Sigma Iota (ΣΙ) was the first Latin American–based Greek lettered inter-collegiate fraternity in the United States. It was established in 1911. Sigma Iota merged with Phi Lambda Alpha fraternity to form Phi Iota Alpha on December 26, 1931.

History

Predecessor

Sigma Iota originated from La Colonia Hispano-Americana, a secret society and social club for Spanish-American students that formed on November 27, 1904 at Louisiana State University with the combined efforts of 24 individuals made up of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Spanish descent. La Colonia Hispano-Americano changed its name to Sociedad Hispano-Americana in December 1904. Its purpose was the encourage students of Spanish descent to seek a college education in the United States. Membership in the society was limited to students of Spanish descent who were from North or South America. In the 1905 LSU yearbook, members were from Costa Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. By June 1906, the society had added chapters at Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Starting in 1910, it began presenting the Sociedad Hispano-Americana Medal to a graduating student for proficiency in Spanish.

Sigma Iota

In 1911, the Sociedad Hispano-Americana Medal transformed from a secret society into Sigma Iota, the first Latino fraternity. Sigma Iota's purpose was friendship and to help Spanish-American students who attended foreign universities. It also continued to present a medal for proficiency in Spanish by a non-Spanish speaking student. Between 1912 and 1928, Sigma Iota added chapters in the United States, Central America, and Europe, becoming the first international Latin American-based fraternity. However, by 1928 many Sigma Iota chapters had closed. Meanwhile, Phi Lambda Alpha, a Latino fraternity established in 1919 at the University of California, Berkeley, planned to expand throughout the United States. The two fraternities began to work toward merging into a new national fraternity. On December 26, 1931, Sigma Iota and Phi Lambda Alpha held a convention in Troy, New York where they agreed to form Phi Iota Alpha.

Symbols

Sigma Iota's symbolism and coat of arms were based on that of Sociedad Hispano-Americana (picture to the right). The fraternity's colors were red and green. Its flower was the red carnation.

Governance

Sigma Iota was overseen by grand officers, including the supreme master, master, admiral, secretary, and treasurer.

Chapters

Following is a list of Sigma Iota chapters, with inactive chapters and institutions in italics.