Q&A with Past Grand Archon Bobbi Ossip

In celebration of Women's History Month, Grand Archon Tess Stovall sits down with a series of Phi Sigma Sigma sisters to share their stories, advice and how our sisterhood made a lasting impact in their lives. Read more stories, here.

Bobbi Ann Ossip served as Grand Archon from 1973-1975. She is an alumna of the Iota Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh. Professionally, Bobbi is a professor emerita at Miami Dade College and received recognition as a noteworthy English educator by Marquis Who's Who.

Tess Stovall: What do you believe is the biggest asset of Phi Sigma Sigma membership? And how has it played a role in your life?

Bobbi Ossip: The biggest asset of Phi Sigma Sigma membership is the lifelong privilege of belonging to a prominent organization of outstanding women. Although most of our sisters are not known worldwide, many of them have achieved national or local recognition which we feel proud to connect with. Even more important is the discovery of sisters throughout our lives when we connect with someone new and realize our bond. After all these years, I am still making such lasting connections.

TS: I want to hear about some of the friendships you forged within our sisterhood. Tell me about a Phi Sigma Sigma sister who has had a significant influence in your life.

BO: There have been quite a few Phi Sigma Sigma sisters who had or still have a great influence in my life. I hesitate to name them because I don’t want to leave anyone off the list. I hope they know who they are. However, at the top of the list is Past Grand Archon Ruth Victorhaus Rosen.

To the huge majority of today’s sisters, Ruth Rosen is merely a name on the list of Past Grand Archons. For me, I am still influenced by my relationship with Ruth. I met Ruth at the first Phi Sig convention I attended as Archon of the Iota Chapter. If I remember correctly, Ruth was then a division president for the Southeast area—She was a Miami resident. We IMMEDIATELY connected and I was SO THRILLED to meet another Iota Chapter sister who was also a former Pittsburgh resident where I obviously was a Pitt co-ed. Ruth “took me under her wings” for the convention and we stayed in touch afterwards. As division president, she provided support through my term as chapter Archon.

A few years after I completed my BA and Master’s, I moved to Miami. Of course, one of the first groups I contacted was the Miami Alumnae Chapter—and who was at the first meeting I attended? Ruth. I immediately became active in local and national activities and was thrilled to serve on Ruth’s team when she became Grand Archon. 

My own term as Grand Archon was during what was probably the worst years in our history. Campus unrest was rampant. Demonstrations were out of control. Greek membership was NOT desirable in the campus culture. BUT---thanks to a handful of devoted sisters who assumed national positions and a few past national officers who stepped forward with advice and support, we SURVIVED. Ruth Rosen was definitely a prominent savior and advisor.

Ruth remained a lasting sister and friend until she sadly passed away. I will never forget what I learned from her.

TS: What a special story - the two of you truly shared lifelong sisterhood!

As you shared, you stayed connected at the local and international level. Why do you believe it is important for our sisters to stay connected to the organization after graduation?

BO: I advise all our sisters to stay connected to Phi Sig for the rest of their lives. You never know whom you will meet or where you will meet them. You will NEVER be alone!