After a three-year break, Phi Sigma Sigma sorority will return to campus this fall to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Founded in 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma was last seen on campus as an active sorority house in 2010. The sorority has since then left the University primarily because of the lack of girls involved. Taylor Paige Rushing, a field consultant for Phi Sigma Sigma headquarters, is leading the effort to bring the chapter back.
“As I have begun to meet with women interested in this opportunity, I am so excited about the caliber of women here,” Rushing said. “The enthusiasm for a new sorority makes us excited, and I look forward to bid day in the fall.”
Rushing said the sorority expects the new Illinois chapter will eventually grow to be comparable in size to other chapters, which aims for 150 to 200 members. They plan to participate in the big/little tradition and support the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, which primarily funds the National Kidney Foundation and also gives out scholarships and educational grants.
Rushing said in order to recruit new members, other sororities on campus are extending a helping hand and offering suggestions of women who are not currently involved in Greek life who may want to rush Phi Sigma Sigma. Representatives from the chapter headquarters will also be tabling in front of the Illini Union to pique interest once the weather is warmer, Rushing said.
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During formal recruitment in the fall, Phi Sigma Sigma will only participate in the first round of recruitment, called “Open House.” They will then continue the recruitment process two months after bid day by asking girls to return for events that mirror those that occur during formal recruitment, such as “Sisterhood Day” or “Philanthropy Day.”
Rushing said she hopes to recruit as many women as possible by the end of this year in order to make the recruitment process in the fall more manageable.
The chapter won’t have a house until summer 2014 after remodeling is finished on the current FIJI, or Phi Gamma Delta house, 902 S. Second St. Rushing said Phi Sigma Sigma has owned that house for several decades.
Incoming freshman Jillian Koren committed to the University in part because of Greek life and said she was encouraged by the thought of an additional sorority.
“(The University) gives me a lot of options to choose from, which is good because out of the 19, I’ll be able to find one that is best for me,” Koren said.
Brittany can be reached at [email protected].
