ABOUT 
THE BETA ETA SIGMA CHAPTER

The Beta Eta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was organized to service communities in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. 
In August of 1947, six trailblazers chartered Beta Eta Sigma Chapter: Pollyanna Reed, Marjorie Marshall (who served as the second Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator of Western Region), Beatrice Leverette, Lou Vice Haywood, Carmen Walker and Maggie Morrison. Soror Reed served as the first Basileus of the chapter, which was the second chapter established in what would become the Western Region (in 1952) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. Sigma Sigma Chapter of Los Angeles, established in 1939, was the first. The first Basileus of Sigma Sigma Chapter (and the first Syntaktes of Western Region), Leslie Crossland, was integral to the formation of Beta Eta Sigma Chapter.

Since that time, women from a myriad of professional backgrounds have served Beta Eta Sigma Chapter. These women have included the first black woman to practice law, serve as a district court judge, and be elected as a county circuit court judge in the state of Oregon. Sigma sorors have always been and continue to be fierce advocates for the improvement of life for those we serve through our promotion of educational excellence, political engagement and community service. This pursuit is embodied in the motto of Sigma Gamma Rho: Greater Service, Greater Progress.

Our Sorority represents a group of people who always strive for the highest level of excellence, as our founders intended. Shared goals and interests in areas of service, academics and building solid relationships hold our chapter together and define who we are.

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