History
The Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society was founded at Ohio State University, March 17, 1915, and in 1950, the Phi Sigma Society became a member society of the Association of College Honor Societies. The USC Alpha Alpha chapter of Phi Sigma was founded in 1928.
Emblem
The emblem of the Society consists of an ancient watch-key formed of the Greek letters Phi and Sigma, the former being superimposed upon the latter. Together, they signify FELLOWS IN SCIENCE. Fellowship in science includes ardent cooperative effort, effesctive leadership, and creative scholarship.
Coat of Arms
"Truth Shall Spring out of the Earth"
The official coat-of-arms of Phi Sigma Society consists of a simple heraldic shield with a scroll beneath it bearing the above motto of the Society in Greek. Out of the black field, representing ignorance, grows the green, white, and gold flowers of the Society, the Shasta Daisy, representing Truth seeking to rise toward the light. In the silver sky of light and knowledge appears the fiery cloud of intellectual inspiration, out of which a hand comes bearing the pearl, the Society jewel. The pearl, most interesting biologically of all precious stones, is emblematic of a scientist's reward, the conscious duty well done.
Source: http://www.phisigmasociety.org
The official coat-of-arms of Phi Sigma Society consists of a simple heraldic shield with a scroll beneath it bearing the above motto of the Society in Greek. Out of the black field, representing ignorance, grows the green, white, and gold flowers of the Society, the Shasta Daisy, representing Truth seeking to rise toward the light. In the silver sky of light and knowledge appears the fiery cloud of intellectual inspiration, out of which a hand comes bearing the pearl, the Society jewel. The pearl, most interesting biologically of all precious stones, is emblematic of a scientist's reward, the conscious duty well done.
Source: http://www.phisigmasociety.org