Contact: Monchiere Holmes-Jones Mark the birth anniversary of Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin and celebrate 100 years of Sigma Gamma Rho with campus events, including a historical exhibit in Dugan Hall on 1 and 2 today, and on Wednesday through Friday at the Indianapolis Convention Center McClure was talented in art and she helped to design the Sorority pin. During her training as a cadet teacher, she met the teachers who became her best friends and fellow founders of the sorority. I am an infinitely better woman for joining at the alumni level when my commitment to service was significantly more pronounced. To prevent a laundering mishap, what should you do to a fleecy sweat jacket with pockets be fore washing? She married twice and was a devoted wife, educator, and engaged founder. Grand Basileus Martin was the youngest of six children and attended grade school in Indianapolis. When and where was Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc founded? Founded in the midst of segregation, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is the only sorority of the four historically African-American sororities which comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) established at a predominantly white campus. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven young women: 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. She graduated from the Manual Training High School and the City Teachers Normal School. She was also very involved with many clubs and organizations dedicated to community service and retired in 1966. She died very young on August 24, 1924. She graduated Life Member In 1922, when in training as a cadet teacher, she met the teachers who About Us | Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. In 2004, the National Headquarters moved from Chicago, Illinois to its current home in Cary, North Carolina. degrees from Butler University. After the death of her husband, she ran their business from 1955-1957; subsequently returning to teaching in 1959 before retiring again in 1970. Chilton County. WebBessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin. degrees from Butler University. CUBENA She was Grand Epistoleus, Grand Tamiochus, Financial Consultant and received various awards and honors for her sorority service. Martin taught school for over 25 years. Our Founders | ILS SGRHO 1922 She was an active member and leader in her church and several local organizations. After the death of her husband, she ran their business from 1955-1957; subsequently returning to teaching in 1959 before retiring again in 1970. WebToday, we honor our Founder Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin. , Being a part of Sigma Gamma Rho has meant for me the opportunity to Grow in Wisdom, Enhance my Leadership Skills, and Create Lasting Relationships!, For me, it is THE gold standard of sisterhoods. WebSigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven young women: 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. 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 Indianapolis.