The History of Gamma Sigma Alpha

National History
A group of scholastic achievers at the University of Southern California, representing various Greek fraternities and sororities, joined together to create an organization dedicated to the advancement of higher education and academic accomplishment. The Alpha chapter of Gamma Sigma Alpha was founded on November 9, 1989, as a result of this student effort. The national board was established the following year to promote the Society's ideals on campuses across the country. Learn more at the National Website.

Purdue History
The beginnings of Gamma Sigma Alpha at Purdue began in the fall of 1996 when a group of Greek leaders started to form an academic honor society to recognize members of the fraternity and sorority community for outstanding academic achievement. Daniel Colpi of Theta Tau and Kristin Hurt of Kappa Kappa Gamma are credited as co-founders. Gamma Sigma Alpha became a recognized student organization at Purdue on January 15, 1997. The First Annual Induction was held on April 13, 1997, with 128 new members being inducted. Dr. Douglas Christiansen, Dean of Admissions, was the guest speaker and a reception honoring the new inductees followed. Dean Greg Singleton was the first advisor. Since its founding in 1997, Gamma Sigma Alpha at Purdue has been one of the largest chapters in the nation.

Photo: Kristin Hurt, Co-Founder; Dean Greg Singleton, advisor; and Dan Colpi, Co-Founder, in 1997.