Alumnae Statement

To the members of the Clarkson University Recognition Review Panel,

The Alumnae of the Gamma Mu chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma are saddened and disappointed to hear of the events leading up to this hearing. It seems that the actions of some members of the chapter run contradictory to what our sorority stands for. We understand and agree that such behavior should not and cannot be tolerated.

The motto of Phi Sigma Sigma is the Greek phrase “Diokete Hupsala”, meaning “Aim High”. The alleged actions of the members in question do not embody this motto. Our sorority was founded with high academic and philanthropic standards, and perhaps it is time for the Gamma Mu chapter to refocus on these standards. As such, the alumnae have worked with the active sisters to develop an action plan to improve the academic standing of the members, improve the chapter’s reputation with the university and community, and take steps to ensure that such infractions do not occur again. The alumnae intend not only to assist in the development of the plan, but also in the oversight and execution of it. We want to ensure that the members are held accountable for their actions and take responsibility for them. Our belief is that with a well-developed and faithfully executed plan, these women will emerge from this situation as stronger, better people.

We feel strongly that the mistakes of individuals should not decide the fate of all. We believe that the majority of the active members are women of good character, and that as a whole, the chapter is a strong and vibrant group. Over the past 32 years, Phi Sigma Sigma at Clarkson University has done a great deal of philanthropic work, created many post-university networking opportunities, and perhaps most importantly, given women a second family during their college years. All of us have been positively impacted by our sisterhood, and would like to see it continue on well into the future.

Both the alumnae and current members of the Gamma Mu chapter have vowed to take an active role in improving the chapter’s current situation. The decision made by this panel affects not only the active members, but every woman initiated into this chapter. As such, the actives will not be confronting these current problems on their own—they will have the active support and guidance of the alumnae. We intend to tackle these troubles as a unified group.

We believe that these young women have the potential to be strong leaders during their time at Clarkson University and great contributors to society after they leave school. We want to provide them the support and strength they need to triumph over their current adversities. We would like to see them have the opportunity to redeem themselves. Most of all, we do not want to see the sisterhood we love fall into obscurity—we want to see it benefit generations of women to come as it benefited us.

Sincerely,
The Phi Sigma Sigma Gamma Mu Alumnae