Phi Sigma Chi’s founding in 1996 at City Tech stemmed from a desire for student activism and community engagement. The six founders—Heraldo Gabriel, Carlos Lopez, Archer Hutchinson, Steven Lee, Noah Rodriguez, and Marvin Simon—were driven by various social justice issues and a vision for a unique fraternal organization.

Heraldo Gabriel, a prominent student leader, spearheaded campaigns against environmental racism, notably the successful shutdown of the Brooklyn Navy Yard incinerators, and mobilized students against proposed tuition increases. Carlos Lopez focused on voter registration drives, recognizing the importance of civic participation. Archer Hutchinson, inspired by a decline in student activism and a need to take action, organized events addressing homelessness and systemic inequalities. Steven Lee, the group’s poet, connected with the others through his community involvement and creative expression. Noah Rodriguez, an artist, contributed to the fraternity’s visual identity, including the design of the fraternity’s crest, and became a student government representative. Marvin Simon, with experience leading a step team, became the dean of pledges, shaping the fraternity’s intake process.

These six founders collaborated to create a fraternity that combined community service, individual expression, and lifelong unity. They sought an organization that fostered continued involvement beyond graduation, filling a gap on campus. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of Phi Sigma Chi Fraternity on November 16, 1996.

Simultaneously, Heraldo Gabriel encouraged Jessica Meade to establish a sister organization. Meade, along with Amorette Shaw, Mercedes Feliciano, and Tyeisha Neely, founded Delta Sigma Chi Sorority on November 27, 1996, with the support of the Phi Sigma Chi founders.