Sigma Gamma Rho: A Sorority Entrenched in Rich Tradition
Heidi Copple | hcopple@butler.edu
This past November and December, Sigma Gamma Rho celebrated two significant events in their history. The sorority administration located here in Indianapolis and at Butler University celebrated their 92 year anniversary as an established Alpha Chapter on December 30, 2021.
“We celebrate this event as another step toward fulfilling the mission and realizing the vision of our illustrious sisterhood. We look forward to achieving greater in 2022 and beyond,” their social media stated.
On November 12, 2021, Sigma Gamma Rho celebrated its Founders’ Day. All chapters across the country and throughout the world recognized their 99th anniversary of the original founding of their sorority.
“We are celebrating the heart and soul of Sigma, our members, affiliates, staff, and partners. Let's continue to build upon the foundation that was started 99 years ago!” the Alpha Chapter added.
The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was originally organized and founded on our own stomping grounds of Indianapolis, Indiana on November 12, 1922. Sigma Gamma Rho works to promote public service, leadership development, and education of youth. The Alpha Chapter specifically addresses concerns that affect society’s civics, education, and economics.
Seven young, bold educators founded this organization including: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Vivian White Marbury, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin and Cubena McClure.
These young women created an organization that grew from the ground up. Since its founding, Sigma Gamma Rho has grown to become an international organization centered around service for women of any profession. This sorority became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, and this charter was granted to the Alpha chapter here at Butler University.
Sigma Gamma Rho as a whole has contributed very much to its members and the communities around their chapters. With the Alpha Chapter being the first, and being located right here in Indianapolis, the sorority and its members have flourished and been presented with unique opportunities. The Alpha Chapter’s main purpose is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Many of these programs include leadership opportunities and involvement with sorority activities. These sorority activities create a more informal atmosphere of friendliness and fun, while friendships and professional contacts are made. These kinds of bonds made in Sigma Gamma Rho have proven to last a lifetime for members.
Sigma Gamma Rho Shield by Sunshyn1922 is under CC BY-SA
