Potsdam Greeks United: Phi Kappa Pi Sorority

ΦΚΠ

Since 1906

The Pi Delta Sigma social sorority was founded in 1906 at the Crane School of Music. In June of 1928 the sorority affiliated with the Clionian Fraternity (founded in 1872) of the Geneseo Normal School, adopting the name Clio and the letters Phi Kappa Pi, the Kappa Chapter.

The Sigma Beta Sigma Society, founded in 1926, became a sorority at Potsdam Normal School in 1928. In 1931 the sisters changed their name to Sigma Beta Epsilon. In 1934, due to the financial strain of the Depression, Phi Kappa Pi Sorority merged with Sigma Beta Epsilon. The new organization adopted the name Clio and the letters Phi Kappa Pi. They occupied the former Sigma house at 18 Elm Street from 1934 to 1938.

In 1953 Greek organizations were forced by the State University of New York to sever ties with their national organization. Phi Kappa Pi Sorority is forced to sever their connections with Clio, but kept the letters Phi Kappa Pi and maintained many of the Clionian traditions. Today they are commonly known as PhiK. At one point there were 10 chapters of the sorority, today there is one other active chapter.

The sorority started accepting Clarkson women in the early 70s and was recognized by Clarkson until 1987 when the university stopped recognizing all of the SUNY Potsdam sororities. Women from both schools still join the sorority today.