First IUSB sorority house opens

Defying tired clichés about Greeks, Phi Sigma Sigma sorority brings vital dimension to South Bend campus

Indiana University South Bend's fledgling sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, has lived up, faithfully, to the national organization's motto "Aim High" this fall by opening the campus's first sorority house.

Four IUSB seniors live in the rental house, about a mile from campus. Another 30 members meet regularly in the combined living room and dining room to plan a full complement of volunteer activities. Members of this philanthropic sorority dream of the day when other IUSB sororities and fraternities will be on board to lend what senior Corinne Wade calls "a real campus life."

And they spend some time fending off tired clichés about what sorority women are like.

"We were on a flight coming home from a national meeting, and we were all wearing Phi Sigma shirts," Wade said. "So naturally, the flight attendant asked us, 'Can I get you girls some beer?'"

In accordance with their charter, Phi Sigmas do not have alcohol in their chapter houses.

The IUSB chapter has upped the national's standard, with each resident promising to pay a $100 fee if caught with alcoholic beverages. As a philanthropic organization, the chapter concentrates on service.

Phi Sigma Sigma opened the IUSB chapter in 1994. Since then, the organization has participated in numerous events in support of charity. A Halloween party at IUSB for children in Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and a "rock-a-thon" to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation are among projects. Phi Sigma Sigma members were on hand to paint faces at IUSB's first Ethnic Festival pavilion in July and to decorate the campus for Chancellor Ken Perrin's installation Sept.14.

IUSB Phi Sigma Sigma chapter member Corinne Wade contributes her face-painting skills on behalf of the sorority at an IUSB booth at this summer's South Bend Ethnic Festival.

"We're very proud of this group," said Len James, vice chancellor of student affairs. "They are our premier group for volunteerism and community service. They've brought a new dimension to student life. We've always been disappointed we didn't have adequate facilities for their activities."

Determined to find a space to call their own, a committee of Phi Sigma members, led by Wade, searched the residential neighborhood near campus for a spot that could serve both as housing and a general meeting area. For safety purposes, the final selection has the advantage of being across from a South Bend fire station.

The sorority was fortunate to have Brenda Knowles, professor of business law, as academic adviser, because the paperwork needed to establish a housing site was voluminous. Among requirements, the sorority established an alumnae advisory holding corporation that oversees the financial operation of the household.

The corporation gives IUSB graduates like Shayanne Collins, one of the founders of Phi Sigma and a student enrollment counselor, an opportunity to remain involved both in campus life and the sorority. To her, the house is a great step forward.

"It will give students in the sorority more of a sense of community," said Collins. "It also will give them an opportunity to be more involved with the national chapter and with other chapters, because they have a place to host guests."

There's a safety factor involved, too, says Jenn Wenrick, a junior and chapter president.

"During bad weather or long sisterhood function nights, we will be able to put sisters up for the night."

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