The history of Pi Iota, Southeastern Louisiana University’s chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., is one filled with many ups and downs.  The outcome however is one filled with success, but of course, you should expect nothing less from a Sigma woman!

 

Our story began in the fall semester of 2000.  The dream of Sigma Gamma Rho possibly coming to the campus of Southeastern was alive and well in two young ladies in attendance at SLU.  It was at this time that the preparations for SGR’s arrival at SLU had begun.  The two ladies, one being our beloved Soror, Latisha Brandon, worked diligently to pave the way for their dream to become a reality.

 

In the spring semester of 2001, the first informational of a few was held.  During this semester, many changes were taking place, causing much havoc and making the process difficult.  Paper work and other ground work caused the process to be challenging, but this did not stop these persistent ladies.  The ladies were working with Soror Evelyn Jenkins of Mu Sigma chapter of SGR, our current Basileus.  Soror Jenkins came to Southeastern and formally presented SGR to the Pan‑Hellenic council.  It was then decided that SGR would be allowed to make its appearance onto the campus of Southeastern, but due to the delays and the approaching end of the semester, it was too late to do a formal rush. 

 

This delay proved only to be a minor set back.  Ms.  Kay Harris was given the office of Student Organizations and Greek Affairs.  During the summer of 2001, she consented to allow SGR to have a summer rush, a first on the campus of SLU.  At this time, there was 26 ladies that were interested in pledging.  Unfortunately, rush could not be completed due to academic and financial difficulties among the prospective pledges. 

 

In the fall of 2001, the number of ladies dropped to 11, with only 4 of the 11 qualifying.  There was an informal informational, but due to the lingering GPA’s, once again; a line could not be completed.  Throughout the spring and fall of 2002, there was no activity due to the limited number of qualifying ladies to participate. 

 

Early planning began in January for the spring of 2003, but things were looking grim. On March 24, the required organizational packets for active organizations on SLU’s campus were due.  Unfortunately, the prospective SGR members did not have a completed packet, however, due to the new status of the sorority to SLU’s campus, they were given an extension.  This week proved to be trying for the ladies, namely Soror Latisha, who worked meticulously to get all paperwork and other things in order in a sufficient amount of time.  Phone calls were made, papers were resubmitted to various boards and councils, and once again, SGR was on its way to SLU. 

 

At Southeastern’s Pan‑Hellenic function "Meet the Greeks," the Mu Sigma and Gamma Pi’s chapters of SGR graced us with their presence.  They presented SGR once again to SLU, collecting a list of qualified young ladies who were interested in membership.  The following week, April 13, 2003, a formal informational was held.  In attendance were five young ladies.  Unbeknown to them, these ladies were to be the chartering chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., at Southeastern.

After the informational, Soror Diedra Harris, our future advisor, kept in contact with the potential five, corresponding through e‑mail.  Then, to the delight of the special five, on April 26, 2003, in the Pennington Student Activity Center, Pi Iota, Southeastern’s chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho was formed.  The sorority sisters included: Ace, Soror Laquisha Thompson, Duce, Soror Latisha Brandon, Soror Amanda L.  Dillon, Soror Tynette L. Hawkins, and Soror Charis Carey.  Lastly, on May 2, 2003, the final steps were completed after a beautiful pearl ceremony.  Finally, the last piece was in place, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., made its grand entrance to SLU, with the promise of many great things to come.