OUR FOUNDING MOTHERS
Gina Han “K.W.A.”
Sally Hsieh “Shae”
Jean Cassidy Kim “Curly”
Jenny Kim “Smiley”
Sandra Lam “Bones”
Winnie Liu “Minnie”
Yan Liu “O’Nay”
Michelle Macaraig “Elle”
Sung-Yon Noh “Hanna”
Loan Trang “Lolli”
OUR STORY
In the Fall semester of 1993, a group of young undergraduate women first came together. These women, hailing from different cultural backgrounds, became close friends. While musing about the state of their campus and their friendships, the idea of forming a sorority casually came up. They believed that a sorority built on their friendships and sharing their vision could address a gap that existed on the SUNY Albany campus. This idea slowly solidified in their minds; these women believed that a sorority built on their friendships, laughter, strengths and dedication would be a formidable force. Over the course of the semester, their group of friends grew closer and in size.
On March 23rd, 1994, the State University of New York at Albany formally recognized the sisterhood of Sigma Psi Zeta. This signified the birth of many firsts. Our Alpha Chapter was established on that date, as well as the birth of the First East Coast-based Asian sorority. The founding mothers struggled to establish our organization, our purpose, and most importantly, a precedence by fighting the odds.
Sigma Psi Zeta has since grown to embody the beliefs of our Founding Mothers. We have become a sorority celebrating our cultural experiences. The multicultural activities in which we participate increase our awareness of the multitude of cultures that have contributed to our history. Our philanthropic activities in which we engage increase our understanding of the timeless struggles that were faced by minority women everywhere. Today, we have expanded to 22 chapters, 13 charters, 8 colonies and are still going strong.