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	Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Rho Theta Chapter of Susquehanna University

Seven Illustrious Founders

"Greater Service, Greater Progress"

	Soror Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little: Primary founder and Grand Basileus 1925-1926 Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little was raised by her family friend after both of her parents were killed when she was 3 years old. Little graduated from Shortridge High School in 1915 and earned a diploma from Indianapolis Normal School in 1918 when she began teaching. In 1982, Little and her husband moved to Los Angeles, where she finished her undergraduate training at UCLA. Little taught in the Los Angeles public school system until her retirement in 1967.

Soror Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little:

Primary founder and Grand Basileus 1925-1926

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little was raised by her family friend after both of her parents were killed when she was 3 years old.
Little graduated from Shortridge High School in 1915 and earned a diploma from Indianapolis Normal School in 1918 when she began teaching.
In 1982, Little and her husband moved to Los Angeles, where she finished her undergraduate training at UCLA.
Little taught in the Los Angeles public school system until her retirement in 1967.

Soror Dorothy Hanley Whiteside: Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Whiteside graduated from Shortridge High School and entered the Indianapolis Normal School in 1922. When in training as a cadet teacher she met the teachers who became her best friends and founders of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Whiteside taught school until 1951 when she retired and helped her husband to develop a business. Whiteside also started her own millinery, after the death of her husband, she ran their business from 1955-1957. In 1959, Whiteside returned to teaching, where she remained until her retirement in 1970.

Soror Dorothy Hanley Whiteside:

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Whiteside graduated from Shortridge High School and entered the Indianapolis Normal School in 1922.
When in training as a cadet teacher she met the teachers who became her best friends and founders of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Whiteside taught school until 1951 when she retired and helped her husband to develop a business.
Whiteside also started her own millinery, after the death of her husband, she ran their business from 1955-1957. In 1959, Whiteside returned to teaching, where she remained until her retirement in 1970.

Soror Vivian Irene White Marbury:

Born in Oxford, Ohio, Marbury attended Shortridge High School and the Indianapolis Normal School.
Marbury earned her B.S. from Butler University and a Master's from Columbia University in New York City.
Marbury's professional career included teaching at Morehouse College in Atlanta and Director of Practice Training of teachers from Butler University, Indianapolis University and Indianapolis State University.
Marbury taught in the Indianapolis school system for 9 years.

Soror Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson: Born in Indianapolis, Indiana and a product of the Indianapolis Public School System, Johnson earned both B.S. and M.S. degrees from Butler University. In 1923, Johnson earned her 1st teaching assignment and over the years was promoted to principal of one of the largest elementary schools in Indianapolis. Johnson was very involved with many clubs and organizations dedicated to community service. Johnson retired in 1966.

Soror Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson:

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana and a product of the Indianapolis Public School System, Johnson earned both B.S. and M.S. degrees from Butler University.
In 1923, Johnson earned her 1st teaching assignment and over the years was promoted to principal of one of the largest elementary schools in Indianapolis.
Johnson was very involved with many clubs and organizations dedicated to community service. Johnson retired in 1966.

Soror Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford:

A cum laude graduate from South Bend Central High School, Redford continued her education and graduated from Indiana State Teachers College with a B.S., and studied at Western Reserve in Cleveland and Indiana University Extension.
Redford taught for one year in Terra Haute, and thirty-seven years in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Redford was Grand Epistolues, Grand Tamiochus, Financial Consultant and received various awards and honors for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Bessie M. Downey Rhoads Martin: Born in Indianapolis, Indiana; Rhoads was the youngest of six children and attended grade school in Indianapolis. Martin graduated form the Manual Training High School and the City Teachers Normal school. Martin was married twice, a devoted wife and hard-worker within Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and school, she taught for over 25 years.

Cubena McClure

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana; McClure graduated from Shortridge High School, and Indianapolis City Normal School.
McClure attended Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
McClure had plans to attend Columbia University when she won the Gregg Scholarship, unfortunately due to illness McClure could not accept the scholarship.
McClure died at a very young age on August 24, 1924. McClure was talented in art and is credited for helping design the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc pin.

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