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.
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.
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.
Scholarship
In a time when education for African Americans was difficult to
attain, the founders of Sigma Gamma Rho became educators. They believed that
the self-respect, knowledge and discipline gained through study would help
individuals to recognize their duty and responsibility for their society.
Thus, Sigma Gamma Rho was founded on the precept of education and continues
to promote and encourage high scholastic attainment.
In addition to annual scholarships awarded by local alumnae chapters, in 1984 the National Education Fund was created. The Fund was designed to insure perpetual support for its commitment to education and for research in education, health and related fields.
Service
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.
Growth
The first three years were devoted to organizing. The first call for
a national boule (convention) was held in Indianapolis, December 27-29,
1925. The second was held in Louisville, Kentucky at which time Fannie
O'Bannon became the grand basileus.
In keeping with the ideals of Sigma Gamma Rho, the sorority has supported the following organizations: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Council of Negro Women, National Pan Hellenic Council, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, National Urban League, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, National Mental Health Association, United Negro College Fund, Martin Luther King Center for Non-Violent Social Change, Black Women's Agenda and American Association of University Women.
With over 500 chapters & 85,000 members in the United States, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, Bahamas and Germany, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is committed to improve the quality of life for its members and the society it serves.
Currently Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and RE/MAX Supreme Properties, Inc. hold partnership to provide educational scholarships while promoting homeownership.
Quick Sigma Facts
Sigma Flower- The sorority flower is the yellow tea rose.
Sigma Mascot - The sorority mascot is the Poodle.
Sorority Colors- The sorority colors are royal blue and gold.