History of Fraternities and Sororities

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Questions and Answers

How many members are in Delta Sigma Phi?

over 100,000

What is a pledge?

a word of honor

What does the phrase 'pearl of a great price' symbolize?

loyalty

What was the first fraternity and where did it originate?

Phi Beta Kappa (1776), The College of William and Mary Signup and view all the answers

How many national fraternities are there?

66 Signup and view all the answers

How many national sororities are there?

26 Signup and view all the answers

What does NIC stand for?

North American Interfraternal Conference Signup and view all the answers

What does NPC stand for?

National Panhellenic Conference Signup and view all the answers

What does NPHC stand for?

National Pan-Hellenic Council Signup and view all the answers

Who makes up the Union Triad?

Kappa Alpha Society (1825), Delta Phi (1827), Sigma Phi (1827) Signup and view all the answers

Who makes up the Miami Triad?

Beta Theta Pi (1839), Phi Delta Theta (1848), Sigma Chi (1855) Signup and view all the answers

Who are the founders of Delta Sigma Phi?

Brother Meyer Boskey (Jewish), Brother Charles Tonsor (Christian) Signup and view all the answers

When was the first Delta Sigma Phi fraternity founded?

December 10, 1899 Signup and view all the answers

What are the first 7 chapters of Delta Sigma Phi?

<ol> <li>College of the City of New York (1899), Alpha, Insula; 2. Columbia University (1901), Beta, Morningside; 3. New York University (1903), Gamma, University; 4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1904), Delta; 5. Pennsylvania State College (1905), Epsilon, Keystone; 6. Washington & Lee (1906), Zeta, Stonewall; 7. University of Texas (1907), Eta, Eta</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the oldest symbol of Delta Sigma Phi?

The Sphinx Signup and view all the answers

When was the first coat of arms established, and when did it change?

1914, 1921 Signup and view all the answers

Who created the first national magazine?

Boskey Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the first magazine?

The Carnation Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote 'My Delta Sigma Phi Sweetheart' and when?

Willie A. Taylor in 1925 Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first and only honorary member?

James J. Davis Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest honor the fraternity can bestow?

'Mr. Delta Sig' award Signup and view all the answers

What is the name, year, and location of the headquarters?

The Taggart Mansion, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1985 Signup and view all the answers

What are key points of the Constitution of Delta Sigma Phi?

Belief in God, Loyalty to the government, Support of education, Chivalry towards women, Fraternal communion, Gentlemen conduct, Enforcement of the precepts of the fraternity, Implementation of these principles by the brothers Signup and view all the answers

How often are conventions held?

every two years Signup and view all the answers

Who has voting rights in the fraternity's elections?

Each collegiate chapter and alumni chapter with more than 50 initiated members has two votes; all other chapters, chapter advisors, members of the Grand Council, and leadership advisors all have one vote each; each colony receives one half of a vote. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Paying the Debt'?

term used to define when volunteers give back to the fraternity with service Signup and view all the answers

What are Challenge Teams in Delta Sigma Phi?

Three members: Recruitment, Scholarship, Accounting Signup and view all the answers

What is the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation?

Set up as a separate charity to the fraternity Signup and view all the answers

What are the classes of membership in Delta Sigma Phi?

Undergraduate, Alumni, Honorary Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic qualities to consider for a prospect for pledging?

<ol> <li>Academic determination, 2) Financial reliability, 3) Emotional maturity</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Fraternity Pin referred to?

The Badge of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity Signup and view all the answers

What are the Fraternity Colors?

Nile Green, White, Carnation White Signup and view all the answers

What is the Carnation?

Fraternity's bi-annual magazine, first published in 1907 by Boskey Signup and view all the answers

What is the Sphinx?

Authorized in the 1923 Convention, official publication of the fraternity Signup and view all the answers

What is the Gordian Knot?

New member manual, first issued in Oct. 1925 Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest tradition of Delta Sigma Phi?

A way of life Signup and view all the answers

What is Founder's Day?

December 10th every year, draws alumni and guests to a banquet and dance Signup and view all the answers

What is Seniors' Dinner?

Banquet honoring graduating seniors and usually culminates in the presentation of awards to the graduating brothers Signup and view all the answers

What is the Pyramid of Excellence?

Highest award any chapter can attain. Requires submission of Annual Report that outlines 12 areas of chapter programming. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Membership and Structure

Over 100,000 members in Delta Sigma Phi.
66 national fraternities and 26 national sororities exist.
The Grand Council comprises eight members, elected for four-year terms.

Foundational History

Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary, is recognized as the first fraternity.
Delta Sigma Phi was founded on December 10, 1899.
Founders include Brother Meyer Boskey (Jewish) and Brother Charles Tonsor (Christian).

Greek Life Organizations

NIC stands for North American Interfraternal Conference.
NPC refers to the National Panhellenic Conference.
NPHC stands for National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Significant Triads

The Union Triad includes Kappa Alpha Society (1825), Delta Phi (1827), and Sigma Phi (1827).
The Miami Triad consists of Beta Theta Pi (1839), Phi Delta Theta (1848), and Sigma Chi (1855).

Symbols and Traditions

The oldest symbol of the fraternity is The Sphinx.
The first coat of arms was established in 1914 and revised in 1921.
The badge of the fraternity is diamond-shaped with Greek letters.

Publications and Awards

"The Carnation" is the biannual magazine, first published in 1907.
"Mr. Delta Sig" award is the highest honor the fraternity can bestow.
E. Allen James Outstanding Undergraduate Award given to the most contributing undergraduate brother annually.

Meetings and Voting

Conventions occur every two years.
Each collegiate and alumni chapter with over 50 initiated members has two votes; other chapters have one vote; colonies receive half a vote.

Membership Qualities and Classes

Classes include Undergraduate, Alumni, and Honorary memberships.
Key qualities for pledging prospects are academic determination, financial reliability, and emotional maturity.

Notable Events

Founders' Day celebrated annually on December 10 to honor the fraternity’s inception.
The Pyramid of Excellence is the highest award any chapter can attain, requiring an Annual Report.
Carnation Ball is a formal annual dance, while Sailor's Ball is an informal costume party.

Fraternity Foundation

Delta Sigma Phi Foundation, established in 1952, functions as a charity and is crucial for maintaining relations with Greek organizations and financial support.

Leadership and Advising

Leadership Advisors help chapters excel and enhance communication with headquarters.
Chapter Advisors act as the link between the Grand Council and chapters, with voting rights at conventions.

Awards and Recognitions

Harvey H. Memorial Awards recognize outstanding individuals at each Convention since 1931.
Career Achievement Award celebrates members' professional success, established in 1985.
Russell T. Roebuck Leadership Advisor Award is given for exceptional service to chapters.

Fraternity Principles and Constitution

Key points of the Constitution include belief in God, loyalty to government, support for education, chivalry towards women, and gentlemen conduct.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the history, structure, and significant organizations of Greek life. This quiz covers important fraternities like Delta Sigma Phi and discusses their founding and traditional symbols. Discover the key players in the fraternity movement and their lasting impact.