About Sigma Kappa
Purpose:
The purpose of Sigma Kappa is to provide women lifelong opportunities and support for social,
intellectual, and spiritual development by bring women together to positively impact our communities.
Facts:
Colors: Lavender and Maroon
Symbols: Dove and Heart
Flower: Wild Purple Violet
Jewel: Pearl
Open Motto: One Heart, One Way
Philanthropies: Gerontology (the study of aging), with
a focus on Alzheimer's disease research; Inherit the
Earth; & Maine Seacoast Mission.
Members: 148,592
Famous Sigma Kappas
Margaret Chase Smith, Alpha
Margaret Chase Smith was the first U.S. woman senator, first woman to sit in both houses of Congress, recipient of the U.S. Air Force's most prestigious award, the American Spirit Award, in recognition of her contributions as "a great American patriot." She was also presented with a Doctor of Laws honorary degree from Rutgers University in addition to her other 95 honorary degrees. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award presented by President George Bush in July 1989.
Theresa Grentz, Theta
Theresa Grentz has been the women's head basketball coach at the University of Illinois since 1995. Prior to her career at the University of Illinois, she had a decorated history at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She was the head coach from 1976-1995 where she earned six Atlantic 10 titles and four Atlantic 10 tournament titles. At the University of Illinois, Theresa lead her team to 50 wins in 76 games in her first year. Her success earned her back-to-back Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 1997 and 1998.
Anna Harper, Lambda
Anna Harper was inducted into the California Women Athletes Hall of Fame. She was a Wimbledon tennis champion in 1931 and has won other numerous state and national tennis championships. Anna served as national president of Sigma Kappa from 1939-1942.
Fay Burnett, Sigma
Fay Burnett was the first nutritionist for Weight Watchers International. She wrote their first maintenance plan. Thousands used it as a guide to maintain their normal weight after their proper weight loss.
Sarah Weddington, Zetu Nu
Sarah Weddington is an attorney and spokesperson on public issues and leadership. In 1972 she became the first woman elected from Austin to be a member of the Texas House of Representatives. Sarah served three terms as a representative before becoming assistant to President Jimmy Carter. Sarah is well-known for her work on issues affecting women in her role as an attorney, as a legislator, as a professor and as an expert called upon by the national media. Her first book, A Question of Choice, detailed the Roe v. Wade case which she argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and won in 1973.
Judith Guest la Vercombe, Alpha Mu
Judith Guest la Vercombe is the author of Ordinary People, the first unsolicited manuscript to be accepted by Viking Press since 1949, and became a motion picture.
Linda Cross Dowdy, Epsilon Epsilon,
Linda Cross Dowdy is managing editor for The Lyons Group, the creator and owner of Barney, the popular purple dinosaur featured on PBS. She has authored the best-selling children's book, Barney Goes to the Zoo and has been instrumental in the development of 25 Barney book titles published by The Lyons Group's Barney Publishing division.
Betty Jo Peacock Hay, Sigma
Betty Jo Peacock Hay was president of the National Mental Health Association in 1986. She has received such honors as the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health Award, Women Helping Women Award, Mental Health Association in Texas Honoree, Public Citizen of the Year, and other awards for her contributions to higher education and children's mental health.