Sigma Phi Omega Sorority Inc.

Sigma Phi Omega was founded at the University of Southern California in 1949, and is the oldest Asian-American sorority at USC and third oldest in the United States. It was originally established as a social organization for Japanese and Japanese-American women at USC. There was much anti-Asian sentiment left behind by World War II, which had ended in 1945. As one alumni said, " At that time it was understood that Asian women could not become members of a sorority. It has since changed. Thank goodness."

In its early beginnings, the founding mothers of Sigma Phi Omega were invited by Chi Alpha Delta, an Asian-American sorority from UCLA, to become one of their chapters. (Chi Alpha Delta had been chartered in 1928 at UCLA, but was rendered inactive between 1942 and 1945 because the majority of its members were unable to attend UCLA due to World War II. After the end of the war, the sorority was reorganized in 1946.)

However, our founding mothers decided to start their own organization. The Greek letters were chosen at random and were not used by any other existing fraternities or sororities at that time. Although we did not originate as a sorority, one could speculate that the choosing of Greek letters was a public way of voicing a dissatisfactory opinion about the treatment of Asian American, specifically Japanese Americans, by the campus and Greek organizations.

Membership was primarily those of Japanese descent in the beginning, although it was open in membership. The pledge program was implemented in the mid-1950's.

Since it was founded, Sigma Phi Omega has established eight other chapters located in both California and Texas.

Beta Chapter: California State University, Long Beach : 1970
Gamma Chapter : University of Texas : May 1, 1991
Delta Chapter : San Diego State University : December 18, 1991
Epsilon Chapter : University of Houston : April 21, 1995
Zeta Chapter : University of California at Berkeley : April 5, 1997
Eta Chapter : Baylor University : May 1, 1999
Theta Chapter : Southern Methodist University : May 20, 2005
TX A&M Chapter: Texas A&M University

Sigma Phi Omega has helped young women adjust to college life for over fifty years. 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 brings. Our alumni have gone onto successful careers in business, law, medicine, entertainment, and education.

If you would like more information about the Sigma History Project, update your information, or obtain a copy of the roster, please contact Liza Agustin Lhospital




		Sigma Phi Omega was founded at the University of Southern California in 1949, and is the oldest Asian-American sorority at USC and third oldest in the United States. It was originally established as a social organization for Japanese and Japanese-American women at USC. There was much anti-Asian sentiment left behind by World War II, which had ended in 1945. As one alumni said, " At that time it was understood that Asian women could not become members of a sorority. It has since changed. Thank goodness." In its early beginnings, the founding mothers of Sigma Phi Omega were invited by Chi Alpha Delta, an Asian-American sorority from UCLA, to become one of their chapters. (Chi Alpha Delta had been chartered in 1928 at UCLA, but was rendered inactive between 1942 and 1945 because the majority of its members were unable to attend UCLA due to World War II. After the end of the war, the sorority was reorganized in 1946.) However, our founding mothers decided to start their own organization. The Greek letters were chosen at random and were not used by any other existing fraternities or sororities at that time. Although we did not originate as a sorority, one could speculate that the choosing of Greek letters was a public way of voicing a dissatisfactory opinion about the treatment of Asian American, specifically Japanese Americans, by the campus and Greek organizations. Membership was primarily those of Japanese descent in the beginning, although it was open in membership. The pledge program was implemented in the mid-1950's. Since it was founded, Sigma Phi Omega has established eight other chapters located in both California and Texas. Beta Chapter: California State University, Long Beach : 1970 Gamma Chapter : University of Texas : May 1, 1991 Delta Chapter : San Diego State University : December 18, 1991 Epsilon Chapter : University of Houston : April 21, 1995 Zeta Chapter : University of California at Berkeley : April 5, 1997 Eta Chapter : Baylor University : May 1, 1999 Theta Chapter : Southern Methodist University : May 20, 2005 TX A&M Chapter: Texas A&M University Sigma Phi Omega has helped young women adjust to college life for over fifty years. 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 brings. Our alumni have gone onto successful careers in business, law, medicine, entertainment, and education. If you would like more information about the Sigma History Project, update your information, or obtain a copy of the roster, please contact Liza Agustin Lhospital
Copyright 2009 Sigma Phi Omega Sorority Inc. All Rights Reserved.