Sorority History

 

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades 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.​

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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. Learn more about the rich heritage of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. by visiting the Sorority's national website www.sgrho1922.org.

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During the 14th Boule held in New York, New York December 27-30, 1939, the Grand Chapter voted to establish the Southwestern Region of the sorority. Over the course of the subsequent months, the strategy for the region's organization was developed under the leadership of Soror Mary Scales Greenwood of the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Houston,Texas.  Soror Greenwood became the First Syntaktes of the Southwestern Region and during her tenure as Syntaktes (1940-1948) most of the region's chapters were organized. 

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Although the Southwestern Region was officially established in 1940, there was a strong presence in the southern part of the country dating back to 1928. Six educators interested in furthering the sorority's mission organized and established the Alpha Lambda Chapter at Texas Southern University and Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapters of Houston, Texas in 1928. Alpha Lambda and Gamma Sigma also hosted the first Boule held in the Southwestern Region December 27-29, 1938 in Houston. Since its establishment, the region has contributed to the Sorority's legacy and from its delegation key components for the organization have been birthed.

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The mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service, civil, and social action. Our goal is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health awareness, and leadership development. Our members, affiliates, staff, and community partners work to create and support initiatives that align with our vision.

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We visualize a world in which all women and their families reach their full potential in all aspects of life and are able to create unlimited opportunities for future generations.