SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated is the first African-American Sorority to be founded on a predominately white college campus. Sigma Gamma Rho  was organized by seven young and driven educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Dulin Redford, Bessie M. Downey Martin and Cubena McClure, on November 12, 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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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MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 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.

Sisterhood

From seven young teachers, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority has become an international service organization comprised of women from every profession. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority 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 successes are recognized in The AURORA (the sorority’s news magazine) and through various awards.

Scholarship

In a time when education for African Americans was difficult to attain, the founders of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority became educators. They believed that the self-respect, knowledge and discipline gained through study would help individuals to recognize their duties and responsibilities for their society. Thus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was founded on the precept of education and continues to promote and encourage high scholastic attainment

Service

Sigma Gamma Rho's commitment to service is expressed in its motto, "Greater Service, Greater Progress." The sorority has a proud history of offering service wherever chapters exist.