|
Many things now taken for granted were unheard of for the women of the 1890’s. Higher Education for women
was still a debatable topic, but the need for qualified teachers was high. In Virginia, the State Female Normal School in Farmville was the state’s
first institution to open its doors for teacher education. Now known as Longwood
University, this is where brave 15 to 17 year old women came to prepare for the teaching profession. These
trend-setting women at Farmville made their school the birthplace of four national sororities, one of which was Sigma Sigma
Sigma.
Giant
steps were taken in Tri-Sigma’s first decade with the establishment of additional collegiate chapters and the meeting
of the entire membership at Conventions. The national nature of Tri-Sigma was established with the publication of The
Triangle (national magazine of Tri-Sigma), the standardization of ceremony for new members and the creation of a program
to celebrate Founders Day.
The circle of friendship that began
in the 1890’s now encompasses more than 80,000 women representing the diversity found on the college campuses of today.
The growth and change that occurred in the many decades to follow always stayed true to the ideals of friendship espoused
by the founders.
Each initiated member receives the latest edition of Tri Sigma's
story, The Years Remembered of Sigma Sigma Sigma; The Path from Farmville, which chronicles the beginning of each collegiate
chapter as well as the evolution of our National Organization. Members also receive a lifetime subscription to our national
magazine The Triangle of Sigma Sigma Sigma, which charts Sigma's progress three times a year.
Elizabeth Watkins, Isabella
Merrick, Sallie Michie, Lelia Scott, Martha Featherston, Lucy Wright, Louise Davis, Margaret Batten.
Our
National Headquarters, which is the Mabel Lee Waltson House, is located in Woodstock, Virginia. It is a gracious, old southern
home with 16 rooms, six with fireplaces and hand carved mantels. Adequate space exists for chapter house parties, officer
workshops, and overnight guests. The house, which was acquired by Sigma Sigma Sigma in 1963, is named in honor of Mabel Lee
Walton, National President for 34 years, as a tribute to her inspiration and leadership.
Tri Sigma Insignia
Letters: ∑ ∑ ∑
Nicknames
- Tri-Sigma, Sigmas
Flower: Purple Violet
Colors: Royal Purple and White
Jewel: Pearl
Magazine: The Triangle of Sigma Sigma
Sigma
Information Networking Program:
Tradewinds
Symbol: Sailboat
Motto: Faithful Unto Death
| Badge - The triangle badge with its indented border set in pearls with a Sigma in each corner of the
triangle and the skull and crossed bones in the center, is the symbol of the Triangle Degree. |
 |
| Sailboat
- Tri Sigma's sailboat symbolizes continual forward motion, never moving backward, but progressing towards its destination. |
 |
New Member
Pin - This pin is given at the time of pledging. It is a small silver triangle superimposed on a silver circle.
|
 |
Coat of
Arms - Harriet Hankins Alpha designed this symbol 1902. From upper left to lower right is a bond upon which there
are three Greek Sigmas. Above the band is an equilateral triangle engraved with a Sigma, spreading wings joined at a circle,
and a pair of clasped hands. In the lower third is a flaming urn above the open motto written in Greek.
|
 |
Purple
Violet - This symbol has remained the official flower since the founding of Sigma Sigma Sigma.
|
 |
Time Honored Traditions
Doll Collection - A tradition, established in 1950, calls
for each chapter, at the time of installation, to dress a doll in the fashion of the year. This priceless collection contains
over 160 dolls, representing active and inactive collegiate chapters, and is on display at the Mabel Lee Walton House.
Founders Day - April 20 each year is designated
as Founders Day, when Sigma Sigma Sigma honors the eight women to whose initiative and vision in the Sorority owes its beginning.
Celebrations held by Sigmas throughout the nation feature a symbolic program prepared for this special Sigma event
Sigma Inspiration - A sacred part of Conventions,
leadership conferences, and other Sigma gatherings is Sigma Inspiration. At this special time, Sigmas share their favorite
prayer, verse of Scripture, poem or thoughts.
National Convention - Convention is held once ever three
years, representatives from each collegiate and alumnae chapter come together to set national goals for the sorority and also
to have a great time meeting Sigmas throughout the country.
Dunham Leadership Conference - DLC is a weekend meeting for collegiate chapters and
their advisors.
The Vision
of Sigma Sigma Sigma:
Sigma Sigma Sigma will have a strong and vibrant future that will ensure a
positive and enriching sorority experience for our members.
-
Partnership with the Foundation
-
Be Fiscally Strong
-
Be a Chapter Growth Leader
-
Increase Alumnae Involvement
-
Develop Nationally Recognized Programming
The Mission of Sigma Sigma
Sigma:
Sigma Sigma Sigma
exists to provide a lifelong sorority experience for women.
In conjunction with the formation of this Mission, we reaffirm
our commitment to the Sigma Sigma Sigma Declaration of Principles. These Principles elaborate on
three basic tenets, which are the reasons for our existence as a Sisterhood.
Visit out national website at www.sigmasigmasigma.org
|
