U. adds new sorority - of one

Mother Love is coming to Penn. Her sorority, at least. A new organization, Sigma Gamma Rho, was recognized earlier this semester by the Bicultural InterGreek Council. Engineering senior Nashira Washington is currently the sole Penn member. Washington wanted to be a part of Sigma Gamma Rho after researching its purpose and goals, but when she discovered it wasn't here on campus, she joined the Temple chapter. The Beta Delta chapter at Temple is a metro chapter, which means it counts Penn, La Salle and Drexel among its membership. After Washington signed on there, she sought official Penn recognition. As for new members, Washington said she welcomes anyone who is interested, but she doesn't plan to actively recruit. She said this sorority appealed to her because it is in line with her ideals. "The goal of Sigma Gamma Rho is to enhance the quality of life of the African-American community through public service projects," Washington said. Service projects in which the sorority is involved include the AIDS and Diabetes walks, reading to the elderly, participating with local public schools and clothing and food drives. And the sorority is also involved in national projects like Program For Africa, allowing Africans to buy rice; Wee Savers, which teaches kids to save money; Mwanamugimu Essay Contest, a contest for students to learn about African developments and Habitat For Humanity. "The experience so far has been extremely positive because the sorority is extremely committed to its ideals," Washington said. Aside from the supportive atmosphere and service to the community, the sorority has a strong social bond between the sisters. "We also have a step team that recently won a contest at Rowan University," Washington said. Washington said she is glad that there is a new organization on Penn's campus. "The sisters are known to be friendly, down-to-earth and very approachable," Washington said. In addition to entertainment personality Mother Love, other alumni include Florida Rep. Corrine Brown and soap opera actress Victoria Rowell. Sigma Gamma Rho was founded in 1922 at Butler University in Indiana. Today, the sorority consists of over 500 national and international chapters with 72,000 members worldwide in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. The Beta Delta chapter at Temple was founded in 1947 and became a metro chapter in 1955.