Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on Nov 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.
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 hallmarks of the organization’s programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
Our sorority colors are Royal Blue and Gold that represents a prestige honor when worn by our members. Our mascot is the Poodle. the Poodle carries itself in a classy, sophisticated way and it is one of the most intelligent breed of dogs. The sorority flower is the Yellow Tea Rose.
Iota Xi Sigma Chapter
Iota Xi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was chartered by six members November 23, 2002 in the city of South Bend, Indiana. Those six members are Gwen Thompson, Kathy Bingham, Kendra Clayton, Tracy Robison, Tonya Spears Willis, and Teri Ivory.
The City of South Bend Connection
Founder, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, has significant ties to South Bend, Indiana. While living in South Bend, Redford graduated Central High with high honors cum laude. She then attended Indiana State Teachers College with a B.S. and studied at Western Reserve in Cleveland and Indiana University extension. Redford taught one year in Terre Haute and thirty-seven years in Indianapolis, Indiana. Serving for several decades in the organization, Redford has received various awards and honors from the sorority. Plaques are awarded in Redford’s name for chapter achievements.
Scholarship
Iota Xi Sigma Chapter recognizes outstanding scholastic achievement of young ladies who are high school seniors with annual scholarships named after our chapter founder Gewndolyn King Thompson.
Social Action
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has a rich history of women who have led the way in communities to address issues that perpetrate social inequalities and continue to be catalysts for change. Iota Xi Sigma Chapter will continue to be beacons of light in the South Bend Community to empower and engage the communities we serve through social action focused on Voting Rights and Registration, Violence Against Women and Girls, Human Trafficking, and education.
Greater Service, Greater Progress
Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to service is expressed in its slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress.” We have a proud history of providing positive and proactive community outreach.
Membership
New members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. are accepted on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Prospective members and reactivation inquires can be made by using the link below.