This weekend, IU's newest sorority will welcome home its founding class. Sigma Kappa recolonized at IU this year, making it the 23rd Panhellenic sorority on campus.
In March 2014, Sigma Kappa learned that IU's Panhellenic community was open for extension, said Melinda Mettler, director of extension for Sigma Kappa's national headquarters. In May of that year, the Panhellenic Association voted unanimously to offer the sorority the opportunity to recolonize at IU. The Tau chapter of Sigma Kappa was originally founded in 1918 and was active until 1974; the chapter became active again from 1975 to 1994.
Since fall 2015, representatives from Sigma Kappa have visited the IU campus to learn more about the Greek and campus community and to promote its upcoming colonization.
"The IU fraternity/sorority community has been so welcoming to us over the past two years!" Mettler said in an email. "All the students and staff members have been so helpful and have made us feel at home. We are honored and excited to join the outstanding Greek community."
Some fast facts about Sigma Kappa:
History: Founded Nov. 9, 1874 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine
Purpose: "to provide women lifelong opportunities and support for social, intellectual and spiritual development by bringing women together to positively impact our communities"
Core values: personal growth, friendship, service and loyalty
Colors: lavender and maroon
Flower: wild purple violet
Symbols: dove and heart
Open motto: One Heart, One Way
Philanthropies: Gerontology/Alzheimer's disease, Inherit the Earth, Maine Sea Coast Mission, Sigma Kappa Foundation
Mettler said goals for the new chapter this semester include electing an executive council, holding sisterhood and social events and participating in its first Little 500 race. Looking further ahead, the national headquarters hopes to see Sigma Kappa have a house on campus within three to five years after colonization.
"Our goal is for the chapter to continue to grow, thrive and create their own identity at IU," Mettler said.
