Researching Sigma Gamma Rho at Butler University
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorors and Grand Basilei, circa 1990s
Sigma Gamma Rho members and Grand Basilei. The first row includes Dr. Annie Lawrence-Brown (1971–1976), Evelyn Hood (1976–1980), Dr. Cleo S. Higgins (1962–1963), Corine J. Green (1992–1996), Dr. Katie White (1988–1992), Soror Diane Houslin, Dr. Alice M. Swain (1980–1984), and Dr. Rejesta Perry (1984–1988).
In honor of the Sorority’s 100th anniversary, Sigma Gamma Rho instituted a collecting initiative to gather materials from past Grand Basilei (Presidents) to document the Sorority’s history. These materials became the Sigma Gamma Rho Centennial Collection and are housed in the department of Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives at Butler University. The collection is not comprehensive in its holdings of the Sorority’s records but contains a selection of Board of Directors meeting minutes, Boulé programs, Sorority ephemera and artifacts, official publications—including a selection of issues of The Aurora—along with informational pamphlets and newsletters, scrapbooks made by chapters and Grand Basilei, and several photographs.
Butler University Libraries created a digital collection—entitled the Butler University Sigma Gamma Rho Centennial Collection—that provides access to hundreds more photographs from the physical collection. This digital collection is a work in progress and undergoing review to update content, verify information, and gather contributions from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorors. Additional items, related information, and edits will be added to this collection over time.
Researching student life on the Butler University campus can add context to what Sigma Gamma Rho members throughout the years have experienced. The Butler Collegian—the student newspaper—and The Drift—the student yearbook—are both great resources for learning more about student life and campus changes from a student perspective. Both are available to view—and keyword search—online through the Butler University Libraries’ website.
Butler University Collections and Resources
The following list contains links to collections, digital collections, and other available resources to assist with the research of Sigma Gamma Rho and Butler University. These resources are made available by Butler University Libraries and held by Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives.
Sigma Gamma Rho
A Quick Guide to Accessing & Searching the Butler University Sigma Gamma Rho Centennial Collection, A Butler University Libraries Digital Collection [Digital Collection]
Sigma Gamma Rho Centennial Collection (MSS084) [Collection Guide]
Sigma Gamma Rho 75th Anniversary Time Capsule (MSS085) [Collection Guide]
Butler University Publications
A Quick Guide to Accessing & Searching the Digital Collection of the Butler Collegian, Butler University’s Student Newspaper [Digital Collection]
A Quick Guide to Accessing & Searching the Digital Collection of The Drift, Butler University’s Yearbook [Digital Collection]
Special Collections
Eliza Blaker Teachers College of Indianapolis Collection [Collection Guide]
Butler University Eliza Blaker Collection [Digital Collection]
University Archives
A Quick Guide to Accessing & Searching The Digital Collection of the Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection [Digital Collection]
Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection (UA00.01) [Collection Guide]
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorors on Butler University's Campus, 1997
Sigma Gamma Rho sorors walking along a campus sidewalk with the Butler University sign in the foreground. This photo was taken in 1997 during the 75th anniversary activities.
For more information on Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives at Butler University, please visit the Department's website.