Sigma Kappa's History
The history of Sigma Kappa begins at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. In 1871, Colby College became the first university in New England to admit female and male students on an equal basis. Mary Caffrey Low was the first woman admitted to Colby College and for two years remained the only female student at the school. In 1873, four more young women from Maine, Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, Ida Fuller Pierce, Frances Mann Hall, and Louise Helen Coburn were admitted to Colby and the five young women found themselves together frequently. During the school year of 1873-74, the five young women decided to form a literary and social society. They were told by the college administration that they needed to present a constitution and bylaws with a petition requesting permission to form Sigma Kappa Sorority. The women's purpose at the outset was that the sorority should become what it is now, a national organization of college women. On November 9, 1874, the five young women received a letter from the faculty approving their petition. This date is now known and celebrated as Sigma Kappa Founder's Day.
Today, Sigma Kappa is a 125,000 member organization worldwide with 226 collegiate and alumnae chapter across the United States and Europe.
For more information, please visit the Official Sigma Kappa Sorority Website.
Today, Sigma Kappa is a 125,000 member organization worldwide with 226 collegiate and alumnae chapter across the United States and Europe.
For more information, please visit the Official Sigma Kappa Sorority Website.