Phi Sigma Rho (ΦΣΡ; also known as Phi Rho or PSR) is a social sorority for individuals who identify as female or non-binary in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.[2][3] The sorority was founded in 1984 at Purdue University.[4] It has since expanded to more than 40 colleges across the United States.[4]
| Phi Sigma Rho | |
|---|---|
| ΦΣΡ | |
 | |
| Founded | September 24, 1984 Purdue University |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Engineering |
| Scope | National |
| Mission statement | Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for women and nonbinary persons in engineering and technical studies, serving our sisters and the community by promoting: high standards of personal integrity, respect, and character; lifelong bonds of sisterhood; and academic and professional excellence with a social balance.[1] |
| Motto | Together we build the future |
| Slogan | Re-engineering Sorority life |
| Colors | Wine red silver |
| Symbol | Star and pyramid |
| Flower | Orchid |
| Jewel | Pearl |
| Mascot | Sigmand the penguin |
| Publication | The Key |
| Philanthropy | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society |
| Chapters | 47 |
| Colonies | 4 |
| Members | > 2,500 collegiate > 12,000 lifetime |
| Nickname | Phi Rho or PSR |
| Headquarters | P.O. Box 5307 Northville, MI 48167 United States |
| Website | Official website |
History
Phi Sigma Rho was founded on September 24, 1984, at Purdue University by Rashmi Khanna and Abby McDonald.[5] Khanna and McDonald were unable to participate in traditional sorority rush due to the demands of the sororities and their engineering program, so they decided to start a new sorority that would take their academic program's demands into consideration.[5]
The Alpha chapter at Purdue University was founded with ten charter members: Gail Bonney, Anita Chatterjea, Ann Cullinan, Pam Kabbes, Rashmi Khanna, Abby McDonald, Christine Mooney, Tina Kershner, Michelle Self, and Kathy Vargo.[2]
Phi Sigma Rho accepts students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics who identify as female or who identify as non-binary. The sorority made the decision to include non-binary students in all chapters in the summer of 2021.[2]
Phi Sigma Rho has grown more than 40 chapters nationally.[5] Its headquarters is located in Northville, Michigan. Its online magazine is The Key.[6]
Symbols
The colors of Phi Sigma Rho are wine red and silver.[5] The sorority's flower is the orchid, and its jewel is the pearl.[5] Its mascot is Sigmand the penguin.[5] Its motto is "together we build the future."[5]
Notable members
Philanthropy
Phi Sigma Rho's national philanthropy is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.[8]
The Phi Sigma Rho Foundation was established as a separate nonprofit organization in 2005.[8] It supports the educational and philanthropic efforts of the sorority's members and offers merit-based scholarships to sorority members.[8][9]
Chapters
The following tables lists Phi Sigma Rho chapters, prospective chapters, and interest groups.[10] Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters are indicated in italic.
Notes
See also
References
Further reading
- Bilimoria, Diana; Lord, Linley (2014-10-31). Women in STEM Careers: International Perspectives on Increasing Workforce Participation, Advancement and Leadership. Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78195-407-2.
- Torbenson, Craig LaRon; Parks, Gregory (2009). Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities and Sororities. Associated University Presse. p. 282. ISBN 978-0-8386-4194-1.
- The Engineer of 2020: Visions of Engineering in the New Century. National Academies Press. 2004-06-14. ISBN 978-0-309-09162-6.
- Models and Modeling in Engineering Education: Designing Experiences for All Students. BRILL. 2008-01-01. ISBN 978-90-8790-404-3.
- Lovett, Karen (2020-06-03). Diverse Pedagogical Approaches to Experiential Learning: Multidisciplinary Case Studies, Reflections, and Strategies. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-030-42691-0.