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History of Sigma Phi Omega
Sigma Phi Omega was founded in 1949 at the University of Southern California amidst lingering anti-Asian sentiment left behind by World War II. It is the oldest Asian-American sorority at USC and has helped young women adjust to college life for the past fifty-three years.
Our sorority was originally established as an organization for Japanese and Japanese-American women who were not welcomed into the Greek sororities at that time. It was not until the mid-1950's when membership was opened to women that were not of Japanese descent. The pledge program was also implemented at this time. The history of our sorority is of great importance because it not only shows how our founding mothers overcame prejudices of their time but also how closely we are intertwined with the history of Asian Americans in Southern California.
| Sigma Phi Omega has six active chapters chartered at the following schools. | ||
| Beta | Cal State University, Long Beach | 1970 |
| Gamma | University of Texas | May 1, 1991 |
| Delta | San Diego State University | December 18, 1991 |
| Epsilon | University of Houston | April 21, 1995 |
| Zeta | UC Berkeley | April 5, 1997 |
| Eta | Baylor University | May 1, 1999 |
College is a time for new faces, endeavors, and experiences. Among this whirlwind of unfamiliarity, being in a sorority can help brighten your path and put things into perspective. It provides a base for lasting friendships and special memories. Sigma Phi Omega prides itself for its diversity in membership as we embrace the unique qualities and gifts each person brings. Our alumni have gone onto successful careers in business, law, medicine, cinema, music, and education.
In 1999, we celebrated our 50th anniversary. It was an achievement for all our sisters and was the culmination of dedication and friendships that have developed since our conception. The year 2000 marked the Tenth anniversary of the Gamma chapter at the University of Texas, and they proudly hosted the fifth annual convention in Austin, Texas with lots of Southern hospitality. The newest chapter of Sigma Phi Omega, Baylor University, hosted a very successful Seventh Convention in Dallas, Texas May 31-June 2. And the San Diego chapter just celebrated their Tenth Anniversary in September.
Convention 2003 will be hosted by the Beta Chapter at Cal State Long Beach. If you'd like to read more about our conventions click on the Convention Page.