Blog

Hello!

We would like to introduce ourselves as the ladies of the Northeastern University Colony of Phi Sigma Rho. Our journey began when we noticed that there was a social engineering fraternity, but no equivalent sorority on campus. A simple Google search introduced us to Phi Rho, and thus began the numerous emails, meetings, and phone calls that stood in the way of us being recognized by our university. We fought very hard to become tentatively recognized as a club on campus, and were given a deadline of the end of Fall 2019 to become a chapter before we lose our tentative recognition.

Since our induction was on March 16th, 2019, we have been on an extremely tight timeline to complete all of the colonization requirements, but we’re determined to bring Phi Sigma Rho to campus. We inducted our Beta class on July 14th, 2019, and they are well on their way to completing their new member education despite having to dedicate many hours during the summer session to Phi Rho. We’re also working with our Panhellenic Council to become an associate member by Spring 2020. Additionally, we have an incredible amount of interest among the Northeastern community, and we currently have 35 total candidates.

As one of the first colonies in the Boston area, we’re proud to help expand the organization further into New England. At Northeastern University, we have a co-op program ingrained into our curriculum, where students work in the field for 6 months at a time to gain
hands on job experience. Unfortunately, this tends to create an inconsistent community because students are constantly coming and going from campus, so Phi Rho is great to tie people together and maintain those connections. Phi Rho also provides a haven for women who aren’t yet satisfied with their involvement on campus, and feel like they might not be included elsewhere.

Over the few months that we have worked together, we’ve all bonded and developed a great support network with one another. We’ve also been very active in the Northeastern community in our service, social, and philanthropic endeavours. Many existing Greek organizations are very excited to welcome us, and we’ve already established strong connections with a handful of them. We’ve also participated in service events such as making cards to send hospitalized kids, volunteering at a local church, and cleaning trash from our local Boston neighborhood. We also attended Northeastern’s Relay for Life, and raised $2,636.69 for the American Cancer Society.

We are very excited to continue to expand and make an impact on our campus and community, but we couldn’t have done it without help. Two of our members attended the National Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the love and support was overwhelming.

Although we can’t name everyone who has helped us, we want to specifically thank Melanie Larson and Siobhan McCarthy, our colony educators, and our mentor chapter, UConn.

Thank you all for welcoming us into your community, and we look forward to submitting our chapter petition!

Sincerely,
The ladies of the Northeastern University Colony of Phi Sigma Rho

Nominations for national awards are open until July 3rd 11:59 EDT.

The following are the awards to be awarded at Convention. If you know someone who fits the description for an award, please nominate her (even if she won't be at Convention). Non-members may even be nominated for certain awards.

Award Nominations Form

National Awards

President's Commendation

Eligible recipients: active, alumnae, honorary or non-member

Objective: The President’s Commendation may be presented to active, alumnae or honorary members who performed outstanding service to the Sorority or active chapter, or to non-members in special circumstances.

Distinguished Alumnae

Eligible recipients: alumnae

Objective: To recognize our sisters who have achieved success beyond Phi Sigma Rho in their chosen industry and serve as excellent representatives of our sorority.

Lifetime Achievement

Eligible recipients: alumnae or honorary

Objective: The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to alumnae and honorary members of the Sorority whose achievements in their field of endeavor have brought honor and prestige to the name of Phi Sigma Rho.

Engineering Champion

Eligible recipients: non-member

Objective: To recognize engineer, engineering technologist and university administrator non-members of the Sorority who have distinguished themselves by achievements in professional practice, teaching, or research or by championing the cause of promoting women in engineering and technical fields.

Chapter Advisor Award

The Chapter Advisor Award recognizes an outstanding alumnae advisor, faculty advisor, honorary advisor, or any other person serving in an advisor capacity of an active chapter.

Alumnae Officer Award

The Alumnae Officer Award recognizes an outstanding alumnae member serving as an officer of an alumnae organization

National Senior Award

The National Senior Award is presented to the senior in the Sorority who has best exemplified good character, given distinguished service to Phi Sigma Rho, and whose achievements in varied fields of student activity have brought honor and prestige to the name of Phi Sigma Rho. The recipient of the National Senior Award shall be selected from the recipients of the regional Senior Awards under the direction of the National Council. The National Council shall present the award at the summer national meeting each year.

Alumnae Awards

Orchid Award: Woman of the Year

Recipient has exemplified what it means to be a Phi Rho, in all areas. She shows by example that friendship, scholarship, and sisterhood are the ritual she follows for life. She may have significantly contributed in any one of the above areas.

Pearl Award: Exceptional Service

Recipient has shown exceptional service and long-term dedication to Phi Sigma Rho at either the National or local level.