UCSD Phi Sigma Rho » History and Facts

Who is Phi Sigma Rho?

1984, Purdue University: Abby MacDonald and Rashmi Khanna create Phi Sigma Rho sorority for women in engineering. With 10 chartering members, they created a sorority that not only understood the stringent schedule of a technical science major, but was built around and upon it...

Since its birth twenty years ago, Phi Sigma Rho has expanded to become an established national social sorority for both engineering and science majors. Now with twenty-two chapters and counting, Phi Sigma Rho continues to nurture women who wish to forge lifelong bonds of sisterhood- without sacrificing academic commitments! The sorority provides academic and emotional support, fosters involvement in the community, and most importantly, is a family in which sisters can grow and find the best part of themselves.

Our Mission

To foster and provide the broadening experience of sorority living with its social and moral challenges and responsibilities for the individual and the chapter.
To develop the highest standard of personal integrity and character.
To promote academic excellence and support personal achievement, while providing a social balance.
To aid the individual in the transition from academic to the professional community.
To maintain sorority involvement with the alma mater and the community through responsible participation.
To maintain the bond of sisterhood with alumnae members through communication, consultation, and participation in Sorority functions.

Symbols and Motto

Mascot: Sigmand Penguin
Colors: Wine Red and Silver
Jewel: Pearl
Flower: Orchid
Motto: Together we build the future.

UCSD Chi Chapter

The UCSD Colony of Phi Sigma Rho was conceived in 2005 as the next logical step for UCSD’s flourishing community of women scientists and engineers. After a rocky but exciting journey, the UCSD Colony was granted full membership as the Chi Chapter of Phi Sigma Rho: November 17, 2007. The day was filled with excitement- the Alpha, Beta and Gamma classes were simultaneously initiated, and the Chapter officially installed! On February 6, 2008, the Chi Chapter was accepted into the UCSD Panhellenic Association as an associate member, granting us recognition in the Greek community. As of today, we’re a chapter with great momentum and unlimited potential, and we welcome you to join us in the vanguard of change!