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Sigma Gamma Rho was founded, November 12, 1922, and continues to be steadfastly committed to the tenets of excellence in Scholarship, Sisterhood and Service. Sigma Gamma Rho has a proud legacy of providing positive and proactive community leadership and support when and wherever needed as indicated by the sorority's international slogan, "Greater Service, Greater Progress."
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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmarks of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. an undergraduate chapter, was organized in 1930 in Lovejoy, IL. The chapter members were Soror Grace Boyd, Soror Martha Davis Gueno, Soror Amelia Cole Lidell, Soror Quintella Walker, and, Soror Florence Baker Wilkerson.
In 1941 Upsilon Chapter became a graduate chapter and the chapter was issued the name of Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter of East Saint Louis, Illinois.
Fulfilling its patriotic duties during World War II, the Sorority purchased war bonds and the Sorors served as hostesses at the local U.S.O Center.
Through the years, the chapter has endeavored to support the surrounding communities throughout commitment and service. Chapter members have maintained life membership in the NAACP (Golden Heritage Life), UNCF, YWCA, & St. Clair County Comprehensive mental health board. Members have also supported, financially and physically, the March of Dimes, United Way, The Pan Hellenic Council, The East St. Louis Beautification Projects, The American Cancer Society, Project Reassurance, The National Council of Negro Women, and the St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
The Chapter has sponsored many memorable events over the past 79 years, including these past or present events: Casino Royale, Metro-East Black History & Fine Arts Festival; Mother Daughter Luncheon; Cotillion Debutante Festivities; Fairyland Coronation.
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CHAPTER OF CHAMPIONS
The Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is in East
Saint Louis, Illinois better known as the City of Champions. Our Chapter of
Champions, members who served at the area, regional, or national level, include
our 19th International Past Grand Basileus the late Dr. Larona J. Morris and
the 18th Regional Syntaktes, TiJuana Ingram.
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Many sorors of Alpha Upsilon Sigma have served at the national level dating back
to the beginning of our sorority charter. These sorors include: the late Soror Daisy
Long, National Board Member; the late Soror Altha Caldwell-Russ, Chairwoman of
the Board; the late Soror DelGratia Scott, 4th Regional Syntaktes;
the late Soror Louise Lyerson, 5th Regional Syntaktes;
the late Soror Ossie Bailey-Kersee, Board Member; the late Soror D. Opal Harvey, Chairwoman
of the Board and Grand Anti-Grammateus; and the late Soror Catherine Stewart,
Undergraduate Campus Coordinator, Board Member, and 9th Regional Syntaktes.
These sorors have transitioned to Omega Rho.
Regional offices were held by the following Omega Rho Sorors: Ossie Bailey-
Kersee, Tamiochus; Elouise Price-Slaughter, Tamiochus; DelGratia Scott,
Parliamentarian; D. Opal Harvey, Parliamentarian; Dr. LaRona J. Morris,
Epistoleus; and Soror Louise Lyerson.
Also, Soror Willette Criggler served as
Tamiochus and Soror Eldora Adkins, served as Grammateus.
Renowned educator and current chapter member Dr. Stephanie W. Carpenter has
served as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. SPEAR National Board Member.
The Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Champions also has an esteemed affiliate
group, the Philos who were chartered November 1, 1964 in East St. Louis, Il. Philo
Gloria Witherspoon served on the National Philo Executive Board level as Vice
President and Philo Helen Crockett served as Philo Treasurer. The very first
Central Region Philo President was Adelaide Calhoun followed by Philo Ruby
Coopwood, Philo Gloria Witherspoon, Philo Jacqueline Johnson, and Philo Helen
Crockett. Currently, Philo Helen Crockett serves as Central Region
Parliamentarian and Philo Debra Tidwell is the Financial Secretary.
Beyond having a legacy of area, regional, and national representation in our
chapter, we also have an unparalleled number of distinguished Sorors in the
chapter that have over 50 years of service; Cultured Pearls, 22 years of service
Ruby, and lifetime membership, Life Members.
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Want to join the Chapter of Champions?
Want to be a Champion of the Community?
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Executive Board
Meet our 2022 - 2024
Executive Board Members
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Membership Roster
We love our members, check out our member roster for 2022.
Committee Chairs
With over 20 initiatives and events we have an awesome team of leaders.
AUS Recognition
Our chapter is proud to recognized our sorors for their service & commitment.
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