History
We are Phi Sigma Sigma.
We are a dynamic, principled, passionately committed group of women from around the world who define ourselves not by our distinct differences, but by what we have in common. And that common bond is a firm belief that women of different religions, cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints working together can and do make a difference in our communities, and in the world, every day.
We are nearly 100 years old, and growing. Founded in 1913 in New York City, Phi Sigma Sigma is internationally recognized as a progressive, successful women’s philanthropic and social organization with cutting-edge leadership programming for college students, active clubs and special events for alumnae from coast to coast.
We are a dynamic, principled, passionately committed group of women from around the world who define ourselves not by our distinct differences, but by what we have in common. And that common bond is a firm belief that women of different religions, cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints working together can and do make a difference in our communities, and in the world, every day.
We are nearly 100 years old, and growing. Founded in 1913 in New York City, Phi Sigma Sigma is internationally recognized as a progressive, successful women’s philanthropic and social organization with cutting-edge leadership programming for college students, active clubs and special events for alumnae from coast to coast.
Founders
- Josephine Ellison Breakstone — worked as a schoolteacher and was married. Josephine lived in New York City until her death.
- Estelle Melnick Cole — worked as a hospital volunteer in New York while taking courses in languages and the arts. Estelle served as an interpreter for her husband while they traveled extensively around the world. They later moved to Harrison, New York, where she resided until her death.
- Fay Chertkoff — worked as a teacher throughout her full and interesting life. She is responsible for writing most of the Fraternity's rituals. Fay served as a national officer for many years.
- Gwen Zaliels Snyder — graduated from Hunter College and taught school before marrying. She later had one daughter and became a textile designer, branching into private interior designing.
- Ethel Gordon Kraus — married and had two children, one a member of Phi Sigma Sigma. She had five grandchildren and remained a member of the Godmother’s League and the Hattie Bondy Scholarship Fund. Her hobbies included bridge, theater, and gardening. Ethel passed away in 1984 in New York City.
- Rose Sher Seidman — married and had two sons and seven grandchildren. Rose taught school from 1915-17 before returning to teach at a private school in 1940, where she stayed for ten years. She sponsored extracurricular activities including social dance and puppetry. Rose originally desired to be a dancer/actress when that profession was not highly regarded. Later in life she studied new modern math and attended a workshop for use of audio-visual materials. She traveled throughout Europe, Iceland, the Caribbean, and the United States. In November 1987 Rose passed away in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
- Jeanette Lipka Furst — graduated from public high school at age 11 and entered college at age 15 to become the youngest member of Phi Sigma Sigma. She graduated from Hunter College in three years at age 18. Jeanette taught fifth grade and later earned her doctorate in audio-visual education and communications.
- Lillian Gordon Alpern — born in New York City, the youngest child in a family of six; she followed in her only sister’s footsteps and attended Hunter College. While a junior, Lillian met Charles Alpern and left school to marry. She was the first Founder to pass away, in 1945.
- Shirley Cohen Laufer and Claire Wunder McArdle — unfortunately, we have very little information about these founders.
Our Core Values
Our core values distinguish Phi Sigma Sigma, unite us in our endeavors and become ingrained in our character. We live our core values when we recruit new members, as we chart the course of our college experience, and as we make decisions about career, family, and community involvement. Phi Sigma Sigma's core values are the basis for both our membership recruitment (Vision) and member development (Reflections) programs.
Lifelong Learning
As new members, as collegiate members and as alumnae, learning is a priority and we encourage our sisters to make the most of educational opportunities at our colleges and in our communities. Through education and challenging ourselves to reach new goals, we become women of influence and substance.
Inclusiveness
An inclusive sisterhood prepares its members for a world filled with diversity. By embracing our differences, we become a stronger organization that benefits not only our members, but those around us. We seek out and include women of various races, cultures, levels of ability, socioeconomic origin, backgrounds and perspectives.
Leadership through Service
Phi Sigma Sigma believes that a woman who serves is also a woman who leads. By serving others, our members become more valuable citizens, students, parents, workers and community leaders.
Our core values distinguish Phi Sigma Sigma, unite us in our endeavors and become ingrained in our character. We live our core values when we recruit new members, as we chart the course of our college experience, and as we make decisions about career, family, and community involvement. Phi Sigma Sigma's core values are the basis for both our membership recruitment (Vision) and member development (Reflections) programs.
Lifelong Learning
As new members, as collegiate members and as alumnae, learning is a priority and we encourage our sisters to make the most of educational opportunities at our colleges and in our communities. Through education and challenging ourselves to reach new goals, we become women of influence and substance.
Inclusiveness
An inclusive sisterhood prepares its members for a world filled with diversity. By embracing our differences, we become a stronger organization that benefits not only our members, but those around us. We seek out and include women of various races, cultures, levels of ability, socioeconomic origin, backgrounds and perspectives.
Leadership through Service
Phi Sigma Sigma believes that a woman who serves is also a woman who leads. By serving others, our members become more valuable citizens, students, parents, workers and community leaders.