SIGMA HERSTORY
Our Story
In 1922, at Butler U....
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University. Since its inception, the dynamic women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built and sustained a well-known and well-respected reputation for leading positive change to help uplift the community through sisterhood, leadership, and service.
Key Facts
- Established: November 12, 1922, at Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Membership: More than 85,000
- Division: Five Regions (Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western)
- Service Channel: Over 500 chapters in the U.S., Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, Korea and Dubai
- Sorority Flower: The yellow tea rose
- Sorority Mascot: The poodle
- Sorority Colors: Royal blue and gold
Our Affiliate Groups
The Rhosebud Club is an affiliate group of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. consisting of a diverse group of girls, ages 8 through 11. Delicate like the petals of a rosebud, this affiliate group is handled with special care and attention.
The Rhoer Club, an affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., was established during the sorority’s 14th Annual Boule on December 29, 1939. Rhoers, young ladies aged 12 to 18, are organized on a local, regional, and national level. Rhoers work to help other young people while they learn about their heritage and develop leadership skills. Sigma Gamma Rho is dedicated to helping Rhoers grow to be women of substance dedicated to service.
The Philo Affiliate serves to promote the high ideals of Sigma Gamma Rho, support its programs, and provide volunteer services to the sorority and the community. The organization is made up of women who are not members of Sigma Gamma Rho but who share its principles and are committed to supporting its mission. The Philo Affiliate works closely with the sorority and often participates in joint activities and events.
