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In the Fall semester of 1993, a group of young undergraduate women
first came together. These women, hailing from different cultural backgrounds,
became close friends. While musing about the state of their campus
and their friendships, the idea of forming a sorority casually came
up. They believed that a sorority built on their friendships and sharing
their vision could address a gap that existed on the SUNY Albany campus.
This idea slowly solidified in their minds; these women believed that
a sorority built on their friendships, laughter, strengths and dedication
would be a formidable force. Over the course of the semester, their
group of friends grew closer and in size.
On February 28, 1994, the Founding Mothers of Sigma Psi Zeta sat
down together over dinner to discuss their common goal. They all
aimed to establish an organization that encompassed the strength
of today's Asian-American woman and her potential for making an impact
on the world around her. They came together as friends, realizing
the apathy towards Asian women and the dual-disadvantage for being "The
Silent Minority."
On March 23rd, 1994, the State University of New York at Albany
formally recognized the sisterhood of Sigma Psi Zeta. This signified
the birth of many firsts. Our Alpha Chapter was established on that
date, as well as the birth of the first East Coast-based Asian sorority.
The Founding Mothers struggled to establish our organization, our
purpose, and most importantly, a precedence by fighting the odds.
Sigma Psi Zeta immediately became a positive influence for the University
at Albany campus community, as well as its Asian community. Realizing
the importance of expanding our leadership, empowerment, and service,
we initiated our first pledge class and established a second chapter
less than a year later, which today is known as the Beta Chapter
at the State University of New York at Binghamton. They too were
pioneers, becoming the first Asian-Interest sorority to be established
in Binghamton.
Since its' inception fifteen years ago, Sigma Psi
Zeta has grown to include additional sisterships with members who
have pledged to
uphold the same beliefs as our Founders in twelve states and twenty-three
schools. Growth has been steady, but expansion in numbers has never
been favored over strengthening from within. From this small group
making up the first chapter, Sigma Psi Zeta has remained steadfast
throughout its history, forward to the continued growth of a sisterhood
which keeps pace with the ever-changing nature of the collegiate
world and contemporary Asian society.
We are pioneers and activists as our Founding Mothers were, before
us. Our sisterships, both undergraduate and alumnae, enjoy a distinguished
reputation for activism, scholarship, character, and leadership.
These are women who still embrace the beliefs of our Founders by
sharing universal sisterhood in their hearts and lives. We are an
organization that seeks to educate and enlighten all people, regardless
of race, about Asians and Asian-Americans; our achievements, our
struggles, our interests, and identity.
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Hanna aka Azura, Susan aka Solara, Gina aka Gaia, Wendy aka Hennessy |
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