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.

Brief Her-Story

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded by seven young school teachers who sought to create a network of young, black female educators. We were later expanded to include all professionally oriented women. Sigma Gamma Rho was founded at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1922, which was then a predominately white school. The unity this created, pulled these women together, forming a lifetime bond and an organization based on high principles, good moral judgment, high scholastic attainment, and community service.

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 program is designed 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, Judie M. Davis Bone Marrow Program, Project Africa in Conjunction With Africare, and the Rejesta V. Perry Birth Right Program.

To learn more about Sigma Gamma Rho's National Programs, please click here.

Sisterhood

From seven young teachers, Sigma Gamma Rho has become an international service organization comprised of women from every profession and all walks of life. 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 result in bonds that last a lifetime. Sigma women are dedicated to helping each other and their personal success is recognized in the Aurora (the official publication of the sorority) and through various awards.

To learn more about Sigma Gamma Rho's Illustrious founders, please click here.