Our official fraternity flower is the yellow chrysanthemum. The badge may also be worn on a collared shirt, but should never be worn on a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or similar attire. When attired in a sports coat or suit, the badge should be worn on the shirt or vest. The membership badge should always be worn over the heart, not on the lapel of a coat. The badge is never jeweled in order to express equality among all members. On the reverse of the badge is the date of the Fraternity‘s founding in Roman numerals (1850, or MDCCCL in Roman numerals), surrounded by a serpent, and the member‘s name or initials, Chapter letter(s), and class year. In the upper arm of the cross is a six-pointed star, also in black enamel. In the left, lower, and right arms are the letter Phi, Kappa, and Sigma, respectively, each in black enamel. The official badge of membership is a gold Maltese Cross with a black enamel border and skull and crossbones in the center. This badge is worn by uninitiated members, above the short pocket, over the heart. The new member pin is a square on black enamel with Phi, Kappa, and Sigma in old gold. The flag is black, with the letters Phi, Kappa, and Sigma in old gold, with an old gold skull and crossbones in the top left corner. The Maxim is Phi Kappa Sigma’s public motto, “Stellis Aequus Durando,” which is Latin for “Equal To The Stars In Endurance.” The objects that comprise the Coat of Arms have standard heraldic meanings which include the year of our founding (1850), the importance of academic excellence and that membership in Phi Kappa Sigma is a lifelong commitment. The Coat of Arms is comprised of 3 pieces: the Crest (the Skull above the shield), the Arms (the shield itself) and the Maxim (the scroll below the shield).

Here’s a bit more about some of our insignias: Coat of Arms Our Fraternity loves few things more than the skull and bones.

Phi sigma kappa symbol