Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
ALPHA SIGMA
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Alpha Sigma Chapter History
Chartered on November 11, 1928, Alpha Sigma Chapter is the first graduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Since its creation, the Alpha Sigma Chapter has stood as a pillar of excellence, leadership, and service in Indianapolis and beyond. Throughout the years, Alpha Sigma has initiated and sustained numerous impactful programs that have significantly contributed to the greater Indianapolis community. The chapter's Rhomania Luncheon, first
hosted in 1982, showcased local youth talent and became a staple event throughout the 1980s. Our chapter has completed other signature events, such as the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Sigma Youth Symposium, and involvement in the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic, which attracts over 350,000 participants annually, have solidified Alpha Sigma's reputation as a chapter deeply committed to community service.
Alpha Sigma has been instrumental in the reactivation and support of several undergraduate chapters, including the Alpha Chapter at Butler University, Beta Beta Chapter at Indiana State University, Mu Chapter at Ball State University, Gamma Zeta Chapter at Indiana University Indianapolis, Marian University, University of Indianapolis, and Martin University, and Epilson Gamma Chapter at Indiana University Bloomington. Alpha Sigma's dedication to mentoring and supporting undergraduate members across five chapters has helped to cultivate and sustain
growth within our organization and increase the visibility of Sigma Gamma Rho within our sorority's birthplace of Indiana. The Alpha Sigma Chapter is now a sesquicentennial chapter with a complete Sigma family of Sorors, Philos, Rhoers, and Rhosebuds. Our chapter membership includes Sorors who have gone on to serve our illustrious sorority’s regional and international boards. The Alpha Sigma chapter continues to embrace its role as a leader in sisterhood, scholarship, and service, with a vision to make an even greater impact in the next century.
National 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 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 Alpha chapter at Butler University.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.
Central Region History
Central Region is of great significance to the Sorority as it is where the inception of the idea for our great sisterhood was born through the efforts of the courageous and illustrious 7 educators from Indianapolis, Indiana.Central Region has a rich history in that the Sorority’s Pledge, National Hymn, Slogan, Official Badge, Coat of Arms, Sorority Flower, and the Sorority Colors were all created and originated from Sorors within the Central Region. The Rhoer Pin, Rhoer Hymn and Official Flower were designed, written and selected respectively by members from Central Region.The region consists of the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, the Canadian Divisions of Windsor, Ontario, and west to Saskatchewan as well as Baffin Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Queen Elizabeth Islands and Germany comprise the Central Region.Central Region continues its fundamental role of making significant contributions to the legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.