On February 28, 1994, a group of young undergraduate women, hailing from different cultural backgrounds, came together to discuss their common goals of establishing an organization that would encompass the strength of today's Asian-American woman and her potential in making an impact on the world around her. These 10 women, Gina Han, Sally Hsieh, Jean Kim, Jenny Kim, Sandra Lam, Yan-Chieh Liu, Winnie Liu, Michelle Macaraig, Sung-Yon Noh, and Loan Trang, became the Founders of our organization.

  The Founding Mothers struggled to establish the organization, its purpose, and most importantly, a precedence for fighting against the odds. Their determination to create a voice for the "Silent Minority" finally paid off when on March 23rd, 1994, the State University of New York at Albany formally recognized what would be the very first East Coast-based Asian-Interest sorority, the sisterhood of Sigma Psi Zeta.

  Since its' inception fifteen years ago, our sorority has grown to include members from 12 states and 23 schools across the nation who have pledged to uphold the same beliefs and values as our Founders. Sigma Psi Zeta has remained steadfast throughout its history in continued expansion while keeping pace with the ever-changing nature of the collegiate world and contemporary Asian society.

  As a Sigma sister, we continue to embrace the beliefs of universal sisterhood in our hearts and in our lives, as our Founding Mothers did before us. As an organization, we seek to educate and enlighten all people, regardless of race or ethnicity, about the Asian/Asian-American culture and heritage - our identity, our interests, our struggles, and most of all, our achievements.

PURPOSES OF SYZ
  The fundamental goal of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority is to promote awareness of the myriad Asian/Asian American cultures. Our sorority addresses this issue through leadership, outreach, individual, community interaction, and most importantly, the bonds of sisterhood. The sorority also promotes development among its members, the students and the faculty at each of the campuses we represent.

  In order to achieve this goal, we partake in political, social, educational, and cultural activities. Each effort improves our environment, and instills within our sisters experiences that will follow them long after they've graduated. Through a network of like-minded yet highly individualistic women, the sorority lends structure and support to sororities that share this Sigma vision. We believe the strength of our foundation derives from the unity of sisterhood, one that was proudly established over ten years ago.

  In addition, we work in collaboration with other Greek and non-Greek organizations to provide services for the local communities and the community at large. It is through our various participations in these cultural events, educational workshops, and philanthropic support that we make a difference. Nationally, regionally and individually, we strive to embody the ideals of Sigma Psi Zeta.

  The birth of the Eta Chapter of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority is a testament to the power of everlasting friendship. What started as a close group of young women attending high school together has become an influential organization of dynamic individuals committed in our dedication not only towards each other, but also to our academic campus and the community at large.

  The desire to be a part of a socially responsible organization devoted towards breaking the stereotype surrounding the image of Asian-Americans and women as a whole, while creating a positive and nurturing environment for its members, led Patricia Cheung to seek the establishment of an Asian-interest sorority on her academic campus.

  After extensive research and deliberation, Miss Cheung, along with five other dedicated young women, Yan Cai, Jennifer Kui, Donna Sung, Sandy Vien, and May Vuong, set their minds on making this desire a reality. It took a year of hard work and unwavering dedication to their cause for these six women to finally realize their dream. On May 20, 2000 they crossed into sisterhood and became the Charter Class of the Eta Chapter of Sigma Psi Zeta.

  Formally adopted in 1999, the National Philanthropy of Sigma Psi Zeta is to Combat Violence Against Women in its varied forms. Among the first Asian Interest sorority to take on this very worthwhile cause, SYZ hopes to bring awareness to our universities and communities at large of this issue.

  Over the past 11 years, Sigma sisters have built a campaign to help those affected by this tragic violence, to educate the community about the nature of this problem, and to empower our sisters to make a lasting commitment to the issue of violence against women. This includes, but is not by any means, limited to the following: rape, incest, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, exploitation, the trafficking of women and children, the abuse of migrant workers, intimidation at work, child abuse, harassment, and spousal abuse. Any kind of physical, emotional or mental duress constitutes violence.

To accomplish this, sisters:

 » Volunteer at domestic violence shelters
 » Volunteer at local womens' centers
 » Sponsor or attend conferences and meetings that empower women's rights
 » Lend support to women that need this specific type support and seek help for them
 » Help to stop violations against female refugees and asylum-seekers
 » Advocate for political causes that affect such demographics
 » Attend and host self-defense workshops and classes
 » Collaborate artistically and educationally with other women-of-color
 » Donate proceeds of activities to organizations that support this same cause
 » Organize collection drives and secure in-kind donations for local charities and DV shelters

  By adopting this ethic within our sorority, we immediately become involved in a demographic that we seek to advocate for...one of the Asian Female. Historically oppressed by tradition and objectified in the eyes of the contemporary media to be physically powerless, emotionally isolated, and mentally voiceless. We encourage and empower ourselves as undergraduates and alumnae of institutions of higher education. Attacks are likely to happen at universities and colleges all across the nation.

  Violence affects the lives of millions of women worldwide, in all socio-economic and educational classes. It cuts across cultural and religious barriers, impeding the right of women to participate fully in society. Violence against women takes a dismaying variety of forms, and constitutes a violation of basic human rights.

  The sisters of Sigma Psi Zeta stand united behind our philanthropy, on both an organizational and individual level. To uphold this pledge, SYZ National partners with our undergraduate chapters to coordinate a concerted effort to raise awareness and money for this worthwhile cause.

  Every October, the undergraduate sisterships take part in Domestic Violence Awareness month. They take part in the Purple Ribbon Campaign, in which they distribute purple ribbons and literature to their campuses to raise awareness of this widespread phenomenon. They also work with their local charity to raise money, and hold at least one other community service event with regard to our National Philanthropy.

  Every spring, the sisterships take part in the "Take Back the Night" rally. Often, Sigma sorors will work with other campus groups to support this event. The National Governance and our Alpha Chapter work together to present the Spring Gala on our founding date, in which sisters and friends celebrate the year's accomplishments and raise funds for the NYAWC.

  Sigma Psi Zeta National takes a proactive approach towards Domestic Violence and other acts of violence against women. We have spearheaded an on-going drive to collect cell phones that can be reprogrammed for use by victims of domestic violence, so that they might call for help should need be. We also have an on-going collection drive of self-help books to help build a resource library for the clients of the NYAWC.

  If you or your organization would like work to with our sorority, or if you would like to find out more about our National Philanthropy program, please email us.

What exactly is rushing?
Rushing is a period when anyone is welcome to come out and join us for a number of fun and diverse events. During this time, you will get a chance to mingle with the sisters and learn more about our sorority and what we stand for.

Are there any requirements or obligations to rush?
There are absolutely no requirements or obligations to rush for us. In addition, all of the events during rush are free of charge. We do encourage those who are interested in potentially pledging for us to attend one (1) General Interest Meeting (GIM) and at least two (2) other events.

Will I be expected to pledge after rush is over?
You are in no ways expected to pledge for us once rush has concluded. We would love for you to become a part of our family but we understand that deciding to join a Greek organization is not for everyone.

Is it possible to rush for other organizations at the same time?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage you to explore other options that are available. Sisterhood lasts well beyond the collegiate years, which is why it is important to be with those who you feel the most comfortable.

Do I have to be Asian to join?
SYZ is a multicultural sorority with sisters hailing from many diverse backgrounds. Though we are an Asian-interest organization, we do not, by any means, exclusively recruit those who come from an Asian background.

ASIAN NIGHT 2010


CHINA NIGHT 2011


ASIAN NIGHT 2011

{ Executive Board - Fall 2011 }

Position	Sister	Email
President	SuJhin mArtini	syzmartini@gmail.com
Vice President	Angel Clicquöt	syzclicquot@gmail.com
Secretary	Jennifer StaRstrucK	syzstarstruck@gmail.com
Treasurer	Sandra HaRajuku	syz.harajuku@gmail.com

{ Internal Chairs - Fall 2011 }

Position	Sister	Email
Academic	Jenny Belvedere	belvedere.syz@gmail.com
Alumnae Relations	Amy Lolavie	lolavie.syz@gmail.com
Cultural	Carmen Cinéma	syz.cinema@gmail.com
Fundraising	Joey estRella	syz.estrella@gmail.com
	Rachelle izArra	izarra.syz@gmail.com
Historian	Carmen Cinéma	syz.cinema@gmail.com
Philanthropy	Suan Rev	Rev.syz@gmail.com

{ External Chairs - Fall 2011 }

Position	Sister	Email
Art Marketing	Lucy Chanté	syzlucychante@gmail.com
Community Service	Carmen Cinéma	syz.cinema@gmail.com
	Monica Valisère	syzvalisere@gmail.com
Media Relations	Hanna aBella	abella.syz@gmail.com
Performance	Andrea Marquís	syz.marquis@gmail.com
	Rachelle izArra	izarra.syz@gmail.com
Rush	Lillian Alîas	alias.syz@gmail.com
	Rachelle izArra	izarra.syz@gmail.com
Social	Alice Mezmori	mezmori.syz@gmail.com
	Jenny Belvedere	belvedere.syz@gmail.com
Webmistress	Hanna aBella	abella.syz@gmail.com
	Joey estRella	syz.estrella@gmail.com
Formal	Nancy KaRma	syzkarma@gmail.com
	SuJhin mArtini	syzmartini@gmail.com