History

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    Quick Sigma Facts

  • Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Chapter,

    Butler University, 1924.

     

    		       

    Established: Nov. 12, 1922 at Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana

     
    Classification: Nonprofit service and social organization

     
    Membership: 85,000+

     
    Division: Five Regions
    Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southwestern, Western


    Service Channel: Over 500 chapters in the U.S., Bermuda, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany and Korea


    Sorority Flower: The yellow tea rose.


    Sorority Mascot: The Poodle.


    Sorority Colors: Royal blue and gold.

     

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    Mission Statement
    Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.

 

  • Sigma Gamma Rho founder Vivian White Marbury (left), recives an award for 53 years of service, 1975. 

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    Sigma Gamma Rho undergraduates from the Los Angeles citywide chapter, 1974. 

 

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    Foundation


    Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922 in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Dulin Redford, Bessie M. Downey Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University.


    Soaring To Greater Heights Of Attainment Around The World, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., as a leading national service organization, has met the challenges of the day and continues to grow through Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service.

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    Sisterhood

    From seven young educators, Sigma Gamma Rho has become an international service organization comprised of women from every profession. Sigma Gamma Rho offers its members opportunities to develop their unique talents through leadership training and involvement in sorority activities. Sorority activities provide an atmosphere where friendships and professional contacts are developed which often lead to bonds that last a lifetime.

    Sigma women are dedicated to helping each other and their personal success is recognized in The AURORA and through various awards.

     


     


    		    

    Seven Sigma Gamma Rho Neophytes being presented, 1974.

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  • Service

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    Cal State Northridge Sigma Gamma Rho

    undergraduates create Thanksgiving boxes, 1974.

     


    		     Sigma Gamma Rho's commitment to service is expressed in its slogan, "Greater Service, Greater Progress." The sorority has a proud history of offering service wherever chapters exist, including OPERATION BigBookBag, a program designed to address the needs, challenges and issues that face school-aged children who are educationally at-risk in local homeless shelters and extended care hospitals. The objective is for chapters to provide their local homeless shelters and children hospitals with educational materials, equipment and supplies. Other national projects include Wee Savers, Project Reassurance and Habitat for Humanity, Sigma Gamma Rho built seven homes across the United States in Florida, District of Columbia, Wisconsin, California, and Texas.

    The service of Sigma Gamma Rho from a global perspective includes Project Africa and Project Mwanamugimu. Through active participation in programs and through networking with other organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women, Urban League and the NAACP, Sigma's legacy of service to improve the quality of life for all mankind continues.

    Currently Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
     and RE/MAX Supreme Properties, Inc. hold partnership to provide educational scholarships while promoting homeownership.