The Mission Statement
Gamma Sigma Sigma promotes a lifelong commitment to service and diversity, in an environment of unity and equality, while creating opportunities for growth.
Beginning of Gamma Sigma Sigma
The organization of the groups which formed Gamma Sigma Sigma as a National Sorority is attributed to the women of Drexel Institute of Technology, a local service sorority known as Gamma Sigma Sigma. After searching for other groups having similar ideals and purposes, the Drexel group discovered the Omega Service Sorority at Boston University and the Women's Service Organization at New York University. After periodic informal contacts and information exchanges about their local organizations, the three groups determined they had nearly identical ideas, service programs, and ideals. A Constitutional Convention was scheduled to establish formal ties and form a national service sorority.
The Constitutional Convention was held at Beekman Towers in New York City, October 10 - 12, 1952. Representatives attended the meeting from Boston University, Brooklyn College, Drexel Institute of Technology, Los Angeles City College, New York University, Queens College, University of Houston and University of Miami - Florida. During these three days, a national constitution was drafted and adopted, officers were elected, and a name was selected for the new national service sorority. The date commemorating the Constitutional Convention, October 12, is designated as Founder's Day for our sorority.
Selection of a name proved difficult for the organizations attending the Constitutional Convention and the results proved to be a model of diplomacy. Consideration was given to two names: Gamma Sigma Sigma, the name of the Drexel group, and Alpha Gamma Chi, the name used by Los Angeles City College and the University of Houston for their two chapter "national" organizations. The name Gamma Sigma Sigma was adopted and the official national pin and other symbols used by Alpha Gamma Chi were adopted as the official insignia of the sorority, with some small alterations for the new name.
Members of Brooklyn College requested that maroon and white be established as the colors of Gamma Sigma Sigma. These colors identified their organization on campus and maroon and white were accepted as the official sorority colors. Lastly, each group expressed a preference for a chapter designation. Each chapter was named for a letter from the first eight letters of the Greek alphabet. Consequently, as each new chapter is chartered, it is awarded a Greek letter designation in Greek alphabetical order.
Since the founding chapters did not have sufficient time during that first Constitutional Convention to adopt ceremonies, the assignment was given to the members of the Drexel group (zeta chapter). Pledge, Initiation, and Officer Installation ceremonies were to be written which reflected a combination of the ceremonies used by all the founding chapters. The National Constitution went into effect of January 1, 1953.
Design and acceptance of the Coat of Arms dates back to the regional meeting in Newtown, Pennsylvania in 1954, Later, the non-attending chapters accepted the Coat of Arms and it became one of the most important symbols of Gamma Sigma Sigma.
The arms, or SHIELD, of Gamma Sigma Sigma as used by a member stands for the protection afforded by membership. Sanguine, the color closest to our MAROON, is the color of the shield and symbolizes loyalty to the death.
On the shield are balances suspended by a mellet (FIVE-POINT STAR). The balances, or SCALES, stand for equality and justice. The STAR represents the three principal attributes of perfect fraternal friendship - loyalty, integrity, and valor. The CHEVRON was originally used to represent the gable of a house and symbolized service to the home and homeland. In a larger scale, it can be ascribed to symbolize service to one's fellow man.
The CREST is that part of the design above the shield. The TORSE, or twisted ribbon, of alternating white and maroon, stands for the inspiration of high ideals of the sorority, urging members to try to act according to these ideals. Above the torse is the representation of the world within the clouds and two CLASPED HANDS. This obvious symbol stands for friendship throughout the world.
The Coat of Arms can be used only by activated members of Gamma Sigma Sigma. Pledges do not wear or display the Coat of Arms unless is appears on a national publication.
Symbols representing Gamma Sigma Sigma are significant to the design of the official Membership Pin. The triangle background signifies the foundation of equality and friendship leading up to the point representing service. The shield containing the Greek letters indicate the protection of membership in Gamma Sigma Sigma. The symbols are the STAFF for service, the WHITE ROSE for friendship and the Greek letter OMICRON for equality.
The white rose is the official sorority flower. It represents friendship among members.
Gamma Sigma Sigma is based on the IDEALS of Service, Friendship, and Equality.
The PURPOSE of Gamma Sigma Sigma shall be to assemble college and university students in the spirit of service to humanity and to develop friendships among all races and creeds.
The sorority Motto is "Unity in Service."
The sorority colors are MAROON and WHITE. The maroon stands service and the white stand for friendship and quality.
The colors are of primary importance in the design of the Pledge Pin and the points of the Pledge Pin represent the ideals of Gamma Sigma Sigma. The apex stands for service and the base points symbolize the foundation of friendship and equality.
Verse 1:
Strongest of bonds uniting the world
For service and sisterhood we strive.
We pledge now all our might
And friendship's healing light
To keep this truth alive.
Chorus:
Gamma Sigma Sigma let
Our Tributes echo far,
So that all who bear your colors
May rejoice in your fame,
So that all who hear our voices
Look for Service in your name.
Verse 2:
Dear Gamma Sig, we're faithful to you
For service we work so constantly.
For college and our land
We pledge the helping hand
Of our sorority.
Chorus:
Gamma Sigma Sigma let
Our Tributes echo far,
So that all who bear your colors
May rejoice in your fame,
So that all who hear our voices
Look for Service in your name.
Α ά Alpha Ν ν Nu
Β β Beta Ξ ξ Xi
Γ γ Gamma Ο ο Omicron
Δ δ Delta Π π Pi
Ε ε Epsilon Ρ ρ Rho
Ζ ζ Zeta Σ σ Sigma
Η η Eta Τ τ Tau
Θ θ Theta Υ υ Upsilon
Ι ι Iota Φ φ Phi
Κ κ Kappa Χ χ Chi
Λ λ Lambda Ψ ψ Psi
Μ μ Mu Ω ω Omega