The Signs and Symbols of

Gamma Sigma Sigma, Delta Nu Chapter

Ideals and Purpose

Gamma Sigma Sigma is based on the ideals of Service, Friendship and Equality

The purpose of Gamma Sigma Sigma shall be to assemble college and university students in the spirit of service to humanity and to develop friendship among students of all races and creeds

The sorority motto is "Unity in Service"

Symbols: Meaning and Uses

The colors of Gamma Sigma Sigma are maroon symbolizing service and white symbolizing friendship and equality. The colors can be found on the Pledge Pin, the membership pin and the Coat of Arms.

The colors are of primary importance in the design of the Pledge Pin and the points of the Pledge Pin represent the ideals of Gamma Sigma Sigma. The appex stands for the service and the base points symbolize the foundation of friendship and equality.

Symbol representing Gamma Sigma Sigma are significant to the design of the official Membership Pin. The triangle background signifies the foundation of equality and friendship leading up to the point representing service. The shield containing the Greek letters Gamma Sigma Sigma (GSS) indicates the protection of membership in Gamma Sigma Sigma. The symbols are the staff for service, the white rose for friendship, and the Greek letter omicron for equality.

The official flower is the White Rose

The Delta Nu official mascot is the Polar Bear

Coat of Arms

Design and acceptance of the Coat of Arms date back to a regional meeting in Newtown, Penn. in 1954. Later, the non-attending chapters accepted the Coat of Arms and it became one of the most important symbols of Gamma Sigma Sigma. This is the official COAT OF ARMS of our sorority:

The arms or SHIELD, of Gamma Sigma Sigma as used by a member stands for the protection afforded by membership. Sanguine, the color closest to common day MAROON, is the color of the shield and symbolizes loyalty to the death.

On the shield are balances suspended by a mellet (FIVE-POINTED STAR). The balances, or SCALES, stand for equality and justice. The STAR represents the three principle attributes of perfect fraternal friendship-loyalty, integrity, and valor. The CHEVRON was originally used to represent the gable of a house and symbolized service to home and homeland. In a larger sense, it can be acribed to symbolize service to one's fellow man.

The CREST is that part of the design above the shield. The TORSE, or twisted ribbon, of alternating white and sanguine, stands for the inspiration of high ideals of the sorority, urging members to act according to these ideals. Above the torse is the representation of the world within the clouds, and two CLASPED HANDS. This obvious symbol stands for friendship all over the world.

On the SCROLL beneath the shield appears the name of Gamma Sigma Sigma in Greek. The scroll means that one must prepare a sign of prudence and the reputation of doing good deeds.

The Coat of Arms can be ued only by activated members of Gamma Sigma Sigma. Pledges do not wear or display the Coat of Arms unless it appears on a National Publication.

*All information gathered from the Gamma Sigma Sigma National Handbook