SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.
GAMMA SIGMA ALUMNAE CHAPTER | HOUSTON, TX
Sorority History
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.
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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.
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Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to service is expressed in its slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress.” The sorority has a proud history of providing positive and proactive community outreach nationally and internationally. The programs, partnerships, and sponsorships represent Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to promoting the greater good in education, service, and leadership development.
Chapter History
Gamma Sigma Chapter was organized on April 28, 1928 by six educators: Marie Jefferson, Johnnie M. Johnson, Ola Mitchell, Marjorie Alexander, Johnnie Y. Rice and Catherine Roett. They were interested in furthering finer womanhood, scholarship, community service, and leadership. Soror Ola Mitchell was elected as the first chapter Basileus.
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Gamma Sigma is the oldest chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in the city of Houston and one of the oldest in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. In January 1992, Gamma Sigma purchased the property located at 2910 Wheeler for meetings. In September 2003, Gamma Sigma Charitable and Education Foundation was organized as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation that works to build upon and reinforce the legacy of "Greater Service, Greater Progress".
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Gamma Sigma Affiliates are the Rhosebuds, Rhoers, and Philos. The primary objectives of the Gamma Sigma Chapter are manifested by some of its community service projects: March of Dimes; Breast Cancer Awareness programs; Operation BigBookBag providing schools supplies and back packs for youth; Youth Symposium; Star of Hope Partnership; Wellness and Financial Empowerment Presentations; and Project Reassurance: Full Tummies and Dry Bottoms which provides baby items for unwed high schools students.
