Sigma Kappa History and Facts


History:

Age: 133 years
Birthday: November 9, 1874
Founders: Mary Caffrey Low Carver
Elizabeth Gorham Hoag
Ida Mabel Fuller Pierce
Louise Helen Coburn
Frances Elliot Mann Hall
Local Chapter: Theta Pi




Badge

The earliest badge design was what is now used as our pledge pin. On March 7, 1874, the triangle badge was chosen with "unjeweled maroon enamel, if possible." Jeweled badges were approved at the 1915 convention when the pearl was adopted as our national jewel. Unjeweled badges have a scroll edge. The badge is worn over the heart proudly by members of Sigma Kappa to indicate membership.




New Member pin

The New Member pin is a gold Greek letter Sigma shaped like a serpent intertwined through a Kappa. In 1920, this design was officially adopted as our New Member pin. The New Member pin is also worn over the heart by new members of Sigma Kappa. Once initiated, the pin is surrendered to the chapter for their new badge.




Symbols and Insignia

The symbols and insignia of Sigma Kappa are outward signs of the special feeling we have for each other that comes from within ourselves. As a member of Sigma Kappa, you are obligated to uphold her high standards and ideals, remembering that Sigma Kappas all over the country are bound by the same tenets.






Sigma Kappa National History

Colby College, in Waterville, Maine, was the first college in New England to admit women on an equal basis with the male students. The first female student was admitted in 1871, and for two years, Mary Caffrey Low Carver, was the only female student at Colby College. In 1873, four more young women from Maine, were admitted to Colby and the five young women found themselves together frequently. During the school year of 1873-74, the five young women decided to form a literary and social society and eagerly petitioned the college. Their purpose at the outset was that the sorority shoudl become what it is now, a national organization of college women dedicated to promoting the growth of intellectual and spiritual good. On November 9, 1874, the five young women received a letter from the faculty approving their petition. Thus, this date has since been considered our Founder's Day. In 1904, Sigma Kappa officially became national.




Seal

The seal of Sigma Kappa is used on all official papers, membership certificates, and chapter charters.




Coat-of-arms

The official coat-of-arms was adopted by Sigma Kappa in 1911. It reflects the familiar symbols of the sorority- the dove, the violet, the greek letters, and maroon and lavender.