Tri Sigma History

History

Many things now taken for granted were unheard of for the women of the 1890s. Higher education for women was still a debatable topic, but the need for qualified teachers was high. In Virginia, the State Female Normal School at Farmville was the state's first institution to open its doors for teacher education. Now known as Longwood College, this is where brave, 15-17 year old women came to prepare for the teaching profession, rather than accept the social custom of being sheltered and tutored in their own homes. These trendsetting women at Farmville made their school the birthplace of four national sororities; one was Sigma Sigma Sigma. The early Sigmas saw the need for both legal recognition as a social body and a written record of organization. Thus the early Alphas filed documents with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Sigma Sigma Sigma received its Charter of Incorporation on February 12, 1903. Tri Sigma's first constitution was adopted by the Alpha Chapter in April, 1903.

The Mabel Lee Walton House was acquired by Sigma Sigma Sigma in 1963 for its National Memorial Headquarters.

The house is named in honor of Mabel Lee Walton, National President for 34 years, as a tribute to her inspiration and leadership.

Founders

Tri Sigma's eight Founders, Margaret Batten, Louise Davis, Martha Featherston, Isabella Merrick, Sallie Michie, Lelia Scott, Elizabeth Watkins, and Lucy Wright, formed a special friendship at the Normal School. Lucy Wright and Lelia Scott led the first meetings of the S.S.S. Club in 1897. They announced the founding of Sigma Sigma Sigma on April 20, 1898. The circle of friendship that began in the 1890s, with eight women sharing common experiences, 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.

NATIONAL WEBSITE

http://www.sigmasigmasigma.org/Home.mvc

SYMBOLS

The jewel of Sigma Sigma Sigma is the pearl. It is a breathtaking symbol that reminds us that no two pearls are alike in the world, neither are any two sisters, but they are all beautiful.

This symbol has remain the official flower since the founding of Sigma Sigma Sigma in 1898.

Tri Sigma’s Sailboat symbolizes a continual forward motion never moving backward, but progressing forward towards its destination.

The meaning of this precious crest is revealed only to initiated Sigma members.

This pin is worn during the pledging period.

This is the official badge worn by members.

The skull and crossbones is a fun yet serious symbol that reminds us of our strong bond as sisters. As well as, it is our motto “ Faithful Unto Death.”