Sigma Gamma Rho

Sorority, Incorporated

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.

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.

Learn more on the sorority website.

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FOUNDERS

Our Seven Pearls

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the campus of Butler University by 7 young educators. Their names are:

Dr. Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little
Dr. Dorothy Hanley Whiteside
Dr. Vivian Irene White Marbury
Dr. Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson
Dr. Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford
Dr. Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin
Dr. Cubena McClure

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.

On May 6, 2022, all 7 of the Sorority's founders posthumously received honorary doctorate degrees from Butler University.

Sigma Gamma Rho’s founders were seven courageous women who overcame the barriers created by racial segregation to form an organization that has not just survived, but thrived, for 100 years.

I am honored to use the occasion of Sigma Gamma Rho’s Centennial Celebration as a platform to recognize and applaud its founders, and all those who have followed in their footsteps.

James Danko - Butler University President

NATIONAL PROGRAMS

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority works in partnership with national support organizations including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), National Urban League, The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and many others.

Since 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has made a substantial impact nationally and internationally. The Sorority has a proud history of offering service wherever chapters exist under the auspice of the organization’s signature program entitled, Project Reassurance.

Some of the programs include:

OperationBigBookBag- 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 and facilities
The Women’s Wellness Initiative- a consolidated effort that focuses on health issues that impact women; specifically, women of color
Swim 1922- a collaborative an initiative with USA Swimming that was created to address the unfortunate disparity that exists in the African American community as it relates to swimming safety
Project Cradle Care- a program that aims to provide resources and information to improve the quality of life for teen mothers and their children and children who are born prematurely
Annual Youth Symposium- a symposium held by graduate chapters (supported by undergraduate chapters and affiliates) designed to highlight some of the concerns that negatively impact our youth (drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, human trafficking, etc.)

Official Slogan: "Greater Service, Greater Progress"

Official Colors: Royal blue & gold

Official Mascot: The Poodle

Official Flower: Yellow Tea Rose

Official Publication: The Aurora

SGRHO SETS THE GOLDEN STANDARD

SGRho is the only member of the NPHC which started as a professional organization
SGRho is the only NPHC sorority founded at a predominately white institution
SGRho is the only NPHC sorority not founded at Howard University
SGRho is the only greek-letter organization founded by university graduates rather than undergraduates
SGRho is the only sorority founded at Butler University
SGRho is the only sorority with a poodle as its mascot

Quick Facts

100,000 +

MEMBERS

500+

CHAPTERS

in the U.S., Bahamas, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

REGIONS

Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western