Gamma Sigma Alpha - National Greek Academic Honor Society

«Back to Main Site

Gamma Sigma Alpha turns 20 today!

Then & Now....students at the University of Southern Californis pose with the previous Executive Director, Beth Saul during their Spring 2009 Initiation.
Then & Now….students at the University of Southern California pose with the previous Executive Director, Beth Saul during their Spring 2009 Initiation.

“The concept of a national academic honor society for Greek undergraduates is attributed to Beth K. Saul (Alpha Epsilon Phi), then Assistant Director of Greek Life at the University of Southern California. Seeing the need for such an organization, she began gathering interest and ideas from the members who comprised the Row Academic Success Committee. On November 9th 1989 they succeeded in establishing Gamma Sigma Alpha as a local Greek academic honor society. With the Society established locally, the founding members were not content in merely having this society recognize outstanding undergraduate Greek scholars at the University of Southern California.  Therefore, they decided to expand the Society to other Greek communities. ” (Gamma Sigma Alpha Ritual, 2009)

Saul remains active in Gamma Sigma Alpha, now serving on the National Board of Directors and advising the chapter at the University of Southern California. When asked to recount the day it all started, she said, “The first induction ceremony was held at Town and Gown on the USC campus. There were about 60 students and administrators present.   It was exciting because it was a first, but no one had any inkling that in 20 years Gamma Sigma Alpha would  grow and expand to where it is today. The student founders, Adam Lynch and Mike Alpert, did not qualify as initiates but thought this would be a great way to acknowledge outstanding scholarship among greeks and demythologize the greek anti-intellectual stereotype. The ritual was written by Adam Lynch and myself. Adam knew a lot about heraldry and mythology, and really designed the crest and symbolism. Cardinal and gold, USC colors, were chosen because it was at USC and would be universal. When I think back to that occasion, I am dumbfounded with the success and today can envision multiple great opportunities in the future!”
Happy Birthday Gamma Sigma Alpha!