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History

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Beta Sigma Phi is primarily a social and cultural organization that incorporates service as part of its activities. The motto for Beta Sigma Phi is Life, Learning and Friendship. Service is done locally and internationally and is a tribute to the character of the members. The The cultural programs are important in Beta Sigma Phi. They are the basic element of the organization. Through these programs each member is encouraged to grow personally, while at the same time participating in the growth of her sisters. They are designed to broaden personal knowledge and understanding of self, friends, and the world. As a member of Beta Sigma Phi it is in our nature not only to give the best that is in us to ourselves and our sorority, but to give the best that is in us to our world.

In April of 1932 Beta Sigma Phi was incorporated under a charter granted by the state of Missouri. Today, Beta Sigma Phi is a nonprofit corporation which maintains a contract with Walter W. Ross & Company for complete business management of all its affairs. In addition to the International Constitution each chapter composes its own set of bylaws. The Torch is the official magazine of Beta Sigma Phi and has grown from a four-page bulletin to a magazine of thirty-two pages which publishes stories and poems by members, personality sketches of its International Honorary Members and others, runs contests for short stories, and poetry. The Torch continues to provide a connecting link between active members, all of whom receive it as a part of their membership. It is an important source of information about the organization.


The organization had started out with the unlikely name, "The National ‘What to Read’ Club." But when Walter Ross, the founder of Beta Sigma Phi, took his dream to Vinita, Oklahoma, the first of many encounters took place. Mrs. Leona Schroers was the librarian in Vinita and she agreed to help with the establishment of a chapter in her town. She also gave Mr. Ross an introduction to Mrs. Sally Rogers McSpadden, a leader in women's organizations of the day. Mrs. McSpadden soon convinced Walter Ross that the organization should be changed from an association to its present form and that the name must really be changed. With her suggestions and Mrs. Schroers’ assistance, a new framework for the organization was developed and the Greek letter name grew out of the motto chosen for the sorority. The letters, "Beta," "Sigma," and "Phi" were the first letters of the Greek words for life, learning, and friendship.

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Benefits

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Online Chapters

    15 chapters, ranging from 11-75 members, all over the globe
 

Monthly Magazine

    The Torch, published 8 times a year

Challenging Competitions

    Short Story, Poem,  Photo, scrapbook & yearbook

Cultural Programs

    Learn about new places, skills, ideas & more

Social Events

    Picnics, movies, Game nights & more

Conventions

    Held in every state, province of Canada & 20 countries around the world

International Loan Fund

    Interest Free Loans for members in emergencies

International Endowment Fund

    For members, their children & grandchildren

Envoy & Envoy 2

    Giving the gift of friendship to our spouses & sons/grandsons

Legacy

     Giving the gift of friendship to our daughters & other special girls

Privilege of Transfer

    Where ever life takes you, a chapter is there waiting
 

New Areas of Friendship

    Meet women from all walks of life

Ideals & Purpose

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Who can Join

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Cost and Expectations

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International fee the first year is $62. After that, its $38 annual fee.

Time Line

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1931
            Walter W. Ross, a young man with great plans for the future, founds Beta Sigma Phi with the first chapter in Abilene, Kansas.

1932
The Torch of Beta Sigma Phi was first published in January of 1932 as a small 4-page booklet. The first contest for Beta Sigma Phi members was held. Gladys Marley of Arizona Beta, Phoenix and Helen Venters of Illinois Delta, Decatur won for their respective entries, "The Song of Beta Sigma Phi" and the "Song of Friendship." The first Founder's Day celebration was held in Vinita, Oklahoma in late April of 1932.

1933
Pennsylvania Beta, Harrisburg becomes the first chapter to take the Ritual of Jewels degree.

1934
Members gather in Waterloo, Iowa to enjoy the first Beta Sigma Phi convention. We nowhave 200 chapters in 28 states.

1935
Beta Sigma Phi becomes International when California member Rilla Billings moves to Canada (Vancouver, B.C.) and establishes a chapter there.

1937
28 members make history when they sail to Hawaii on the first Beta Sigma Phi ramble.

1938
The Valentine Contest, our most popular contest, is introduced. Predecessor to Legacy Program, "Initiates Infanta" is begun.

1939
In Beta Sigma Phi's 9th anniversary year, the number of chapters reached the milestone of 1,000.

1940
The Exemplar Degree is first conferred on 12 members in Danville, Illinois. The 1,000th chapter of Beta Sigma Phi is installed in the spring at Brattleboro, Vermont.

1941
Beta Sigma Phi has 23,500 members. Canadian and American members' contributions raise $1750 to purchase a fully equipped ambulance for England.

1942
Beta Sigma Phi members accept a challenge from the U.S. Government to sell $14 million worth of war bonds, and exceed that figure by an additional $8 million. Beta Sigma Phi's purchase more than $1 million of War Bonds.

Osa Johnson and Eve Curie were welcomed into Beta Sigma Phi as International Honorary Members.

New Mexico Eta Chapter of Hot Springs established a public library for the city, furnishing the library room and 1,000 books.

Beta Sigma Phis form the first Women's Ambulance Corps in the Midwest in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Quebec is added to our Canadian Roster of Chapters, installed by Melita O'Hara, official Travel Counselor of Beta Sigma Phi.

1943
The first Canadian Exemplar Chapter was installed, Xi Alpha at Vancouver.

Alaska Alpha was installed at Anchorage, by International Representative Elsie Guenther.

The first International City Council for Beta Sigma Phi was established in the Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York area.

Sallie Rogers McSpadden, our first International Honorary Member, died August 25th.

1944
More than 1,000 Beta Sigma Phis are members of the Armed Services, serving in Canada, the U.S. and overseas. Beta Sigma Phis invest nearly $3 million in War Bonds and stamps.

Twenty-six Army nurses organized Alpha Chapter in North Africa.

Over 1,000 Beta Sigma Phis are members of the Armed Services serving in Canada, the United States and overseas.

Nearly three million dollars has been invested by Beta Sigma Phi members themselves in War Bonds and stamps. Anne Jeffreys, California Beta Lambda, Los Angeles, sells five million dollars in War Bonds.

Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt attends Beta Sigma Phi meeting in Washington, D.C. to speak at Founder's Day observance.

Chicago and Milwaukee Beta Sigma Phis held Six State Area Convention in Chicago.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana Beta Sigma Phis sell $325,295.35 in Bonds to purchase a heavy bomber.

The first WAC to join the American Forces in Normandy was Mabel S. Carney, New Jersey Tau at Camden.

1945
Less than a year after the war ends in Europe, the first overseas chapter is installed in Great Britain.

1947
The International Endowment Fund is begun and supported by chapter contributions for the purpose of helping others.

1949
South Dakota Alpha Beta was installed in a new town, Pickstown.

Virginia Young (Putzka), Editor of The Torch, celebrated her 15th anniversary as a senior member of the International Staff, with the exception of Mr. Ross.

New Chapter established in Cuba.

Alpha Chapter established in Frankfurt, Germany.

Canada's First Lady becomes an International Honorary Member.

Japan Alpha at Tokyo was installed by a former member of D.C. Tau at Washington.

1950
Beta Sigma Phi ramble to England, Scotland and France.

1951
The financial need of a member after a tragic automobile accident spurs on the establishment of the International Loan Fund, supported by contributions from members.

1952
The idea of an international theme, to be used throughout the year as a basis for socials, decorating and the like is introduced. The theme is "The Road Ahead."

1953
Walter W. Ross, III (Bill) and eldest son of the Founder is elected President of the International Executive Council of Beta Sigma Phi. His brother Jack is elected Vice President.

1954
The Order of the Rose degree is established to honor members of 15 or more years who have distinguished themselves within the organization. Kansas City, Missouri member Ethel Parry is the first to receive this honor. The establishment of Beta Sigma Phi's Honorary degree is announced at Founder's Day in April, 1955.

1956
The Silver Anniversary of Beta Sigma Phi sees the creation of the Achievement Band Program, in which members can acquire paid-up annual fee status. Nu Phi Mu is brought into Beta Sigma Phi as a degree of membership. The Silver Anniversary year of a fast growing sorority! During this year, we rush 30,000 new members.

1957
The Daughter Enrollment Plan (Legacy) is announced with the enrollment of Walter W. Ross' three granddaughters, Linda, Judy and Laura - the daughters of Walter Ross' sons Bill and Jack respectively. Establishment of the Exemplar Fund.

1958
Elsie Guenther of the traveling staff establishes the first chapters in Australia.

1959
The International Office announces the Preceptor Degree. The first Preceptor Chapter is established in Pocatello, Idaho. The first overseas Convention is held in Wiesbaden, Germany in the summer of 1959. Members from six nations attend.

The International Office announced the Exemplar Degree.

1960
Beta Sigma Phi reaches a total of 150,00 members in 7,000 chapters in 14 countries.

1961
The Program Presentation Contest was announced.

1962
Beta Sigma Phi World Headquarters building becomes a reality at 1800 W. 91st Place in Kansas City, Missouri.

1963
The Librarian Service Award was announced.

1964
The first International Award of Distinction is presented to Gladys Fike Hill in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1965
New chapters in the East Indies, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Japan are established.

1966
The International Office announced the conversion to the computer system.

1967
The Girl of the Year pin was announced.

1968
16,500 members honored with the Order of the Rose to date.

1969
Founder Walter W. Ross - April 9, 1900 to June 14, 1969. The Walter W. Ross Memorial Scholarship is established.

1970
The Founder's Award Contest was announced. 114 Founder's Memory Chapters were organized.

1971
Our 40th Anniversary.

A new tradition was started, the Convention Lamp. All International Representatives who attended conventions that year took with them the Convention Lamp. The lamps are to be passed from one convention to the next in each state.

The Founder's Fund Insurance Plan was announced.

1972
Girlstown, U.S. A. becomes longest continuing Beta Sigma Phi project for Endowment Fund.

The first Canadian International Honorary Member was approved.

1973
Beta Sigma Phi President, Bill Ross, visits Children's Cancer Research Foundation and meets Dr. Sidney Farber. Since 1959 (to 1973), Beta Sigma Phis donated $130,000 to this foundation.

1974
The new Laureate degree is introduced for members with at least eight years of active membership as a Preceptor degree member. First Laureate chapter established in Centralia, Illinois.

New Friendly Venture Chapter in Karamursel, Turkey.

1975
Encyclopedia Americana recognizes Beta Sigma Phi in its latest edition of reference books.

It's International Women's Year - Beta Sigma Phis everywhere show their support in endless projects.

International Flag Design Contest was announced. Dell DeMeyer of California Xi Gamma Sigma, Gridley was the top flag designer winning a $100 cash award and a silver Revere bowl with appropriate inscription. (Announced in Nov. '76 issue of The Torch.)

1976
Endowment Fund giving goes over the $1 million mark.

The first active Legacy group, Rosebud Alpha, is formed in Denton, Texas.

A new ritual for 25 year members is introduced, The Silver Circle.

1977
New computer terminal installed for faster-than-ever service to the membership. Founder's Day finds us now in 24 countries around the world.

New contest introduced: International Theme Contest, the first time International theme will come directly from a member's suggestion.

1978
Alpha Chapters begin in six new countries - Hong Kong, China; Cuba, Ecuador, New Zealand, Iceland, and The Netherlands. We are now in 31 countries!

Life insurance program started.

1979
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Walter W. Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund. We have awarded 89 $1,000 scholarships to students.

1980
Golden Anniversary activities are launched! Dorothy Ross, wife of our founder, dies December 1, 1980. The Walter W. Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund becomes the Dorothy and Walter Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund. Members made reservations for Friendly Venture chapters in Wales, South Africa, New Guinea, Korea, France and Portugal.

President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau sent letters of congratulations to the International Office for the Golden Anniversary. Hundreds of chapters obtained proclamations for Beta Sigma Phi week in their cities and states.

1983
The "Golden Circle" Ritual for 50-year members is introduced at Founder's Day.

1984
A special service effort, to raise money for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is announced. Our goal is to raise $100,000 for this worthy project before Lady Liberty's 100th birthday, July 4, 1986.

1985
International Endowment Fund giving is at more than $2 million.

1986
Beta Sigma Phis raise $130,000 for the Statue of Liberty Restoration Project - 30 percent beyond our goal!

1988
The Master Degree is introduced for members who have been Laureates for 10 years or more.

1989
U.S. First Lady Barbara Bush becomes an International Honorary Member.

1990
Beta Sigma Phi sisters help sisters recover from devastating Hurricane Hugo.

1991
Our 60th Anniversary celebration. Members go into high gear in support of the troops in the Middle East.

1992
International Legacy Day, the Saturday before Mother's Day is announced to salute the 30,000 plus legacies of Beta Sigma Phi. Beta Sigma Phi Disaster Fund is created.

1993
Honorary member Hillary Rodham Clinton of Little Rock, Arkansas becomes First Lady. New transplantation immunology center at Stanford University Medical Center named for Beta Sigma Phi in recognition of our many years of generous support.

1994
Breast Cancer Research Endowment Fund begins. Chapters and councils donate their rushing allowances to fund a high-risk clinic and breast cancer vaccination research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Beta Sigma Phi also promotes "Random Acts of Kindness" worldwide.

1995
Healing in the Heartland.

1996
Beta Sigma Phi hits the Information Super Highway - Internet system gives sisters a way to chat internationally, instantly through newsgroups and email. The Beta Journal was established along with the emergence of On-Line Chapters.

  1999
Laura Ross Wingfield, granddaughter of the founder, is named President of the International Executive Council.

  2000
Millennium Membership Program launched by the Rushing and Friendly Venture Department.

1^st On-line Gathering held in Kansas City, MO. Members from all over the United States and Canada attended the weekend events.

1^st Chapter for deaf women and those who work with the deaf community, Kansas Rho Omega, was Friendly Ventured in Johnson County by the members of Kansas Preceptor Delta Delta.

  2001
Beta Sigma Phi's celebrate their 70th Anniversary.

Following the terrorist attack on Washington D. C. and New York City on September 11, Beta Sigma Phis around the world reach out with donations and other types of support.

To date. Beta Sigma Phi has donated over half a million dollars to breast cancer research, with break-through news coming from recipient, Dana-Farber. An oncologist at the institute, Donald Kufe, M.D., works on a vaccine that will benefit with recurrent breast cancer.

  2002
Members gather in Pt. Canaveral, FL to enjoy the first Beta Sigma Phi online convention.

Congresswoman Joann David is installed as an Honorary Member.

  2003
P.A.C.E. Award (Participation, Attitude, Commitment, Enthusiasm) announced  by Bill Ross at Founder's Day.

  2004
One of the largest natural disasters in history, a massive tsunami, ravage southern Asia. Beta Sigma Phi members around the world donate money to the victims.

  2005
To date, the Beta Sigma Phi Disaster Relief Fund has given more than $240,000 to members to help rebuild their lives.

Online chapters are recognized as official chapters.

Time Commitment

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Two Types of Chapters

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Women have more opportunities today than ever before. With these opportunities come choices. Beta Sigma Phi wants to give women the chance to fit sorority into their lives. As a result, woman may choose between two types of chapters, traditional and career.

The traditional format is great for woman who prefer active involvement in Beta Sigma Phi. Chapters meet twice each month for nine months, have monthly socials, and enjoy committee.

A career chapter offers more flexibility. It is ideal for woman who must prioritize her time, yet still needs a network of support, encouragement, motivation, and friendship with other women. The emphasis is on fewer and shorter meetings, featuring excellent programs and time for friendship.

The following table explains the basic differences between the two formats.