University of Pittsburgh
About Us
Hello! We are Sigma Alpha Mu, the Psi Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh. We are a social fraternity that was founded in 1909. We are a group of diverse individuals who come together to form a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime. We are dedicated to our philanthropy, the Alzheimer's Association, and we are always looking for ways to give back to the community.
National History
In the fall of 1909, the sophomore class at the College of the City of New York had found itself embarrassed by "lowly freshmen". At a school where "warfare" between freshman and sophomore class was a tradition, the sophomores found it necessary to regain their fallen honor. Class Marshal Lester Cohencalled a meeting of sophomore leaders on November 26, 1909 to decide on a plan for redemption. Eight appeared- Cohen, Hyman Jacobson , Adolph I. Fabis, Samuel Ginsburg, Abram N. Kerner, Jacob Kaplan, Ira N. LInd, and David D. Levinson, who are now known as the Founders of Sigma Alpha Mu.
It is interesting to note that while there were many friends among the eight, none of them knew all the others. During the discussion which took place, much loftier ideals were expressed than the mere formulation of plans for asserting sophomore honor. The men discovered that they held many ideals in common, and the inspiration for the formation of a new fraternity came to them. During this meeting, it was suggested that the Greek Letters "Kappa Phi Omega" be used to symbolize the words "Cosmic Fraternal Order" as the new name for the fraternity. This proposal was accepted and the meeting was adjourned.
A second meeting was held a week later. It was found necessary to revise the name of the fraternity because several members had inadvertently made public the chosen name. Ginsburg then suggested a motto which was unanimously adopted and which has since remained the Fraternity motto. From that time the Fraternity was known as Sigma Alpha Mu.
The new Fraternity settled down to the accomplishment of the ideals which had promoted its creation. It was its aim to prove to the outside world that criticism and objectives leveled against fraternities in general-specious though many of those arguments may have been-were not applicable to Sigma Alpha Mu. The founders decided to plan and grow along lines different from those of existing fraternities.
National Philanthropy
Part of Sigma Alpha Mu’s mission is to develop good citizens and well-rounded individuals. That includes giving back to the community. Sigma Alpha Mu feels that it is important to develop this good habit and live by these values while a young man is in college, cultivating a lifelong commitment to helping others. A community cannot improve without the generosity and leadership of men like members of Sigma Alpha Mu. As a fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu prides itself on its many philanthropic efforts. In 2010 alone, our undergraduate chapter members raised over $450,000 for various national and local charities.
Sigma Alpha Mu’s National Philanthropy is The Judy Fund, which is part of The Alzheimer’s Association. The Judy Fund was established by a Sigma Alpha Mu member, Marshall Gelfand, in honor of his wife who lost a nine-year battle to the Alzheimer ’s disease in 2004. The money raised for the Judy Fund is used to support the research, care, and advocacy efforts by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Our Brothers
