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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated
In 1922, during the emergence of the Klu Klux Klan, racial segregation, and Jim Crow, seven women educators, Cubena McClure, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, and Vivian White Marbury founded the only historically African-American sorority to be established on a predominantly white campus.
The Alpha Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated was established on November 12, 1922, on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.
As of 2021, Sigma Gamma Rho has welcomed more than 100,000 collegiate and professional women from every profession. The sorority has more than 500 chapters in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, South Korea, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United Arab Emirates.
Gamma Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter
Gamma Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was chartered on March 15, 1963, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The charter members were Sorors Dorothy Reeves, Mildred Vance, Ruby Lever, E’Allyne Perkins, Johnnie Harris, June Glover, and Dorothy Lee.
The first public affair for Gamma Pi Sigma was a Debutante Cotillion, the first event of its type in the City of Milwaukee for African American young ladies. Showcasing our pledge to education, Gamma Pi Sigma hosted an annual region-wide Black History Quiz Bowl for high school and middle school students. Gamma Pi Sigma was also the first Greek-letter organization to fund and build a Habitat for Humanity home in Wisconsin.
In 2000, Gamma Pi Sigma chartered the Sigma Legacy Fund, a 501 (c) 3 organization, allowing the chapter to receive and distribute tax-deductible funds to advance our scholarship commitment to Southeast Wisconsin. Through the Sigma Legacy Fund, Gamma Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter has been able to serve the Greater Milwaukee Community for more than 15 years by offering various strategic programs, such as Project Big Book Bag, the Annual Youth Symposium, and Annual Sigma Legacy Fund Scholarship Competition.
The Annual Fall Gala has become Gamma Pi Sigma’s signature fundraiser providing great food, music, casino-style gaming, and chances for all attendees to win prizes while raising funds towards the chapter’s philanthropic efforts. Gamma Pi Sigma strives to continue its legacy of dedication to the Southeast Wisconsin Community through programming, scholarship, and service.
Undergraduate Chapters
In addition to serving the communities in which we live, Gamma Pi Sigma also has the distinct pleasure to serve as the advising chapter to undergraduate members at area colleges and universities.
Theta Zeta at Marquette University chartered March 22, 1980. Eta Zeta at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee chartered December 3, 1977, and Epsilon Omega at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater chartered April 27, 1974.
These are currently the undergraduate chapters under the advisement of Gamma Pi Sigma.
GPS Philos
Gamma Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter members, Moya Baylis and Lacritia Spence took the initial charge to charter the first Philo Affiliate in Wisconsin.
The Gamma Pi Sigma Philo Affiliate was chartered on September 26, 2006. The charter members were Wanda Baylis, Tamara Walker, Charlie Morris, Cassandra Perrine, Chandra Morris, Frances Jackson, Joyce Nelson, Bertha Lipsey, and Katrilla Cottingham.
GPS Rhoers
The Rhoer Club was established during the sorority’s 14th Annual Boule on December 29, 1939. Rhoer clubs embody Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to mentorship and support for young ladies between the ages of 12-18. Rhoers receive training and guidance on education, career planning, fine arts, and social affairs.
GPS Rhosebuds
Rhosebuds are the newest affiliate group established in March 2017. Rhosebuds are between the ages of 8-12. The girls learn about service, sisterhood, and mental development. Delicate like the petals of a rosebud, this affiliate group is handled with special care and attention.