sorority

A sorority is a social organization of female students at a college or university that is usually designated by Greek letters. Sororities focus on friendship, personal integrity, service to others, academic excellence and intellectual pursuits, community and campus involvement, and personal and career development. In 1851, the first one was formed at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia. It was called the Adelphean Society and is now known as Alpha Delta Pi. Professor Frank Smalley coined the term sorority in 1874, in reference to the Greek organization, Gamma Phi Beta established at Syracuse University in New York. The largest sorority in the United States is Chi Omega with 17,000 collegiate members.