Early in the Fall
of 1987, a little yellow flyer caught the attention of several women on the
campus of The Pennsylvania State University. This flyer advertised an
interest meeting for "the fourth national traditionally African-American
sorority," Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. On a campus where the
history of Black Greek Lettered organizations stretched back into the
1920s, nine women felt that one more option was needed for women of color
and began their quest to bring Sigma to Penn State. With the help of
regional officer Jimmie Jackson and sorors from the Washington DC area,
these women brought the blue and gold to Penn State on December 12, 1987.
Our chartering
members, known as the "Premiere Nine" are:
-
Karla Denise Ray Thompson
-
Leslie Webb Crudup
-
Terell Carla Ford
-
Belvie Stacey Herbert Perry
-
Michelle Denise Wilkins
-
Vannessa Amanda Thompson Christian
-
Sandra Gateau Reed
-
Kim Angela Blackman
-
Grace Madelyn Powell
As we celebrate our 21st
anniversary year, we thank these brave women for daring to be different and
bring true sisterhood and service to Penn State.
