Sigma Sigma Sigma was founded on April 20, 1898 at the Normal School of Virginia, now known as Longwood College. Tri Sigma's eight Founders, Margaret Batten, Louise Davis, Martha Featherston, Isabella Merrick, Sallie Michie, Lelia Scott, Elizabeth Watkins, and Lucy Wright, formed a special friendship. The early Sigmas saw the need for both legal recognition as a social body and a written record of organization. Thus, the early Alphas filed documents with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Sigma Sigma Sigma received its Charter of Incorporation on February 12, 1903.

Tri Sigma's first constitution was adopted by the Alpha Chapter in April, 1903. Giant steps were taken in Sigma's first decade with the establishment of additional collegiate chapters and the meetings of the entire membership at Conventions. The national nature of Tri Sigma was established with the Publication of The Triangle, the standardization of a ceremony for new members and the creation of a program to celebrate Founders Day.

The circle of friendship that began in the 1890s, with eight women sharing common experiences, now encompasses more than 80,000 women representing the diversity found on the college campuses of today. The growth and change that occurred in the many decades to follow always stayed true to the ideals of friendship espoused by the Founders. Each initiated member receives the latest edition of Tri Sigma's story, The Years Remembered of Sigma Sigma Sigma; The Path from Farmville, which chronicles the beginning of each collegiate chapter as well as the evolution of our National Organization. Members also receive a lifetime subscription to our national magazine, The Triangle of Sigma Sigma Sigma, which charts Sigma's progress three times a year.




Mission

Sigma Sigma Sigma exists to provide a lifelong sorority experience for women. In conjunction with the formation of this Mission, we reaffirm our commitment to the Sigma Sigma Sigma Declaration of Principles. These Principles elaborate on three basic tenets, which are the reasons for our existence as a Sisterhood.
· To insure a perpetual bond of friendship
· To develop strong womanly character
· To promote high standards of conduct

- Words from Forever Sigma, The Path From Farmville, Years Remembered 1989-1980, & Sigma Sigma Sigma




Symbols of Tri-Sigma

The triangle badge with its indented border set in pearls with a Sigma in each corner of the triangle and the skull and crossed bones in the center, is the symbol of the Triangle Degree.



Symbol
Tri Sigma's sailboat symbolizes continual forward motion ("Ever Forward"), never moving backward, but progressing towards its destination.


Flower
Purple violets have remained the official flower since the founding of Sigma Sigma Sigma.



Jewel
Pearls are the official jewel of Tri Sigma.



Motto
"Faithful Unto Death"
The skull and crossbones is used as another symbol of our sorority to represent our open motto.


Coat of Arms
Harriet Hankins Alpha designed this symbol 1902. From upper left to lower right is a bond upon which there are three Greek Sigmas. Above the band is an equilateral triangle engraved with a Sigma, spreading wings joined at a circle, and a pair of clasped hands. In the lower third is a flaming urn above the open motto written in Greek.



Colors
Royal Purple and White

Magazine
The Triangle of Sigma Sigma Sigma is our official magazine. It charts Sigma's progress three times a year, and all members recieve a lifetime subscription to it.





Tri-Sigma Traditions

Doll Collection - A tradition, established in 1950, calls for each chapter, at the time of installation, to dress a doll in the fashion of the year. This priceless collection contains over 160 dolls, representing active and inactive collegiate chapters, and is on display at the Mabel Lee Walton House.

Founders Day - April 20 each year is designated as Founders Day, when Sigma Sigma Sigma honors the eight women to whose initiative and vision in the Sorority owes its beginning. Celebrations held by Sigmas throughout the nation feature a symbolic program prepared for this special Sigma event.

Sigma Inspiration - A sacred part of Conventions, leadership conferences, and other Sigma gatherings is Sigma Inspiration. At this special time, Sigmas share their favorite prayer, verse of Scripture, poem or thoughts.

National Convention - Convention is the supreme governing body of the Sorority.

Dunham Leadership Conference - DLC is a weekend meeting for collegiate chapters and their advisors.


-Information from Sigma Sigma Sigma





Tri-Sigma Trivia!

Carebears - It was Linda Denham, a Tri-Sigma who invented the Carebear. We have proudly adopted it as one of our symbols in honor of her and her success.

Carrie Underwood - Carrie Underwood is a member of our Alpha Iota Chapter at Northeastern State University and recently won the 2006 CMA Horizon Award and Female Vocalist of the Year Award.

International Chapters - Tri Sigma is the first sorority to establish an international chapter outside of North America.

Sigma in National American Miss Pageant - Krystle Kitchen, a member of the Zeta Pi Chapter at Virginia Wesleyan College, was crowned Miss Virginia. She will be attending the National America Miss Pageant in Hollywood, California some time in November.

Billie Letts - Billie Letts is the author of the novel Where the Heart Is and is also a Tri-Sigma.

Hearing Impaired Chapter - Tri Sigma is the only sorority with a hearing impaired chapter.