Sigma Gamma Rho Public Information Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the history, founders, symbols, leadership, affiliates, and national programs of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

An international collegiate sorority founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven African American women educators.

Alpha Chapter

The founding chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho located at Butler University, which received its charter when the sorority incorporated nationally on December 30, 1929.

Greater Service, Greater Progress

The official international slogan of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service

The three major tenets of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Royal Blue and Gold

The official colors of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Yellow Tea Rose

The official flower of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Poodle

The official mascot of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Civil Action

Participating in civic life and collective efforts aimed at improving communities.

Social Action

Addressing community needs and prevailing social conditions through direct action.

Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little

Primary founder who was raised by a family friend after losing both parents at age three, graduated from Shortridge High School and Indianapolis Normal School, finished undergraduate studies at UCLA, and taught in Los Angeles until 1967.

Mary Lou Allison Loving Cup Award

An honor named after primary founder Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little presented to recognize outstanding chapter programming.

Dorothy Hanley Whiteside

Founder who attended Indianapolis Normal School, met fellow founders during cadet-teacher training, operated a family business and a millinery (hat-making) business, and retired from teaching in 1970.

Vivian Irene White Marbury

Founder who earned a BS from Butler University and a master's degree from Columbia University, taught at Morehouse College, and served as principal of Indianapolis Public School No. 87 for 39 years.

Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson

Founder who earned both bachelor's and master's degrees from Butler University, began teaching in 1923, and served as principal of a large Indianapolis elementary school until retiring in 1966.

Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford

Founder who graduated from Indiana State Teachers College, taught for 37 years in Indianapolis, served as Grand Epistoleus, Grand Tamiochus, and Financial Consultant, and is honored through Boule chapter-achievement exhibits.

Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin

Youngest of six children and founder who graduated from Manual Training High School and City Teachers Normal School, and taught school for more than 25 years.

Cubena McClure

Founder who attended Western Reserve University, won a Gregg Scholarship, helped design the sorority pin, and died on August 24, 1924.

Project Reassurance

An umbrella national program for community service efforts that historically includes support for families and health-focused initiatives.

Operation BigBookBag

A national initiative established in 1996 by Dr. LaRona J. Morris that provides educational materials, school supplies, tutoring, and support to educationally at-risk students.

Swim 1922

A national water-safety and swimming-access initiative dedicated to reducing drowning disparities.

Project Cradle Care

A national initiative providing prenatal education and support to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk communities.

Project Africa

An international service initiative referenced in the sorority's public national-programs overview.

Project Mwanamgimu

An international service effort referenced in the sorority's public national-programs overview.

Rhoer Affiliate

An affiliate group dedicated to youth development and mentoring for girls and young women.

Philo Affiliate

A community-support affiliate organization composed of friends of Sigma Gamma Rho.

Rhosebud Affiliate

An affiliate group identified in official sorority branding, with eligibility and local activities coordinated through chapters.

National Education Fund (NEF)

A fund providing scholarships, educational opportunities, leadership development, and community programs.

SPEAR Foundation

An affiliated foundation listed in Sigma Gamma Rho's public national-programs overview.

G.O.L.D.E.N. Charitable Foundation

An affiliated foundation identified in the sorority's national-programs overview.

Grand Basileus

The international president and supreme executive leader of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Marica Harris

The International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. serving for the 2026-2028 term.

Syntaktes

The title designating a regional director within Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Boule

The official national or international convention and governing gathering of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Central Region

One of the five geographic divisions of Sigma Gamma Rho that includes the state of Kentucky and was led by Syntaktes Nai V. Colton in 2026.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

The umbrella collaborative organization for nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations, founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington, DC.

Divine Nine

The collective name for the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations composing the NPHC: Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta.

Collegiate Chapter

A sorority chapter structured specifically to serve eligible undergraduate college students.

Alumnae Chapter

A sorority chapter that serves members who have completed college and engage in ongoing sorority life, leadership, and community service.