Interesting FACTS That Some May Not Know About Your Organization

[rhoyaltempest]

I started this thread so that we can learn more about one another and have a greater respect and understanding about one another. There is a lot of history behind our organizations, information that greeks and non-greeks alike may not be aware of.

So I'll start...

1. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is the only member of the NPHC founded by 7 schoolteachers on the premise of educating Black youth.

2. Sigma Gamma Rho is the only NPHC sorority not founded at Howard University, but rather at Butler University (a predominately White institution in Indiana).

3. Sigma Gamma Rho is the only member of the NPHC which started as a professional sorority (for teachers until 1925).

4. Sigma Gamma Rho was founded in 1922 but did not become a collegiate sorority until 1929.

[AlwaysSAI]

Let's see......

1) The charter for the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota lists it as a sorority. It was later changed to fraternity.

2) The first "pledge class" of the Alpha Chapter included only one woman, by the name of Elsa Stanley--but, she was not considered a sister. The founders enlisted her as one of the founding mothers, but because of her father's position in the university she declined. The founders never considered her a sister, but a founder--the 8th one. (the Nat'l website lists only 7 founders)

And, I have to say this because it is a misconception even to sisters-
3) Sigma Alpha Iota is NOT a professional organization. We recieved exemption under the title XI clause that excludes social fraternities and sororities. We exist to foster social relationships amung women musicians--not prepare them for a musical career.

4) Sigma Alpha Iota is not the sister organization to Phi Mu Alpha. We are two seperate organizations with seperate founders, ideals, and ritual.
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Hmmmm.....off the top of my head, I can't think of anything about Phi Sig....let me think about it.

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ighlight=facts
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...sorority+facts

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by SmartBlondeGPhB

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ighlight=facts
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...sorority+facts

Thanks for the links but we can do this again...and the facts don't have to be scary or related to just sororities or in a particular greek council.

[Senusret I]

Several of the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., were NOT traditional undergraduates. Charles Henry Chapman was a 30-year old agriculture student, while Eugene Kinckle Jones (22 at the founding) already had a Bachelor's from Virginia Union.

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Several of the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., were NOT traditional undergraduates. Charles Henry Chapman was a 30-year old agriculture student, while Eugene Kinckle Jones (22 at the founding) already had a Bachelor's from Virginia Union.

Thanks for that information. And speaking of non-traditional students, the founders of Sigma Gamma Rho were all graduates of Normal schools (2 yr. Teachers' schools) when they decided to attend Butler University to further their education. They were already teaching in Indiana when they started the sorority.

[AlphaFrog]

The Greek words for Aspire, Seek, Attain also spell out ASA.

ASA was the first sorority to have a FORMAL education process for Alumna Initiation.

The inventor Campbell's orginal Green Bean Cassarole Recipe was an ASA.

[Drolefille]

I didn't know that SGR was a teacher's sorority, that's cool!

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I didn't know that SGR was a teacher's sorority, that's cool!

We are not a teacher's sorority but we began as one in 1922. In 1925 our constitution was amended to extend membership to women pursuing all majors. However, education and mentoring the youth is the basis for many of our national programs.

[barbino]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

The Greek words for Aspire, Seek, Attain also spell out ASA.

ASA was the first sorority to have a FORMAL education process for Alumna Initiation.

The inventor Campbell's orginal Green Bean Casserole Recipe was an ASA.

Actually, the fact that ASA was the first re: education/alumnae initiates is important ... but the fact that an ASA came up with the famous green bean recipe that we all know & love, that is cool. Greeks are creative in all phases of life.

On to my organization, does anyone remember that the original Doublemint chewing gum twins were both Pi Phi's from the University of Kentucky Chapter? And that Mrs. Wrigley herself was a Pi Phi?

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

We are not a teacher's sorority but we began as one in 1922. In 1925 our constitution was amended to extend membership to women pursuing all majors. However, education and mentoring the youth is the basis for many of our national programs.

Sorry I meant was in the actual historical sense, not was as in is now.

Yeah that made more sense. Let's start over, I didn't know it started as one COOL!

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Sorry I meant was in the actual historical sense, not was as in is now.

Yeah that made more sense. Let's start over, I didn't know it started as one COOL!

No problem. I just wanted to clarify things so no one thinks that you have to be a teacher or something to join my organization.

[tld221]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

No problem. I just wanted to clarify things so no one thinks that you have to be a teacher or something to join my organization.

man you know many times i get that from interested members and GDIs alike?
and conversely, while we are a diverse set of sophisticated, graceful and radiant ladies , a good chunk of sorors i meet are in the education sector, being teaching, administration, non-profit...

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

The inventor Campbell's orginal Green Bean Cassarole Recipe was an ASA.

And on every forth Thursday in November, I will give thanks to her for doing so.

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by barbino

On to my organization, does anyone remember that the original Doublemint chewing gum twins were both Pi Phi's from the University of Kentucky Chapter?

They were also Kentucky Wildcat Cheerleaders!


Cyb and Tricia Barnstable as "The Bettys" from NBC's Quark circa 1977 or 1978