Chance encounters with Sigma Gamma Rho founders leave lasting impact on current members

One of my fondest Sigma memories is the formal rush I attended as a sophomore at Butler University in the fall of 1958. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority founders Dorothy Whiteside and Hattie Redford hosted a fashion show and provided affordable style tips on how to accessorize a college wardrobe. They taught us how to use what we had to the best of our ability. They emphasized knowing and using your resources.

During the rush, they engaged each young lady with respect and communicated an authentic appreciation for who she was as a person. I learned very quickly that Sigma Gamma Rho was interested in who I was as a person and not what my parents did, where they lived or how much money they had.

Founders Whiteside and Redford led by example. They were committed to teaching undergraduate students the importance of giving back to the community, working on a team within an organization, hosting events including fundraisers and formal teas, and drawing on social etiquette and grace to represent Sigma in a public setting were invaluable.

They left their Sigma footprint on me in a big way. Now, I try to do the same with younger sorors, or sisters. This is why Founders’ Day is a major celebration of the Sigma Year to me!

Theresa Leeke, a retired educator, lives in Mitchellville, Maryland, where she is director of music at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Largo. She is a member of the She joined Sigma Gamma Rho in April 1959 through the Alpha Chapter at Butler University. She is now a member of the Phi Sigma Chapter in Washington, D.C.

Barbara Sawyer

I was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho - Beta Tau Chapter in December of 1971.

Seven months later, I attended the 50th Golden Anniversary, 34th Biennial Boule (national convention) in Indianapolis. It was an exciting time as a new member to be able to attend a Boule, especially as an undergraduate soror.

Back then, we didn't think about taking a picture with our Founders or international officers, we took pictures of them. I knew nothing about sororities until I went to Morgan State College and was introduced to Sigma.  How awesome that I made the decision to join Sigma Gamma Rho during the time that five of our noble seven Founders were still living.

I remember memorizing the names of our Founders and was elated to see them at my first boule. One of my fondest memories was asking Founder Hattie Redford to sign my history book "Behind These Doors-A Legacy." She was very petite and short in stature compared to my six-foot height.

On August 6, 1976, she wrote, "Darling Barbara, you are a jewel. Thanks for accepting Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. I'm happy to accept you as my sister. God Bless You! Sisterly, Hattie M. Redford". Her handwriting was beautiful. I don't remember our conversation, but we did talk about our love for Sigma.  She was a very sweet and loving person.

I'm proud that during my early years in Sigma that I met many notable sorors, sorors of today may only know because they read their name somewhere. I can still visualize all the wonderful experiences that had with them and their words of wisdom as I reflect back during the season of celebration of our Founders.

Barbara Sawyer is a retired educator living in Baltimore. She joined Sigma Gamma Rho in December 1971 through the Zeta Tau Chapter at Morgan State University. She is now a member of the Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter.