Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922 by seven dynamic schoolteachers; 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. Chartered at Butler University, Sigma Gamma Rho is the only African-American sorority founded on a predominantly white campus. At a time when education was difficult for minorities and women to attain, our founders became educators. These exquisite ladies gave Sigma Gamma Rho the legacy of interest and emphasis in all phases of education. Sigma Gamma Rho was incorporated into the National Pan-Hellenic Council in 1929.
Currently there are over 80,000 Ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho in more than 400 chapters internationally. Since 1922, Sigmas have continually worked to serve their communities through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. The sorority's national programs focus on educational, economic, health, and social issues that affect our communities across the nation and in Africa.
As always, our actions are guided by our belief in "Greater Service, Greater Progress."
National History
Sorority Quick Facts
Founding Date: November 12, 1922
Founding Location: Butler University in Indianapolis, IN
Principles: Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
Motto: "Greater Service, Greater Progress"
Sorority Colors: Royal Blue and Antique Gold
Mascot: The French Poodle
Flower: The Yellow Tea Rose
Sorority Call: EE-YIP!
Affiliate Groups: Rhoers-high school affiliate group and Philos-Friends to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gents-Men who are dedicated to the sorority and/or are married to a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Founding Location: Butler University in Indianapolis, IN
Principles: Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
Motto: "Greater Service, Greater Progress"
Sorority Colors: Royal Blue and Antique Gold
Mascot: The French Poodle
Flower: The Yellow Tea Rose
Sorority Call: EE-YIP!
Affiliate Groups: Rhoers-high school affiliate group and Philos-Friends to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gents-Men who are dedicated to the sorority and/or are married to a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
