Sigma Phi Omega Inc. was founded by 17 women in 1949 at the University of Southern California amidst lingering anti-Asian sentiment left behind by World War II. At the time, women of Asian descent were generally not allowed into sororities. Initially, our founding mothers were invited to join Chi Alpha Delta and start a chapter at USC.  However, they decided to form their own sorority instead. The Greek letters were chosen at random and were not used by any other existing fraternities or sororities at the time.Although we did not originate as a sorority, one could speculate that the choice of Greek letters was a public way of voicing a dissatisfactory opinion about the treatment of Asian Americans, specifically Japanese Americans, by the campus and Greek Organizations. Sigma Phi Omega is the oldest continuous Asian-American sorority at USC and has helped young women adjust to college life for over sixty years. College is a time for new faces, endeavors, and experiences. Among this whirlwind of unfamiliarity, being in a sorority can help brighten your path and put things into perspective. It provides a base for lasting friendships and special memories. Sigma Phi Omega prides itself on its diversity in membership as we embrace the unique qualities and gifts each sister brings. Our alumni have gone onto successful careers in business, law, medicine, entertainment, and education.