Pi Kappa Sigma - Beginnings

Beginnings

(From Golden Years with Pi Kappa Sigma 1894- 1949)

On November 17, 1894, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, nine female student from Michigan State Normal School formed a secret club called J.P.N. In a nod to the fashion of the day, the letters of this club stood for "Jolly Petticoats Nine". Other J.P.N. members recall the secret meaning as "Just Progressive Normalites". For three years, J.P.N. grew as a Latin-lettered club. In 1896, membership was thirteen.

In 1897, Alice Eddy Snowden assisted the J.P.N.s in transforming themselves to a Greek - lettered organization. After careful consideration of Greek syntax and semantics, Pi Kappa Sigma was chosen as the name.

Pi Kappa Sigma planted chapters at different campuses throughout the United States. In 1915, the sorority worked to become national. The first national convention was held. There, goals for increasing membership and chartered chapters were established. A new membership pin was designed. The constitution was revised. Authorization for a publication (the Laurel) was given.

Pi Kappa Sigma's status as a "pedagogical sorority" prevented it from being admitted into the National Panhellenic Conference.

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