Sigma Sigma Omicron
Sigma Sigma Omicron (ΣΣΟ) was a national collegiate sorority operating under that name in the United States from November 1, 1920 to 1927. It has had several successor names.
| Sigma Sigma Omicron | |
|---|---|
| ΣΣΟ | |
 | |
| Founded | November 1, 1920 New York University |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | NPC (former) |
| Scope | Regional |
| Colors | Purple and White |
| Symbol | Circle, Helmet, Pyramid, Sabre, Sheaf of Wheat |
| Flower | Violets with White Rose |
| Jewel | Amethyst and Pearl |
| Publication | The Talaria |
| Chapters | 10 chartered |
| Members | 1,000 lifetime |
| Briefly renamed | Sigma Phi Beta |
| Merged with | Phi Omega Pi (1933) see Delta Zeta |
History
This sorority existed for approximately 13 years. For more than half that time it was known as Sigma Sigma Omicron, with the name Sigma Phi Beta adopted during its final six years.
The Alpha chapter of Sigma Sigma Omicron was formed on November 1, 1920 at New York University, eventually chartering five chapters, mainly at teachers colleges. Its primary founder was Vera Bartone Goelier, supported by other students of the junior, sophomore and freshman class.[1]
On July 28, 1927 the sorority changed its name to Sigma Phi Beta (ΣΦΒ), anticipating a merger six months later with the three chapters of Phi Alpha Chi, which it effected on January 7, 1928 after "find[ing] their interests and purposes similar...". Phi Alpha Chi had its origin as The Tanewah Club in 1919 at Berkeley. In 1926, that sorority adopted Greek letters, reorganizing as the Alpha chapter of Phi Alpha Chi.
Delta Zeta's history (1983) recorded that Sigma Phi Beta absorbed Phi Alpha Chi before combining under the Phi Omega Pi banner in 1933.[1]
According to the 1931 edition of The Sorority Handbook there were 10 chapters of Sigma Phi Beta, with 1,000 members (p. 79).
On 1 October 1933 the small sorority of Sigma Phi Beta merged into Phi Omega Pi, which itself was later (but only partly) absorbed by Delta Zeta in 1946, with some chapters disbanded or released to other sororities.[2]
Insignia and Traditions
Pledge pin- "Crescented Norman shield divided vertically into two equal sections, one enameled in purple, the other in white, and displaying diagonally a gold sabre"
Member pin- "Pearl bordered circular shield of purple enamel, displaying sorority letters in gold, and jewelled additionally with six amethysts set at prescribed points outside a circlet of pearls" -- This description is accurate for both Sigma Sigma Omicron and Sigma Phi Beta.
Insignia- Circle, Helmet, Pyramid, Sabre, Sheaf of Wheat
Colors- Purple and White
Flower- Violets with White Rose
Publication- The Talaria
(Martin, pp. 79– 80)
References
- Anson, Jack L.; Marchenasi, Robert F., eds. (1991) [1879]. Baird's Manual of American Fraternities (20th ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Baird's Manual Foundation, Inc. pp. VIII-33. ISBN 978-0963715906.
- The Spring 1995 edition of The Lamp of Delta Zeta, p.10, has an article about the sorority's several mergers. Accessed 25 Aug 2020.
- Martin, Ida Shaw (1931)The Sorority Handbook, 11th edition, Published by Ida Shaw Martin, Boston, Mass.
- Miner, Florence Hood (1983). The History of Delta Zeta, 1902- 1982. Indianapolis, Indiana.