On October 12, 1952, a Constitutional Convention was held at Beekman Towers in New York City. At this convention, representatives from Boston University,
Brooklyn College, Drexel Institute of Technology, Los Angeles City College, New York University, Queens College, University of Houston and Miami
University, over a three day period, drafted and adopted a national constitution for the budding service sorority.
Choosing a name for the sorority turned out to be a difficult task for the convention. Two names were put up for vote: Gamma Sigma Sigma, the name of the
Drexel Group, and Alpha Gamma Chi, the name used by Los Angeles City College and the University of Houston for their two chapter “national” organization.
This first meeting of the National Board of Directors selected the title, "Girl's Service Sorority" (GSS) which in turn translated to Greek, Gamma Sigma
Sigma. The name Gamma Sigma Sigma was adopted. Then the official national pin and other symbols used by Alpha Gamma Chi were adopted. Members of
Brooklyn College requested of the convention that the colors maroon and white be established as the colors of Gamma Sigma Sigma. After symbols and colors
were chosen, each group chose a chapter designation. Each chapter was named with a letter from the first eight letters of the Greek alphabet. The
National Constitution went into effect on January 1, 1953. At every meeting of the convention since the first one, the "NBD" reviews and revises the
constitution, which later became the bylaws.
It has been over fifty years since Gamma Sigma Sigma was founded, yet this National Service Sorority continues to grow and contribute by helping wherever
needed. With thousands of members nationwide, Gamma Sigma Sigma encourages commitment to service and diversity.
Purpose: To assemble college and university students in the spirit of service to humanity and to develop friendships among students of all races
and creeds. Motto: Unity and Service Colors: Maroon - Service and White - Friendship/Equality Ideals: Service, Friendship and Equality Newsletters: Perspectives and Spotlight - Service Philanthropies: MS Walk, March of Dimes, and the Sunshine Foundation
