When sophomore Tyna Washington received her acceptance letter to Washington University in 2005, she immediately set her mind to forming the first African American sorority at the University, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
“On the first day that I started at Wash. U., I started working on forming [Sigma Gamma Rho],” Washington said. “It has been two years in the making.”
When Washington first learned that that the University did not have a recognized African American sorority on campus, she was surprised.
“I still really don’t understand why this is just starting now,” Washington said. “There are so many powerful black women on this campus and it’s finally happening.”
Saint Louis University (SLU) has a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. chapter on its campus. SLU sophomore Andrea Gorris feels that Wash. U. will benefit from the addition.
“I think Sigma Gamma Rho is a great organization that brings a lot of diversity to the university,” Gorris said. “I strongly believe that it would have a positive impact on Washington University.”
Washington believes that one of the greatest achievements of Sigma Gamma Rho is its community service programs. The sorority’s philanthropy projects include Operation Big Blue Bear, a program that provides school supplies to students in need; mentoring to area students; Africare, a national organization that assists Africa; Project Wee Saver, a program that educates children about investing their earned money wisely; and Project Reassurance, a program that assists teenage mothers.
Washington is pleased with the interest demonstrated by University students as well as Wash. U.’s response to the sorority.
“A lot of people came up to [Sigma Gamma Rho’s booth] at the Activity Fair earlier this semester,” Washington said. “I’m also really excited about the support [from the University]. The Greek Life Office and the Office of Student Activities have been great. I honestly didn’t expect Wash. U. to be so accepting.”
Caitlin Molloy, a sophomore and member of Alpha Phi, is pleased with the addition. She is looking forward to working with Sigma Gamma Rho in the future as a member of Greek life at Wash. U. “I think it’s a great addition to Greek life at Wash. U.,” Molloy said.
“Diversity is very important on campus. Making sure these minority groups are recognized is essential.”
This past weekend, Sigma Gamma Rho had a skating party at Skate King in St. Louis. A portion of the proceeds went to buy school supplies for students at a local St. Louis Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Head Start program. This week, the sorority will be spreading awareness about the Bone Marrow registry in the African American community.
“In my heart, I see [Sigma Gamma Rho] growing and continuing to prosper,” Washington said.