The Founders of Sigma Gamma Rho
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded by seven pioneering educators whose vision, perseverance, and commitment to service laid the foundation for a legacy of scholarship, leadership, and sisterhood.
Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little
1896-1992
Little lost both parents at age three and was raised by a family friend. She graduated from Shortridge High School in 1915 and earned a diploma from Indianapolis Normal School in 1918, beginning her teaching career shortly thereafter. In 1928, she moved to Los Angeles with her husband and later completed undergraduate studies at UCLA. She taught in the Los Angeles school system until retiring in 1967.
The Mary Lou Allison Loving Cup Award is presented at each Boule in her honor to the chapter reporting the most outstanding program.
Dorothy Hanley Whiteside
1905-1985
Whiteside graduated from Shortridge High School and entered Indianapolis Normal School in 1922. During her training as a cadet teacher, she met the women who would become her closest friends and fellow founders of Sigma Gamma Rho. After retiring from teaching in 1951, she assisted her husband in developing a business, launched her own millinery business, and remained active in her church and community organizations. Following her husband’s death, she managed their business from 1955 to 1957 before returning to teaching in 1959 and retiring again in 1970.
Vivian Irene White Marbury
1900-2000
Marbury attended Shortridge High School and Indianapolis Normal School before earning a B.S. from Butler University and a master’s degree from Columbia University. Her career in education included teaching at Morehouse College, Indianapolis University, and Indianapolis State University, as well as serving as Director of Practice Training for Butler University’s student teachers. She also served as principal of Indianapolis Public School No. 87 for 39 years. Active in her church and community, she held leadership roles in several local organizations.
Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson
1904-1986
Johnson was educated in the Indianapolis Public School System and earned both B.S. and M.S. degrees from Butler University. She began her teaching career in 1923 and, over the years, advanced to become principal of one of the largest elementary schools in Indianapolis. Committed to service both in and beyond the classroom, she was actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations until her retirement in 1966.
Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford
1896-1990
Redford graduated cum laude from South Bend Central High School and earned a B.S. from Indiana State Teachers College. She also pursued additional studies at Western Reserve University and through Indiana University Extension. Her career in education included one year of teaching in Terre Haute and 37 years in Indianapolis. A dedicated leader within Sigma Gamma Rho, she served as Grand Epistoleus, Grand Tamiochus, and Financial Consultant, earning numerous honors for her service. Plaques bearing her name are awarded at each Boule in recognition of outstanding chapter achievements.
Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin
1900-1947
Martin, the youngest of six children, attended grade school in Indianapolis before graduating from Manual Training High School and City Teachers Normal School. She devoted more than 25 years to a career in education and was known as a dedicated educator, devoted wife, and engaged founder of Sigma Gamma Rho.
Cubena McClure
1901-1924
McClure graduated from Shortridge High School and Indianapolis City Normal School and later attended Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. A gifted student, she earned the prestigious Gregg Scholarship and planned to attend Columbia University, but illness prevented her from accepting the award. Talented in the arts, she helped design the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority pin. Her promising life was cut short when she passed away on August 24, 1924.
Greater Service, Greater Progress
Our Sorority
Steeped in sisterhood, scholarship, and service, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University by seven pioneering educators.
Today, it is an international organization that celebrates achievement and advances meaningful change through leadership and community engagement—cultivating women of purpose who lead with excellence and compassion.
Greater Service, Greater Progress
Our Chapter
Established on November 3, 1990, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, the Eta Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter is anchored in the principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Today, those values continue to guide our commitment to leadership, meaningful service, and lifelong sisterhood.
Eta Iota Sigma, Where Excellence Is the Standard.