Phi Sigma Rho
American engineering social sorority
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phi Sigma Rho (ΦΣΡ; also known as Phi Rho or PSR) is a social sorority for individuals who identify as female or non-binary in engineering and technology. The sorority was founded in 1984 at Purdue University. It has since expanded to more than 50 colleges across the United States.
| Phi Sigma Rho | |
|---|---|
| ΦΣΡ | |
 | |
| Founded | September 24, 1984 Purdue University |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Engineering |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | "Together we build the future" |
| Pillars | Friendship, Scholarship, Encouragement |
| Colors | Wine red and silver |
| Symbol | Star and pyramid |
| Flower | Orchid |
| Jewel | Pearl |
| Mascot | Sigmand the penguin |
| Publication | The Key |
| Philanthropy | Blood Cancer United |
| Chapters | 47 |
| Colonies | 1 |
| Members | > 2,700 active > 12,000 lifetime |
| Nickname | Phi Rho or PSR |
| Headquarters | PO Box 100545 Denver, Colorado 80250 United States |
| Website | www |
History
Phi Sigma Rho was founded on September 24, 1984, at Purdue University.[1][2] Its founders were Rashmi Khanna and Abby McDonald who were unable to participate in traditional sorority rush due to the demands of the sororities and their engineering program; they decided to start a new sorority that would take their academic program's demands into consideration.[2]
The Alpha chapter at Purdue University was founded with ten charter members: Gail Bonney, Anita Chatterjea, Ann Cullinan, Pam Kabbes, Rashmi Khanna, Abby McDonald, Christine Mooney, Tina Kershner, Michelle Self, and Kathy Vargo.[2]
Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority that accepts students pursuing degrees in engineering and technology who identify as female or who identify as non-binary.[2] The sorority made the decision to include non-binary students in all chapters in the summer of 2021.[2][3]
The sorority's headquarters is based in Denver, Colorado.[4]
Symbols
Phi Sigma Rho's core values or pillars are Friendship, Scholarship, and Encouragement.[5] Its motto is "Together we build the future."[2][5]
The colors of Phi Sigma Rho are wine red and silver.[2] The sorority's flower is the orchid.[5][2] Its jewel is the pearl.[2][5] Its mascot is Sigmand the penguin.[2][5] Its online magazine is The Key.[6]
Philanthropy
Phi Sigma Rho's national philanthropy is Blood Cancer United.[7]
The Phi Sigma Rho Foundation was established as a separate nonprofit organization in 2005.[7] It supports the educational and philanthropic efforts of the sorority's members and offers merit-based scholarships to sorority members.[7][8]
Chapters
As of 2026, Phi Sigma Rho has chartered 54 chapters in the United States, with 47 being active.[1]
Notable members
- Lila Ibrahim, computer scientist and Google DeepMind's first chief operating officer[9]