Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (1879)/Class fraternities/Sophomore societies

The most important of the sophomore societies was, probably, Alpha Sigma Phi, mentioned elsewhere under the head of the chaptered fraternities. At the time of its decease at Yale it gave rise to two others, viz.:

Phi Theta Psi.
Organized in 1864 on the death of Alpha Sigma Phi. It was largely literary in its character, and the majority of its members became members of Psi U. in the junior year. Its badge was a rectangle of gold. On it engraved a book, upon which was perched a golden raven, and below the letters “ΦΘΨ.” It was abolished by the faculty in 1875.

Delta Beta Xi.
The second sophomore society founded on the ruins of Alpha Sigma Phi, and claiming to be its legitimate successor. It was supported by D. K. E., and was abolished at the same time as its rival. Its badge was the same as that of its predecessor, with the substitution of the letters “ΔΒΧ” for “ΑΣΦ.”

Kappa Sigma Theta.
The first Yale sophomore society, organized in 1838. It existed prosperously for nearly twenty years, when a class difficulty put an end to its career at the time mentioned. It established a chapter at Amherst, and absorbed the Kappa Delta Phi, a local society at Wesleyan; the latter became a chapter of Psi Upsilon, and the former is now defunct. The society badge was a rectangle, upon which were engraved a head of Minerva and the letters “ΚΣΘ.”

Kappa Delta Phi.
A sophomore-freshman society, founded at Wesleyan in 1838. It became a chapter of Kappa Sigma Theta in 1841, and afterwards was merged into Psi U., as above stated.

Epsilon Gamma Sigma.
A sophomore society at the University of California, styling itself the Alpha Chapter of the State. It was founded in 1876.

Sigma Gamma Delta.
A small sophomore society at the New York City College.

Theta Nu Epsilon.
A sophomore society founded at Wesleyan University in 1870. The organization at Wesleyan called itself the “Alpha,” and has established chapters as follows:


 * 1) Alpha, Wesleyan University, 1870.
 * 2) Beta, Syracuse University, 1872.
 * 3) Gamma, Union College, 1874.
 * 4) Delta, Cornell University, 1877.
 * 5) Epsilon, Rochester University, 1878.

The aim of the society is social enjoyment and the promotion of class allegiance. Active membership is confined to the sophomore year. It is equipped with an the paraphernalia of a secret order, and no doubt serves an important purpose in college life.

Its badge is of gold, a grinning skull supported by two crossed keys, and having on its forehead the letters “ΘΝΕ.”