| Pi Kappa Sigma | |
|---|---|
| ΠΚΣ | |
 | |
| Founded | November 17, 1894 Michigan State Normal School, (Ypsilanti, Michigan) |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | NPC (former) |
| Scope | International |
| Colors | Turquoise and Gold |
| Symbol | Lamp, Star, Phi, Open Book, Laurel Wreath, Scroll |
| Flower | Forget-me-not, Jonquil |
| Publication | The Laurel |
| Merged with | Sigma Kappa (1959) |
| Website | Sigma Kappa home page |
| [1] | |
Pi Kappa Sigma (ΠΚΣ or Pi Kap) was a national collegiate sorority operating in the United States from November 17, 1894 until it was absorbed by Sigma Kappa in 1959. Pi Kap was the first pedagogical sorority.
History
Beginnings
On November 17, 1894, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, nine female student from Michigan State Normal School formed a secret club called J.P.N. In a nod to the fashion of the day, the letters of this club stood for Jolly Petticoats Nine. Other J.P.N. members recall the secret meaning as Just Progressive Normalites. For three years, J.P.N. grew as a Latin-lettered club. In 1896, membership was thirteen.[2][3]
In 1897, Alice Eddy Snowden assisted the J.P.N.s to transform themselves to a Greek-lettered organization. After careful consideration of Greek syntax and semantics, Pi Kappa Sigma was chosen as the name.
Pi Kappa Sigma planted chapters at different campuses throughout the United States. In 1915, the sorority worked to become national. The first national convention was held. There, goals for increasing membership and chartered chapters were established. A new membership pin was designed. The constitution was revised. Authorization for a publication (the Laurel) was given.[3]
Pi Kappa Sigma's status as a "pedagogical sorority" prevented it from being admitted into the National Panhellenic Conference.
The Association of Education Sororities
In 1917, two members of the Association for Pedagogical Sororities (A.P.S.), Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Alpha, invited Pi Kap to join their association. Pi Kap accepted, and was soon joined by Delta Sigma Epsilon. At the third national convention of A.P.S., the sororities changed A.P.S. to Association of Education Sororities (A.E.S.) Over the next decade, Theta Sigma Upsilon, Alpha Sigma Tau, and Pi Delta Theta became A.E.S. members.[2]
Becoming an NPC Sorority
In November 1947, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) invited Pi Kappa Sigma and her A.E.S. peers into "associate membership with reservations." With this invitation the A.E.S. immediately dissolved. In June of the following year, the reservations cited by the NPC were removed. The former A.E.S. sororities became associate members of the NPC. Pi Kappa Sigma, in a 1949 publication, hoped to become a full member by 1951.[2]
There were two problems for Pi Kappa Sigma and the move into the NPC. First, many Pi Kaps also held membership in NPC groups, having joined before 1947. These sisters were forced to choose between Pi Kap and their NPC sorority. Pi Kap, like all sororities faced with this adjustment, suffered losses.
The second problem was the chartering of chapters at "unqualified institutions". Under the rules of the NPC, Pi Kap had to withdraw such chapters from the roll until those institutions could attain the proper accreditation. Again, Pi Kap lost members.
The history book (1949) included total membership records after the NPC affiliation. The "grand total membership" was 9,241 sisters. There were 32 active chapters and 15 inactive.[3]
National conventions were held every two years from 1915 up to 1931, then every three years.
Merging with Sigma Kappa
Pi Kappa Sigma remained an NPC affiliated sorority for only ten more years. In 1959, it was absorbed by Sigma Kappa.[4][3]
Insignia and Traditions
The first badge was a shield design with "thirteen turquoise set in laurel leaves surrounding Pi Kappa Sigma" [2]: 3
At the first convention, a new badge was designed. The younger Pi Kaps wanted "one with a more definite shield patterns and something symbolic of secrecy". The sisters claimed that since other sororities had pins symbolizing secrets, so should the Pi Kappa Sigmas.[2]: 419
The second badge was a "modified triangular shield with a narrow gold bevel surrounding a field of black enamel. At the top is a small diamond surrounded by thirteen points of gold. Across the center of the field are the Greek letters Pi Kappa Sigma in gold, and beneath them a Greek lamp in gold."[2]: 420
The pledge pin was a "triangle slightly modified; upper part is of turquoise-blue enamel with the letters Pi Kappa Sigma in gold."[2]: 420
The coat-of-arms was authorized by the Grand Chapter in 1927 and is described as a "quartered shield [gold and blue] shaped like the pin. Upper dexter quarter is a Greek lamp; in the lower sinister quarter, a five point star; at the point of interest, overlapping the quarters is an open book. The crest is an effulgent star of thirteen points resting upon a wreath. Beneath the shield are two crossed laurel branches; below them is a scroll with Pi Kappa Sigma in Greek letters."[2]: 420
The first initiation ritual was that of J.P.N. In October 1902, there was a new initiation and pledge rituals recorded by hand. These rituals were "very similar" to what the sorority was using in 1949. Minor changes in phrasing and a few additions were done in later years.[2]: 402
Pledge ribbons were given to new members before the official pledging ceremony.[2]: 402
Founder's Day Prayer
Our heavenly Father, we thank thee for the joy of this day. We lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for the blessings and comforts which come to us through our founders. We thank thee for all the tender mercies of the past and the great hopes that lead us into the future. We pray to fix in all our hearts the bright resolves to live nobly, truly, simply, and in the real spirit of Pi Kappa Sigma. May we, as loving children, remember that we are in the springtime of life. Help us to seize and improve every opportunity for the cultivation of our minds, the foundation of habits the preparation for future usefulness and gaining good. Lord, be near all on this day, and when we come together again, with thy help, O Lord, may we be better able to help each other and live that we may not forget the purpose for which we were founded and the all embracing love enclosed in the everlasting chain of friendship for Pi Kappa Sigma. We ask all these things in Jesus' Name. Amen. [2]: 44
—Written by Ruth S. Neidig, Grand President
An Ideal of Pi Kappa Sigma
Pledges herself to service of all on campus within the limits of her capacity.
In at home in the universe because in giving self she finds herself.
Keeps her sense of values, especially in emergencies.
Appreciates the contributions of townspeople, faculty, and students.
Promises to do only what she can see through to a finish.
Praises rather than blames the efforts of others.
Adjusts to situations where the good of her group surpasses her own personal opinion.
Stands by her ideals of Christian living.
Ignores gossip and fault finding.
Grows in poise and confidence.
Matures in her relationships with people.
Adds to life because of her humor, buoyancy, and wholesomeness.
—Virginia Wielandy, Faculty Advisor Alpha chapter [2]: 56
Chapters
Total membership reported in the 1957 Baird's Manual was 11,013, two years prior to the merger with Sigma Kappa.[5][3]
- November 17, 1894 Α, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
- 1900 Β, Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, OK
- 1902 Γ, Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant, MI
- 1905 Δ, Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA (d. 1918)
- 1907 Ε, Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI (d. 1911)
- 1909 Ζ, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PA (inactive 1918-30)
- 1915 Η, Miami University of Ohio Oxford, OH (d. 1938)
- 1917 Θ, University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH (d.1919)
- 1918 Ι, Emporia State University Emporia, KS
- 1919 Κ, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, OK
- 1920 Λ, University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO
- 1920 Μ, University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO
- February 15, 1922 Ν, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, OK[6]
- 1923 Ξ, Ohio University Athens, OH (d. 1933)
- 1923 Ο, Marshall University Huntington, WV
- 1924 Π, Truman University Kirksville, OH
- 1925 Ρ, Buffalo State University Buffalo, NY (d.1954)
- 1925 Σ, Drake University Des Moines, IA (d. 1932)
- 1925 Τ, California State University, Chico Chico, CA
- 1925 Υ, Florida State University Tallahassee, FL (d. 1929)
- 1926 Φ, University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA (d. 1939)
- 1926 Χ, Black Hills State University Spearfish, SD
- December 10, 1926 Ψ, Kent State University Kent, OH (d. 1947)[7]
- 1927 Ω, University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA (d. 1940)
- 1927 ΑΑ, Auburn University Auburn, AL (d. 1937)
- 1928 ΑΒ, Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS (d. 1941)
- 1928 ΑΓ, Wayne State University Detroit, MI
- 1928 ΑΔ, Northwestern State University Natchitoches, LA
- 1928 ΑΕ, Longwood University Farmville, VA
- 1929 ΑΖ, Western Colorado University Gunnison, CO
- 1929 ΑΗ, Millikin University Decatur, IL (d. 1937)
- 1929 ΑΘ, Stetson University Deland, FL (d. 1940)
- 1929 ΑΙ, Butler University Indianapolis, IN (d. 1937)
- 1930 ΑΚ, Harris–Stowe State University St. Louis, MO
- 1930 ΑΛ, Wittenberg University Springfield, OH (d. 1936)
- 1930 ΑΜ, Fort Hays State University Hays, KS (d. 1940)
- 1935 ΑΝ, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Lock Haven, PA
- May 14, 1939 ΑΞ, Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL[8]
- November 18, 1939 ΑΟ,James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA[9]
- 1943 ΑΠ, Western Illinois University Macomb, IL
- 1944 ΑΦ, University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR
- 1945 ΑΧ, Ball State University Muncie, IN
- 1945 ΑΡ, Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL
- 1946 ΑΣ, Henderson State University Arkadelphia, AR (d. 1952)
- 1946 ΑΤ, Wilson Teachers College Washington, DC
- 1947 ΘΝ, Missouri State University Springfield, MO
- 1948 ΑΩ, Fairmont State University Fairmont, WV
- 1950 ΑΥ, University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK
- 1951 ΓΘ, Radford University Radford, VA
- 1954 ΑΨ, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
References
- ↑ Mrs. Ida Shaw Martin (1923). The Sorority Handbook. Ida Shaw Martin. pp. 98–99.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seaton, Emma Newell (1949). Golden Years with Pi Kappa Sigma 1894- 1949. Harlo Printing.
- 1 2 3 4 5 William Raimond Baird; Carroll Lurding (eds.). "Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities (Baird's Manual Online Archive), section showing Pi Kappa Sigma chapters". Student Life and Culture Archives. University of Illinois: University of Illinois Archives. Retrieved 31 December 2021. The main archive URL is The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage.
- ↑ William Raimond Baird (1991). Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities. Baird's Manual Foundation, Incorporated.
- ↑ Robson, John, ed. (1963). "Fraternities that are no more". Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (17th ed.). Menasha, Wisconsin: Banta Publishing Company. p. 746.
- ↑ The Ada Evening News 06 Sep 1936, Sun · Page 159 - Pi Kappa Sigma Looking forward to another Successful Year
- ↑ The Kent Stater, Volume 1, Number 17, 16 December 1926 -PI KAPPA SIGMA IS ESTABLISHED HERE
- ↑ A HISTORY OF THE FRATERNITY SYSTEM AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY FROM 1948 THROUGH 1960
- ↑ 19081909 to 19581959 An Annotated, Historical Timeline
- ↑ List quoted via Greek Chat blog, accessed 29 Aug 2020.