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 |
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 |
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]
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]
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]
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.