​THE NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL
NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives
National Founding Date: November 12, 1922
National Founding Location: Butler University; Indianapolis, Indiana
Sorority Motto: Greater Service, Greater Progress
Sorority Colors: Royal Blue and Gold
Famous Members: Hattie McDaniel, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Mother Love, Tonya Lee Williams
Chapter Name: Theta Lambda
Charter Date: December 5, 1980
Current Chapter Basileus: Kiana Warren
Number of Current Active Members: 4
Contact: thetalambda@gmail.com
CHAPTER HISTORY @ UVA
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated (ΣΓΡ) was founded on November 12, 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana during a time of extreme racial tension at a predominantly white University campus. In 1937, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. joined the NPHC. The Organization was founded by seven illustrious educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, Hattie May Annette Dulin Redford, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, and Cubena McClure. The Lovely Theta Lambda Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was chartered at the University of Virginia on December 5, 1980 by five phenomenal women: Deborah Barksdale, Carla Cowles, Frances Reynolds, Latanya Shepherdson, and Loretta Tillman. Sigma Gamma Rho is a non-profit organization that aims to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of our organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact our society educationally, civically, and economically.
CHAPTER SERVICE PROJECT
The Lovely Theta Lambda Chapter participates in various programs each semester. One of our key annual events is the "Feel Your Boobies" Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign aimed to educate college-aged students about monitoring breast health early to establish a sense of what is "normal."Theta Lambda hosts educational forums like "Is it Consensual?" -on society's perceptions of sexual assault "Understanding the Shade Debate" -on the "Dark Girls" documentary and colorism in racial identity"SigmaLand: AfroLatino Edition" -on the African influence on Latino historyThe Poodles also host community events like:"Rhoyalty Lounge" Game Night"Pretty and Pampered" manicures and massageSemesterly "Poodle Prep" study sessionsThe Theta Lambda Chapter is actively involved in Service through the Princess Club in the West Haven Community and has also tutored inmates at the Regional Jail to help inmates get their GEDs. The Pretty Poodles annually hold a school supplies drive called "Operation: Big BookBag."
INTAKE
T.O.R.C.H is the mandated intake process for Sigma Gamma Rho.New members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. are accepted on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Potential graduate members must hold a degree from a four-year accredited educational institution. A woman may be admitted for membership in an undergraduate chapter only while in attendance at a four-year accredited college or university, or in a liberal arts/transfer program of a junior or community college, once they submit proof of intention to enter and obtain a degree from a four-year school. Candidates may be accepted for undergraduate membership after successfully completing one quarter, semester, or trimester. The cumulative grade point average required for membership is 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. does not tolerate hazing of any form. Hazing is wrong, prohibited and unauthorized.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Chapter Submission of TORCH Calendar for Approval by Regional Syntaktes
2. Formal Rush
3. Interview
4. Chapter Selection of Candidates
5. Application Packet Completed by Each Applicant and Submitted to the Chapter
6. Educational Workshops (3)
7. Headquarters Receives Application Package for Processing
The entire application process must be completed within 21 days or less.
Included in the application packet is Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated’s Policy Against Hazing (outlined on page 2) and a legal Terms and Conditions document to be signed by both the applicant and the chapter’s representative, stating their collective agreement to abide by the rules and regulations as stipulated, as well as their understanding of the punitive actions that result from doing otherwise.
APPLICANTS APPROVALS
Only applicants for whom the chapter has received written approval from the Sorority’sInternational Headquarters to proceed in the process – indication that they’ve met all basic requirements for membership— will be allowed to begin the Education and Training Components.
The prospective members will become familiar with national and chapter history, the Founders and the regional officers. Prospective members learn conduct expectations of members as representatives of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority during this module. They also prepare for sorority membership status during this period.
The entire TORCH process must be completed in no more than 40 days. For undergraduate chapters, the TORCH process cannot be conducted during periods of normally scheduled school recess for two days or more (i.e., winter/spring breaks, year-end holidays). Abbreviated TORCH processes (processes that are less than 40 days) are only approved if required by school regulations and/or academic calendars. New member orientation, neophyte presentations and mentoring are scheduled following the induction.
