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Sigma Kappa's 5 Founders Mary Caffrey Low Carver Elizabeth Gorham Hoag Ida Fuller Pierce Frances Mann Hall Louise Helen Coburn

Colby College in Waterville, Maine, was the first college in New England to admit women on an equal basis with men students.  The first woman student was admitted in 1871, and for two years Mary Caffrey Low was the only woman student at Colby College.  In 1873, four more young women from Maine, Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, Ida Fuller, Frances Mann 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. They began work during that year with an eager glow of enthusiasm.  Their 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. Thus, this date has since been considered our Founder's Day.

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