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Posted on July 23, 2020 By Robert Payne

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Pi Kappa Sigma
ΠΚΣ
FoundedNovember 17, 1894; 130 years ago (1894-11-17)
Michigan State Normal School, (Ypsilanti, Michigan)
TypeSocial
Former affiliationNPC
StatusMerged
Merge date1959
SuccessorSigma Kappa
EmphasisPedagogy
ScopeNational
Colors  Turquoise and   Gold
SymbolLamp, Star, Phi, Open Book, Laurel Wreath, Scroll
FlowerForget-me-not, Jonquil
PublicationThe Laurel
Chapters51
Headquarters
United States
WebsiteSigma Kappa home page
[1]

Pi Kappa Sigma (ΠΚΣ or Pi Kap) was a national collegiate sorority operating in the United States from November 17, 1894, until it was absorbed by Sigma Kappa in 1959. Pi Kap was the first pedagogical sorority.

History

Beginnings

On November 17, 1894, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, nine female students from Michigan State Normal School formed a secret club called J.P.N. In a nod to the fashion of the day, the letters of this club stood for Jolly Petticoats Nine. Other J.P.N. members recall the secret meaning as Just Progressive Normalites. For three years, J.P.N. grew as a Latin-lettered club. In 1896, membership was thirteen.[2]

In 1897, Alice Eddy Snowden assisted the J.P.N.s to transform themselves into a Greek-lettered organization. After careful consideration of Greek syntax and semantics, Pi Kappa Sigma was chosen as the name.

Pi Kappa Sigma planted chapters at different campuses throughout the United States. In 1915, the sorority worked to become national. The first national convention was held. There, goals for increasing membership and chartered chapters were established. A new membership pin was designed. The constitution was revised. Authorization for a publication (the Laurel) was given.

Pi Kappa Sigma's status as a "pedagogical sorority" prevented it from being admitted into the National Panhellenic Conference.

Association of Education Sororities

In 1917, two members of the Association for Pedagogical Sororities (A.P.S.), Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Alpha, invited Pi Kap to join their association. Pi Kap accepted and was soon joined by Delta Sigma Epsilon. At the third national convention of A.P.S., the sororities changed A.P.S. to Association of Education Sororities (A.E.S.) Over the next decade, Theta Sigma Upsilon, Alpha Sigma Tau, and Pi Delta Theta became A.E.S. members.[2]

NPC sorority

In November 1947, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) invited Pi Kappa Sigma and her A.E.S. peers into "associate membership with reservations." With this invitation, the A.E.S. immediately dissolved. In June of the following year, the reservations cited by the NPC were removed. The former A.E.S. sororities became associate members of the NPC. Pi Kappa Sigma, in a 1949 publication, hoped to become a full member by 1951.[2]

There were two problems for Pi Kappa Sigma and the move into the NPC. First, many Pi Kaps also held membership in NPC groups, having joined before 1947. These sisters were forced to choose between Pi Kap and their NPC sorority. Pi Kap, like all sororities faced with this adjustment, suffered losses.

The second problem was the chartering of chapters at "unqualified institutions". Under the rules of the NPC, Pi Kap had to withdraw such chapters from the roll until those institutions could attain the proper accreditation. Again, Pi Kap lost members.

The history book (1949) included total membership records after the NPC affiliation. The total membership was 9,241 sisters. There were 32 active chapters and 15 inactive.[3]

National conventions were held every two years from 1915 up to 1931, then every three years.

Merging with Sigma Kappa

Pi Kappa Sigma remained an NPC-affiliated sorority for only ten more years. In 1959, it was absorbed by Sigma Kappa.[4][3] Total membership reported in the 1957 Baird's Manual was 11,013, two years before the merger with Sigma Kappa.[5]

Insignia and traditions

The first badge was a shield design with "thirteen turquoise set in laurel leaves surrounding Pi Kappa Sigma" [2]: 3 

At the first convention, a new badge was designed. The younger Pi Kaps wanted more definite shield patterns and "something symbolic of secrecy". The sisters claimed that since other sororities had pins symbolizing secrets, so should the Pi Kappa Sigmas.[2]: 419 

The second badge was a "modified triangular shield with a narrow gold bevel surrounding a field of black enamel. At the top is a small diamond surrounded by thirteen points of gold. Across the center of the field are the Greek letters Pi Kappa Sigma in gold, and beneath them a Greek lamp in gold."[2]: 420 

The pledge pin was a modified triangle in turquoise-blue enamel with the Greek letters ΠΚΣ in gold.[2]: 420 

The coat-of-arms was authorized by the Grand Chapter in 1927 and is described as a "quartered shield [gold and blue] shaped like the pin. The upper dexter quarter is a Greek lamp; in the lower sinister quarter, a five-point star; at the point of interest, overlapping the quarters is an open book. The crest is an effulgent star of thirteen points resting upon a wreath. Beneath the shield are two crossed laurel branches; below them is a scroll with Pi Kappa Sigma in Greek letters."[2]: 420 

The first initiation ritual was that of J.P.N. In October 1902, there was a new initiation and pledge ritual recorded by hand. These rituals were "very similar" to what the sorority used in 1949. Minor changes in phrasing and a few additions were made in later years.[2]: 402 

Pledge ribbons were given to new members before the official pledging ceremony.[2]: 402 

Founder's Day Prayer

Our heavenly Father, we thank thee for the joy of this day. We lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for the blessings and comforts which come to us through our founders. We thank thee for all the tender mercies of the past and the great hopes that lead us into the future. We pray to fix in all our hearts the bright resolves to live nobly, truly, simply, and in the real spirit of Pi Kappa Sigma. May we, as loving children, remember that we are in the springtime of life. Help us to seize and improve every opportunity for the cultivation of our minds, the foundation of habits the preparation for future usefulness and gaining good. Lord, be near all on this day, and when we come together again, with thy help, O Lord, may we be better able to help each other and live that we may not forget the purpose for which we were founded and the all embracing love enclosed in the everlasting chain of friendship for Pi Kappa Sigma. We ask all these things in Jesus' Name. Amen. [2]: 44 

—Written by Ruth S. Neidig, Grand President

An Ideal of Pi Kappa Sigma

Pledges herself to service of all on campus within the limits of her capacity.
In at home in the universe because in giving self she finds herself.
Keeps her sense of values, especially in emergencies.
Appreciates the contributions of townspeople, faculty, and students.
Promises to do only what she can see through to a finish.
Praises rather than blames the efforts of others.
Adjusts to situations where the good of her group surpasses her own personal opinion.
Stands by her ideals of Christian living.
Ignores gossip and fault finding.
Grows in poise and confidence.
Matures in her relationships with people.
Adds to life because of her humor, buoyancy, and wholesomeness.

—Virginia Wielandy, Faculty Advisor Alpha chapter [2]: 56 

Chapters

Pi Kappa Lambda chartered 51 chapters.[3][4] Following is a list of chapters of Pi Kappa Sigma.[3] Inactive chapters and institutions are in italics.

Chapter Charter date and range Institution Location Status References
Alpha November 17, 1894 – 1959 Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, Michigan Merged (ΣΚ) [a]
Beta 1900–1959 Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, Oklahoma Merged (ΣΚ) [b][a]
Gamma 1902–1918, 1940–1959 Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, Michigan Merged (ΣΚ) [c][a]
Delta 1905–1918 Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington Inactive
Epsilon 1907–1911 Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin Inactive
Zeta 1909–1918, 1930–1959 Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, Pennsylvania Merged (ΣΚ) [d][e]
Eta 1915–1938 Miami University Oxford, Ohio Inactive [f]
Theta 1917–1919 University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio Merged (ΣΚ) [a]
Iota 1918–1959 Emporia State University Emporia, Kansas Merged (ΣΚ) [g][a]
Kappa 1919–1923, 1929–1959 Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, Oklahoma Merged (ΣΚ) [h][a]
Lambda 1920–1959 University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri Merged (ΣΚ) [a]
Mu 1920–1959 University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado Merged (ΑΦ) [i]
Nu February 15, 1922 – 1956 East Central Oklahoma University Ada, Oklahoma Inactive [6][j]
Xi 1923–1933 Ohio University Athens, Ohio Inactive [k]
Omicron 1923–1959 Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia Merged (ΣΚ) [l][a]
Pi 1924–1959 Northeast Missouri State Teachers College Kirksville, Missouri Merged (ΣΚ) [a]
Rho 1925–1954 Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York Inactive [m]
Sigma 1925–1932 Drake University Des Moines, Iowa Inactive
Tau 1925–1959 California State University, Chico Chico, California Merged (ΣΚ) [n][a]
Upsilon 1925–1930 Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida Inactive [o]
Phi 1926–1939 University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, California Inactive
Chi 1926–1959 Black Hills State University Spearfish, South Dakota Merged (ΣΚ) [p][a]
Psi December 10, 1926 – 1947 Kent State University Kent, Ohio Merger (ΑΓΔ) [7][q][r]
Omega 1927–1940 University of Southern California Los Angeles, California Inactive [s]
Alpha Alpha 1927–1937 Auburn University Auburn, Alabama Inactive [t]
Alpha Beta 1928–1941 Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, Kansas Inactive [u]
Alpha Gamma 1928–1959 Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan Merged (ΣΚ) [v][a]
Alpha Delta 1928–1959 Northwestern State University Natchitoches, Louisiana Merged (ΣΚ) [w][a]
Alpha Epsilon 1928–1959 Longwood University Farmville, Virginia Merged (ΣΚ) [x][a]
Alpha Zeta 1929–1959 Western Colorado University Gunnison, Colorado Merged (ΣΚ) [a]
Alpha Eta 1929–1937 Millikin University Decatur, Illinois Inactive [y]
Alpha Theta 1929–1940 Stetson University DeLand, Florida Inactive [z]
Alpha Iota 1929–1937 Butler University Indianapolis, Indiana Inactive [aa]
Alpha Kappa 1930–1938 Harris–Stowe State University St. Louis, Missouri Inactive
Alpha Lambda 1930–1936 Wittenberg University Springfield, Ohio Inactive [ab]
Alpha Mu 1930–1940,

1957–1959

Fort Hays State University Hays, Kansas Merged (ΣΚ) [ac][a]
Alpha Nu 1935–1969 Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Lock Haven, Pennsylvania Merged (ΣΚ) [ad][a]
Alpha Xi May 14, 1939 – 1959 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, Illinois Merged (ΣΚ) [8][ae][e]
Alpha Omicron 1939–1959 James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia Merged (ΣΚ) [9][a]
Alpha Pi 1943–1959 Western Illinois University Macomb, Illinois Merged (ΣΚ) [af][a]
Alpha Phi 1944–1959 University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas Merged (ΣΚ) [ag][a]
Alpha Chi 1945–1959 Ball State University Muncie, Indiana Merged (ΣΚ) [ah][e]
Alpha Rho 1945–1959 Northern Illinois University DeKalb, Illinois Merged (ΣΚ) [e]
Alpha Sigma 1946–1952 Henderson State University Arkadelphia, Arkansas Inactive
Alpha Tau 1946–1957 Wilson Teachers College Washington, D.C. Inactive [ai]
Theta Nu 1947–1959 Missouri State University Springfield, Missouri Merged (ΣΚ) [aj][a]
Alpha Omega 1948–1959 Fairmont State University Fairmont, West Virginia Merged (ΣΚ) [ak][a]
Alpha Upsilon 1950–1959 Central Oklahoma University Edmond, Oklahoma Merged (ΣΚ) [a]
Gamma Theta 1951–1959 Radford University Radford, Virginia Merged (ΣΚ) [a]
Delta Psi 1954–1958 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois Inactive
Beta Alpha 1956–1959 Waynesburg University Waynesburg, Pennsylvania Merged (ΣΚ) [al][a]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Became a new Sigma Kappa chapter with the national merger of the two sororities.
  2. ^ Chapter formed from Jolly Six, established in 1899.
  3. ^ After going dormant, the chapter reformed from Roman Round Table, established in 1923.
  4. ^ After going dormant, the chapter reformed from the Rho Club, established in 1928.
  5. ^ a b c d Merged with an existing Sigma Kappa chapter with the national merger of the two sororities.
  6. ^ Chapter formed from Gamma Delta Phi, established in 1911.
  7. ^ Chapter formed from Sigma Gamma, established in 1913.
  8. ^ After going dormant, the chapter reformed from Alpha Lambda Delta, established in 1927.
  9. ^ Became a chapter of Alpha Phi.
  10. ^ Chapter formed from Phi Beta, established in 1915.
  11. ^ Chapter formed from Zeta Theta Upsilon, established in 1922.
  12. ^ Chapter formed from Alpha Tau Pi, established in 1922.
  13. ^ Chapter formed from Theta Kappa, established in 1920.
  14. ^ Chapter formed from Pi Phi Beta, established in 1898.
  15. ^ Chapter formed from Pi Kappa, established in 1925.
  16. ^ Chapter formed from Alpha Pi Phi, established in 1925.
  17. ^ Chapter formed from Beta Tau Alpha, established in 1925. Later, it absorbed Chi Delta.
  18. ^ Became a chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta.
  19. ^ Chapter formed from Pi Sigma, established in 1926.
  20. ^ Chapter formed from Sigma Rho, established in 1923.
  21. ^ Chapter formed from Sigma Phi Gamma, established in 1926.
  22. ^ Chapter formed from Theta Chi, established in 1925.
  23. ^ Chapter formed from Kappa Chi, established in 1926.
  24. ^ Chapter formed from Pi Alpha, established in 1914.
  25. ^ Chapter formed from the Women's Education Society, established in 1928.
  26. ^ Chapter formed from Pi Sigma, established in 1928.
  27. ^ Chapter formed from Psi Omega Epsilon, established in 1924.
  28. ^ Chapter formed from Pi Epsilon, established in 1930.
  29. ^ Chapter formed from Xi Kappa Psi, established in 1927. After going dormant, it reformed from Alpha Mu Club, established in 1956.
  30. ^ Chapter formed from Rho Omega Lambda, established in 1915.
  31. ^ Chapter formed from Alpha Rho, established in 1939.
  32. ^ Chapter formed from Diana Club, established in 1926.
  33. ^ Chapter formed from Alpha Phi Epsilon, established in 1928.
  34. ^ Chapter formed from Sigma Beta Tau, established in 1924.
  35. ^ Chapter formed from Omega Tau, established in 1945.
  36. ^ Chapter formed from Theta Nu Epsilon, established in 1929.
  37. ^ Chapter formed from Sigma Theta Rho, established in 1929.
  38. ^ Chapter formed from Alpha Gamma Theta, established in 1909.

See also

References

  1. ^ Mrs. Ida Shaw Martin (1923). The Sorority Handbook. Ida Shaw Martin. pp. 98–99.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Seaton, Emma Newell (1949). Golden Years with Pi Kappa Sigma 1894- 1949. Harlo Printing.
  3. ^ a b c d Lurding, Carroll and Becque, Fran. (May 2, 2023) "Pi Kappa Sigma". Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities. Urbana: University of Illinois. Accessed January 21, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Baird, William Raimond (1991). Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities. Baird's Manual Foundation, Incorporated.
  5. ^ Robson, John, ed. (1963). "Fraternities that are no more". Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (17th ed.). Menasha, Wisconsin: Banta Publishing Company. p. 746.
  6. ^ "Pi Kappa Sigma Looking Forward to Another Successful School Year". The Ada Evening News. Ada, Oklahoma. 1936-09-06. p. 159. Retrieved 2024-01-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Pi Kappa Sigma is Established Here". The Kent Stater. 16 December 1926. Retrieved 2024-01-22 – via Daily Kent Stater Digital Archive.
  8. ^ Becque, Frances DeSimone. A History of the Fraternity System at Southern Illinois University from 1948 through 1960 (Masters Thesis). Carbondale: Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, April 1995..
  9. ^ Crowley L. Sean (2006) James Madison University: 1908-1909 to 1958-1959: An Annotated, Historical Timeline Harrisonburg: James Madison University. p. 120.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_Kappa_Sigma

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