SIGMA GAMMA RHO AT 100

THE SIGMA GAMMA RHO

FOUNDERS’ PLAZA

By Katie Palmer Wharton ’14

Just steps from Atherton Union, a small pathway of mosaic bricks commemorating seven trailblazing women often went unnoticed. However, after more than a year of planning and construction, this pathway has led to the creation of a monument honoring the lives and legacy of the founders of Sigma Gamma Rho. One hundred years ago, seven young Black women founded Sigma Gamma Rho sorority on the Irvington campus of Butler University—the only historically Black sorority to be established at a predominantly white institution. To commemorate this centennial celebration, the new Sigma Gamma Rho Founders’ Plaza was formally dedicated during a ceremony on July 12. This new campus landmark is the result of more than a year of planning and collaboration between Sigma Gamma Rho, Butler University, LandStory Architects, and Harmon Construction and is the result of the generosity of Sigma Gamma Rho and Butler University. In recognition of the sorority’s centennial anniversary, it is an honor to welcome this permanent addition to the campus landscape to celebrate these trailblazing leaders and the historical bond between Butler University and Sigma Gamma Rho International Sorority, Inc.

“As a permanent addition to the campus landscape, this monument will allow all Bulldogs and members of Sigma Gamma Rho to recognize and celebrate the founders’ vision today and beyond.”

—Danny Kibble, Executive Director of Advancement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives and Family Philanthropy