On October 14, 1913, Ethel J. Heath, Librarian of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, organized a social club at the institute under the name of Lambda Kappa Society. For several years, the group held luncheon meetings which were productive of much good fellowship and understanding. In 1915, the organization became a society open to all women in attendance at the college. A new meaning was given to the Greek letters and Sigma was added to its name. During the year, an official badge, motto, flower, and colors were selected. The first steps toward becoming a national organization were taken in 1917, and the following year, the society became a secret and selective sorority, with the Boston group forming its Alpha chapter. In 1919, the official coat-of-arms, designed by Cora E. Craven, was adopted.