various forms. Sigma Psi Zeta is an official partner of the White House initiative, It's On Us, which launched as a result of the ARC3 Survey.

Sigma Psi Zeta currently has active memberships in the states/commonwealths of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. It has 39 memberships in the United States.

History

Plans for the Sigma Psi Zeta sorority were formed in the Fall semester of 1993 at SUNY Albany by a group of female undergraduates from different backgrounds. The sorority was formed in part to address the dual difficulties faced by Asian women. On March 23, 1994 the sorority was officially recognized by the University. Within a year, a second chapter was formed at SUNY University at Binghamton.[1]

The founding mothers were:

  • Gina Han
  • Sally Hsieh
  • Jean Kim
  • Jenny Kim
  • Sandra Lam
  • Winnie Liu
  • Yan-Chieh Liu
  • Michelle Macaraig
  • Sung-Yon Noh
  • Loan Trang

Philanthropy

Since 1999, Sigma Psi Zeta's philanthropy has been to combat violence against women. The sorority has worked against violence against women in many forms, and has focused specifically on Asian women who are historically objectified and disempowered. Local chapters and colonies participate in events such as the Take Back The Night rallies, and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's Domestic Violence Awareness month.[2]

Membership locations

Chapters

Charters

Inactive memberships

  • [Γ] Gamma – Jamaica, NY
  • [Ε] Epsilon – Oneonta, NY
  • [Ζ] Zeta – New York, NY
  • [Μ] Mu – Geneseo, NY
  • [Χ] Chi – Shippensburg, PA
  • [ΑΑ] Alpha Alpha – New Haven, CT
  • [ΑΗ] Alpha Eta – New York City, NY

References

  1. "Our Story". Sigma Psi Zeta. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  2. "Philanthropy Background". Sigma Psi Zeta. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.