The Seven Blutiful Educators
SORORITY HERSTORY
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was founded on November 12, 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The chapter was founded by SEVEN BLUTIFUL educators: Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Dulin Redford, Bessie M. Martin and Cubena McClure.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was founded on November 12, 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The chapter was founded by SEVEN BLUTIFUL educators: Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Dulin Redford, Bessie M. Martin and Cubena McClure.
Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little
Primary Founder, Grand Basileus 1925-26
b. Indianapolis, IN.Little was raised by a family friend because both of her parents were killed when she was three. She graduated from Shortridge H.S. in 1915 and received a diploma from the Indianapolis Normal School in 1918 when she began teaching. In 1928, Little moved to L.A. with her husband and finished her undergraduate teaching in U.C.L.A. She taught in the L.A. school system until her retirement in 1967. The Mary Lou Allison Loving Cup award is presented at each Boule to the Chapter reporting the most successful program.
Primary Founder, Grand Basileus 1925-26
b. Indianapolis, IN.Little was raised by a family friend because both of her parents were killed when she was three. She graduated from Shortridge H.S. in 1915 and received a diploma from the Indianapolis Normal School in 1918 when she began teaching. In 1928, Little moved to L.A. with her husband and finished her undergraduate teaching in U.C.L.A. She taught in the L.A. school system until her retirement in 1967. The Mary Lou Allison Loving Cup award is presented at each Boule to the Chapter reporting the most successful program.
Vivian Irene White Marbury
Founder
b. Oxford, OHMarbury attended Shortridge H.S. and the Indianapolis Normal School. She received a B.S. from Butler University and a Masters degree from Columbia University in New York City. Her professional career included teaching at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Director of Practice Training of teachers from Butler University, Indianapolis University and Indianapolis State University. She taught in the Indianapolis School system for 9 years. Marbury organized Public School #87 which grew from a 4 room portable school to 18 rooms and 24 teachers, where she was principal for 39 years until her retirement in 1967. She married in 1929 and is the mother of two children. Soror Marbury kept the Sigma Light burning until her death on July 30, 2000.
Founder
b. Oxford, OHMarbury attended Shortridge H.S. and the Indianapolis Normal School. She received a B.S. from Butler University and a Masters degree from Columbia University in New York City. Her professional career included teaching at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Director of Practice Training of teachers from Butler University, Indianapolis University and Indianapolis State University. She taught in the Indianapolis School system for 9 years. Marbury organized Public School #87 which grew from a 4 room portable school to 18 rooms and 24 teachers, where she was principal for 39 years until her retirement in 1967. She married in 1929 and is the mother of two children. Soror Marbury kept the Sigma Light burning until her death on July 30, 2000.
Cubena McClure
FounderMcClure graduated from Shortridge H.S., the Indianapolis City Normal School and attended Western Reserve in Cleavland OH. She won the Gregg Scholarship which she planned to use to attend Columbia University, but due to illness she could not accept the scholarship. McClure was talented in art and she helped to design the Sorority pin. She died very young on August 24, 1924.
FounderMcClure graduated from Shortridge H.S., the Indianapolis City Normal School and attended Western Reserve in Cleavland OH. She won the Gregg Scholarship which she planned to use to attend Columbia University, but due to illness she could not accept the scholarship. McClure was talented in art and she helped to design the Sorority pin. She died very young on August 24, 1924.
Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson
Founder
b. Indianapolis, IN.Johnson was a product of the Indianapolis public school system and received both B.S. and M.S. Degrees from Butler University. In 1923, she received her first teaching assignment and over the years she was promoted to principal of one of the largest elementary schools in Indiana. She was also involved with many clubs and organizations dedicated to community service and retired in 1966.
Founder
b. Indianapolis, IN.Johnson was a product of the Indianapolis public school system and received both B.S. and M.S. Degrees from Butler University. In 1923, she received her first teaching assignment and over the years she was promoted to principal of one of the largest elementary schools in Indiana. She was also involved with many clubs and organizations dedicated to community service and retired in 1966.
Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin
Founder
b. Indianapolis, INMartin was the youngest of six children and attended grade school in Indianapolis. She graduated from the Manual Training High School and the City Teachers Normal. Martin taught school for over 25 years. She married twice and was a devoted wife and hard worker in school and the Sorority.
Founder
b. Indianapolis, INMartin was the youngest of six children and attended grade school in Indianapolis. She graduated from the Manual Training High School and the City Teachers Normal. Martin taught school for over 25 years. She married twice and was a devoted wife and hard worker in school and the Sorority.
Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford
Founder
b. Greenville, KYRedford graduated from South Bend Central H.S. Cum Laude, from Indiana State Teachers College with a B.S., and Butler University with an M.S. She also studied at Western Reserve in Cleveland and Indiana University extension. She taught 1 year in Terra Haute and 37 yrs in Indianapolis, IN. She served the sorority as Grand Epistoleus, Grand Tamiochus, Financial Consultant and received various awards and honors from the Sorority. Plaques are awarded in Redford's name at each Boule for exhibits for Chapter Achievements.
Founder
b. Greenville, KYRedford graduated from South Bend Central H.S. Cum Laude, from Indiana State Teachers College with a B.S., and Butler University with an M.S. She also studied at Western Reserve in Cleveland and Indiana University extension. She taught 1 year in Terra Haute and 37 yrs in Indianapolis, IN. She served the sorority as Grand Epistoleus, Grand Tamiochus, Financial Consultant and received various awards and honors from the Sorority. Plaques are awarded in Redford's name at each Boule for exhibits for Chapter Achievements.
Dorothy Hanley Whiteside
Founder
b. Indianapolis, IN.Whiteside graduated from Shortridge H.S. and entered the Indianapolis Normal School. In 1922, when in training as a cadet teacher she met the teachers who became her best friends and Founders of the Sorority. She taught school until 1951 when she retired and later helped her husband to develop a business. She also started her own millinery business and worked with her church and various organizations. After the death of her husband, she ran their business from 1955-57 and returned to teaching in 1959 where she remained until her retirement in 1970.
Founder
b. Indianapolis, IN.Whiteside graduated from Shortridge H.S. and entered the Indianapolis Normal School. In 1922, when in training as a cadet teacher she met the teachers who became her best friends and Founders of the Sorority. She taught school until 1951 when she retired and later helped her husband to develop a business. She also started her own millinery business and worked with her church and various organizations. After the death of her husband, she ran their business from 1955-57 and returned to teaching in 1959 where she remained until her retirement in 1970.
Philanthropies
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Mwanamugimu
Fact About SIGMA GAMMA RHO ( SGR)
Colors: Rhoyal Blue and Antique Gold
Mascot: French Toy Poodle
Nick Names: S G Rho, Rhoes
Call: EEE-Yip and Skapoooodle