SIGMA PSI ZETA
National History
On March 23, 1994, a group of young undergraduate women came together to establish Sigma Psi Zeta at the University at Albany, State University of New York. These 10 women: Gina Han, Sally Hsieh-Adams, Jean Cassidy Kim, Jenny Kim, Sandra Lam-Sanchez, Leah Yan-Chieh Liu, Winnie Liu, Michelle Macaraig, Tiffany Sung-Yon Noh, and Loan Trang hailed 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.
Sigma Psi Zeta has since grown to embody the beliefs of our Founding Mothers. We have become a sorority that celebrates the foundational things we have in common as well as our unique cultural backgrounds and individual experiences. The activities in which we participate increase our awareness of the multitude of cultures that have contributed to our history. Our philanthropy activities increase our understanding of the timeless struggles faced by women of color everywhere. Since then, SYZ has grown to 30+ chapters/charters, developing leaders who have pledged to continue to uphold the fundamental tenets of the sorority.
Our History
Holding the same values of friendship, laughter, strength, and dedication, the Alpha Delta Chapter of Sigma Psi Zeta was founded on April 1, 2012 at Rutgers University, by our "Always Destructive" Charter class:
Katherine *Caprice* Yabut
Kristen *RoXi* Higa
Michelle *Umeko* Phan
Theresa *Riot* Hoang
Cynthia *Torque* Mak
Alyssa *Spire* Chan
Monica *Renaissance* Choi
Aileen *Tempo* Yap
Susan *Meliai* Coffey
Samantha *Marvel* Lim
The future the Charter Class saw for the burgeoning sisterhood was one that embodied and celebrated diversity. They tirelessly worked towards combating violence against women in all its forms, routinely disrupted stereotypes and injustices against women and Asian/Asian-Americans in the Greek community and beyond, and formed and nurtured bonds that would last a lifetime.
Sigma Psi Zeta at Rutgers, while young, continues to grow, and we remain committed to the vision of the Charter Class and that of our Founding Mothers. We strive to influence the Rutgers community and the community at-large in positive and transformational ways - all while sharing in the special connection we as Sigmas have to each other.
Words from our SYZters
1.
"Starting Sigmas at Rutgers and just being a part of this sisterhood is easily one of the most rewarding things I've ever done in college."
- Katherine *Caprice* Yabut
2.
"I've never felt more welcomed in college until I became part of this amazing organization. All the sisters I've met so far have really taught me what sisterhood is about."
- Aileen *Tempo* Yap
3.
"Before SYZ, I was really quiet and did not speak my thoughts and ideas often, but since becoming a sister, I have gained confidence, and invaluable leadership and organizational skills that I can utilize and transfer to various aspects of my life. SYZ has given me many opportunities and experiences that pushed me to see what I am capable of, and for that, I will always be grateful!"
- Monica *Renaissance* Choi