History and Design Tips for Sigma Gamma Rho Backgrounds

The History and Meaning Behind Sigma Gamma Rho Backgrounds

Sigma Gamma Rho sorority was founded in 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven young educators. The founders were Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie M Downey Martin and Cubena McClure. These trailblazing women aimed to enhance the quality of life for African Americans and women through education, service, and advocacy. Nearly a century later, Sigma Gamma Rho has over 500 chapters and more than 100,000 members around the world.

The colors selected to represent Sigma Gamma Rho reflect the ideals upon which it was founded. Royal blue symbolizes sisterly love and faith in each other and the organization. The gold represents life, light, and high achievement. Although the exact origins are unknown, these iconic colors can be found in the sorority's background designs and are a visual representation of Sigma Gamma Rho's mission and sisterhood.

Common Motifs and Images

There are several classic motifs and images commonly seen in Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds. These visual elements connect members across generations and chapters by symbolizing shared history, values, and experiences.

• The Dove - Doves represent peace, which relates to the sorority's mission of enhancing equality and justice.
• Pearls - Pearls signify refinement and wisdom. They are sometimes portrayed with gold accents or against a royal blue backdrop.
• The Sphinx - This figure from Egyptian culture symbolizes the historical mysteries of life and intelligence. It is also the nickname for Sigma Gamma Rho members.
• Roses - Roses denote secrets, joy, and beauty. They are the official flower of Sigma Gamma Rho.
• Seven Pearls - The seven pearls represent the seven founders of the sorority.
• Lamp - The lamp of wisdom and the flame of service pays tribute to the sorority's dedication to greater service and improved standards.
• 1913 - The founding year appears prominently, marking a legacy of success and sisterhood.

Common Phrases and Sayings

Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds frequently incorporate Greek letters, slogans, and sayings that promote the organization's values and bond between members:

• ΣΓΡ - These Greek letters represent the sorority's name.
• "Greater Service, Greater Progress" - This motto inspires commitment to service.
• "One World Through Sigma Eyes" - A reminder to view life through a lens of sisterhood, wisdom, and empathy.
• "Sigma Attitude" - Evokes a sense of poise, purpose, and positivity.

Incorporating Personal Style

While many designs adhere to the royal blue and gold palette, Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds can take on the creative touch of individual members. Some options include:

• Photos or illustrations showcasing personal interests, hobbies, or values
• Favorite quotes, scriptures, or poems
• Images of important events like college graduation or new member presentations
• Custom drawings or lettering styles
• Displaying awards, leadership positions, or achievements
• Playing with textures, patterns, shapes, and layouts

The goal is to bring your unique personality to the background while maintaining the identifiable Sigma Gamma Rho elements. This makes it distinctly yours while celebrating your membership and sorority pride.

Using Sigma Gamma Rho Backgrounds

Displaying a Sigma Gamma Rho background is an expression of sisterhood, connection, and identity. Whether subtle or prominent, it symbolizes belonging to a long-standing organization dedicated to greater progress and achievement.

Video Calls and Conferences

During video calls or virtual conferences, a Sigma Gamma Rho background visible behind you instantly communicates your affiliation. It sparks connection with other members who may be participating while representing your pride and commitment to the organization's ideals.

Social Media Profile Photos

Using a Sigma Gamma Rho background as your profile photo on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn enables you to boldly represent the sorority. Posting inspirational quotes, mission-focused messages, or interactions with fellow members will let your social community know what Sigma Gamma Rho stands for.

Stationery and Correspondence

For letterhead, greeting cards, envelopes, email signatures, and other correspondence, a background with Sigma Gamma Rho imagery, colors, and phrases adds meaningful personalization. It elevates your message while spotlighting an organization important to you.

Apparel and Accessories

Applying custom Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds to clothing, bags, water bottles, laptops, tablets, or phone cases lets you display your affiliation 24/7. It becomes a part of your everyday style and sparks conversation about the values you cherish.

Prints and Wall Art

For longtime members, hanging a large format Sigma Gamma Rho background in a home or office space may feel second nature. It both decorates the area and reinforces a sense of connection and identity. Framed prints are perfect for entryways, common spaces, or meeting areas to proudly convey your membership.

Tips for Using Sigma Gamma Rho Backgrounds

Effectively incorporating backgrounds into your space or branding requires careful thought regarding context, versatility, and presentation.

• Maintain context - Ensure the background adds value without overwhelming or distracting from your key goals and messaging.
• Consider versatility - Opt for easily adaptable digital backgrounds when possible to allow usage across different applications and platforms.
• Be cohesive - Let the background complement other visual elements in your space or materials to create a polished, professional aesthetic.
• Keep it current - Update backgrounds periodically to stay fresh and on-trend while representing the longevity of the organization.
• Be purposeful - Thoughtfully use backgrounds to connect with target audiences who will appreciate Sigma Gamma Rho history and values.

Finding the right balance enables you to integrate backgrounds in a way that effectively celebrates your sorority membership while adding value to your personal brand and endeavors.

Designing Custom Sigma Gamma Rho Backgrounds

With some creativity and basic design skills, you can make custom Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds tailored to your goals and style preferences. Here are some tips for where to start:

• Collect inspiration from existing designs, color palettes, and branding guides
• Determine ideal layout, textures, shapes, and composition
• Decide which motifs and icons to include and their placement
• Select complementary fonts and text elements like mottoes or founding year
• Incorporate personal photos, illustrations, or graphics if desired
• Refine the design through an iterative process of feedback and refinement
• Export final background in multiple formats like JPG, PNG, and PDF

The process can be done using basic software like PowerPoint, Canva, or Adobe programs. For more complex or professional designs, consider hiring a graphic designer skilled in backgrounds and branding.

With some thoughtfulness and effort, you can create personalized Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds to display across digital platforms, physical spaces, apparel, stationery, and accessories. Let your background boldly reflect the pride, purpose, and promise of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.

FAQs

What colors are associated with Sigma Gamma Rho?

The colors of Sigma Gamma Rho are royal blue and gold. Royal blue represents sisterly love and faith. Gold symbolizes life, light, and high achievement.

What are some common Sigma Gamma Rho symbols and images?

Popular Sigma Gamma Rho symbols include the dove, pearls, sphinx, roses, seven pearls, lamp, and the year 1913 representing the sorority's founding.

How can I make a Sigma Gamma Rho background personalized?

Add personal photos, favorite quotes, custom graphics, or creative textures and patterns while incorporating the sorority's iconic colors and symbols.

Where are some places to use a Sigma Gamma Rho background?

Display Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds on social media, video calls, stationery, apparel, wall art, and other platforms to proudly represent your sorority.

What apps help create custom Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds?

Programs like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and PowerPoint offer easy tools to design personalized Sigma Gamma Rho backgrounds.