Phi Sigma Rho: A Century of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and STEM Excellence at UCLA and Beyond
On January 23, 1923, a group of women came together to charter the Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at UCLA. This marked the establishment of the first Greek-letter organization at the university, transcending racial and gender barriers. A century later, they are now joined by eight of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, widely known as the Divine Nine. Each organization balances tradition and embodies its founders’ visions through innovation. With valuable opportunities for professional and personal development, Divine Nine provides a space for many Black students to thrive and build a strong sense of community.
While the Divine Nine's influence is undeniable, this article delves into the history and impact of another significant Greek-letter organization, Phi Sigma Rho, particularly focusing on its Nu Chapter at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for women and non-binary people in technical studies that is dedicated to serving members and the community by promoting high standards of personal integrity, lifelong bonds of sisterhood, and academic and professional excellence with a social balance.
The Genesis of Phi Sigma Rho
Phi Sigma Rho's story began in 1984 at Purdue University, where Abby McDonald and Rashmi Khanna, two engineering students, recognized a need for a sorority that catered to the unique demands of technical studies. They were unable to participate in traditional sorority recruitment, so they set out to start a sorority that provided the flexibility necessary for the rigor of their engineering courses while maintaining a commitment to sisterhood. This vision led to the founding of the Alpha Chapter, laying the foundation for a national sisterhood that would empower women in STEM fields.
Core Values: Friendship, Scholarship, and Encouragement
Phi Sigma Rho's mission is built upon three core values: friendship, scholarship, and encouragement.
Friendship: The sorority cultivates a strong sisterhood, creating a network of sisters who guide and strengthen each other's lives. This commitment is enriched through shared values and everlasting devotion, with rituals connecting hearts and minds to form lasting bonds that extend far beyond college.
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Scholarship: Recognizing the challenges women face in rigorous academic programs and male-dominated fields, Phi Sigma Rho prioritizes academic excellence and professional success. The sorority provides assistance and encouragement to all sisters as they pursue their academic and career goals, offering invaluable support from sisters with similar majors and classes.
Encouragement: Understanding that everyone experiences tough times, Phi Sigma Rho sisters offer unwavering support and understanding. Members inspire each other to strive for excellence in all endeavors, providing constant support through both challenges and victories. This shared bond of sisterhood inspires and encourages each member to continually reach for their goals.
The Nu Chapter at UCLA: A Home Away From Home
The Nu Chapter at UCLA embodies these core values, providing a "heartwarming home" for its members throughout all stages of life. Whether navigating academics during college, celebrating personal and professional milestones post-graduation, or fostering new and old friendships as alumnae, the Nu Chapter offers a supportive and empowering environment.
One alumna of the Nu Chapter exemplifies the spirit of Phi Sigma Rho. As an Environmental Engineering PhD Candidate at UCLA, she is on track to becoming a "Triple Bruin," having already earned her B.S. in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Environmental Engineering in 2020, and her M.S. in Civil Engineering in 2021. Her involvement extends beyond the local chapter, as she has volunteered on the National Communications Committee since 2019 and served as the Active Alum Director.
National Impact and Alumnae Engagement
Phi Sigma Rho's impact extends far beyond individual chapters. Each year, alumnae reunite with their sisters at national conferences and conventions, networking with members from all chapters. This demonstrates that graduation does not mean losing the sorority's support system. The strength of the sisterhood is evident through social networking groups and events like holiday gift exchanges, as well as the sharing of accomplishments through newsletters.
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Alumnae are encouraged to stay involved by contacting their Alum Association Chair, updating their contact information in the sorority's portal, and following Phi Sigma Rho on social media.
Several alumnae stories highlight the diverse paths and accomplishments of Phi Sigma Rho sisters:
- Dr. Iota Chapter at Ohio Northern University: A graduate with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, later earning both a MS and PhD from Purdue University, also in Mechanical Engineering. She has nationally volunteered as a Regional Field Director and served as VP of Collegiate Affairs on the 17th National Board, VP of Standards on the 18th National Board, and President on the 19th National Board. Professionally, she is a Staff Systems Engineer for Northrop Grumman Space Systems.
- Kappa Chapter at University of Arkansas: An alumna who works as a Fixed Asset Senior Accountant at T-Mobile, living near Kansas City, Missouri with her husband and son.
- Alpha Theta Chapter at University of California, Berkeley: A 2019 graduate with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, currently working as a Senior Privacy Specialist evaluating privacy, cybersecurity, and A.I. initiatives for a biotechnology company.
- Alpha Lambda Chapter at Arizona State University: A Data Analytics Manager in the healthcare technology industry, based in Chicago, IL. She was the founding president of the Arizona State University chapter and held several leadership roles across ASU Greek Life. After graduation, she served as a Regional Field Director and earned her MBA in Data Analytics from the University of Illinois.
- Rho Chapter at Missouri S&T University: A 2021 graduate with a BA in Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in STEM education and a first through sixth teaching certificate. She is currently on the production team of H&H Designs, an apparel store local to Topeka.
- A 2023 graduate with a B.S. in Human Biology and a minor in Business on the Pre-Med track. She currently works as a Clinical Supervisor and oversees a team of medical assistants at a cardiology practice that focuses on first responders’ healthcare. Also, she is studying for the MCAT and applying to medical school. In 2023, she also became the Director of Recruitment, meeting with chapters and hosting different presentations about recruitment to foster chapter growth, recruitment development and PNM retention.
- Upsilon Chapter at University of Houston: A 2018 graduate with a BS in Biomedical Engineering, now working as a Machine Learning Engineer at Medical Metrics Inc where she helps build a FDA cleared medical device for Spine analysis. She has worked with the Houston alum for the past seven years since graduating acting as treasurer and then president. In college, she was heavily involved with the Upsilon chapter, and after graduation was a PCE for the Alpha Phi (Texas A&M University) chapter.
A Legacy of Growth and Expansion
Phi Sigma Rho has expanded significantly since its founding, with chapters established at universities across the United States. Some chapters have evolved from existing organizations, such as Sigma Phi (established in 1917), Delta Nu Delta Pi (established in 1924), and Iota Kappa (established in 1927). Other chapters, like the one formed at H, have unique origins. The chapter originated in 1961 as the Beta Nu chapter of Beta Sigma Omicron, a national sorority that was absorbed by Zeta Tau Alpha in 1963. Another chapter formed from Lambda Delta Pi, established in 1956.
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