dedication to Sigma Gamma Rho

Sorority, Inc. and enhancing the

sisterhood. In this issue we will

highlight our community service,

affiliates, upcoming projects and

plain ‘ole fun we have within our

chapter. Thank you for being in

the number and showing your

love for thee only Sigma Gamma

Rho. I hope you enjoy our first

issue.

In Service,

Soror Keyondra Garvin

Greetings,

As we approach the New Year

and its many blessings, we take a

moment to reflect on where we

are and where we want to be. I

hope that your year has been

filled with endless memories, joy,

accomplishments and love. I also

pray for continued healing, pros-

perity, growth and covering over

you and your families.

As the Basileus of Alpha Iota

Sigma, my desire is to foster the

culture of our chapter and take

us to another level in Sisterhood,

Scholarship and most impor-

tantly Service. The opportunities

are endless and there is no limit

to our success. The strategic

plan has been set and every

event and service project will

lead us to a place far beyond

ourselves.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

has a rich history. The tenacious

seven, withstood obstacles and

set the foundation for an organi-

zation of women who promote,

“Greater Service, Greater Progress.”

It is indeed a pleasure to serve as

Basileus and work with women

who are ready to accept the

challenge and take us to a place

we have never been before. The

journey has been beautiful and a

great opportunity to witness the

shift here in Savannah, Georgia.

Nelson Mandela states, “It always

seems impossible until it’s done.”

Always remember, nothing is

beyond our reach when we have

a can do attitude.

I thank you for your commit-

ment, continued service and

In 2014, our chapter has gained

as well as lost. As sisters we

disagree, we miss the mark but

most importantly we love and we

love unconditionally —we are

human. We would like to high-

light sisters who have come back

home and Soror Terry who en-

tered into Omega Rho.

Soror Priscilla Williams

Soror Williams wears many hats

and is proud to be back home

with Alpha Iota Sigma from the

Virgin Islands. She proudly serves

as the Southeastern Region Lead-

ership Academy Liaison & Educa-

tion Chair, works at Savannah

State University, serves as our

Parliamentarian and is a Past

Basileus of Alpha Iota Sigma.

Soror Angela Brewer

Soror Brewer has been on the

move since reactivating through

Campaign 1922 with Alpha Iota

Sigma. She is willing to help

where needed and has success-

fully completed a project, Soles

for Little Souls as committee

chair. She will also serve as dele-

gate at the 75th Southeastern

Region Conference. Soror

Brewer is a March 12, 1995 in-

ductee into Nu Omicron Chap-

ter at Georgia Southern Univer-

sity. Soror Brewer dares to be

different by not eating so many

sweets and enjoy hobbies such as

shopping, catching a movie, exer-

cising and trying new crafts.

Welcome Back Sorors!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Scholarship 2

Service 3

92nd Founders’ Day

Celebration 4

75th Southeastern

Regional Conference 5

Affiliates 6

Campaign 1922 7

Conference Souvenir

Journal 8

SISTERHOOD

A L P H A I O T A S I G M A

C H A P T E R

Strength, Leadership & Southern Hospitality D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5

E X E C U T I V E

B O A R D :

Keyondra Garvin

Basileus

Shanika Walker

1st Anti—Basileus

Bonita Bradley

Anti-Grammateus

Danica Davis-Baker

Grammateus

Alexis Crawford

Tamiochus

Rhoer Club Advisor

Shemeka Cisco

Epistoleus

Rosabell Dixon

Chaplain

Tiffany Duncan

Philo Advisor

P A G E 2

“Education is our

passport to the

future, for

tomorrow belongs

to the people who

prepare for it

today.”

Malcolm X

Soror Pearl Terry

SCHOLARSHIP

CAMPAIGN 1922

OMEGA RHO: SOROR PEARL TERRY Soror Pearl Terry entered eternal

rest at Candler Hospital on Tues-

day, December 2, 2014 after a

sudden illness. She was born on

August 1, 1935 in Statesboro,

Georgia and was the 2nd oldest of

seven children.

Soror Terry graduated from Beach

High School in Savannah, GA.

Continuing her education, she

obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in

Education from Savannah State

College and her Master’s Degree

in Higher Education from Wayne

State University.

She took pride in teaching our

youth and taught elementary

school in Savannah, GA; Hardee-

ville, SC; Ellerbe and Rockingham,

NC; Denver, CO; Sault Sainte

Marie, MI; Washington, D.C; and

Ramstein, Germany.

Soror Terry was active in various

activities at Butler Presbyterian

Church. She was a member of the

Jonquil Garden Club, the Christian

Growth and Nurture Ministry, the

Evangelism Ministry, Community

Mission and Outreach Ministry,

A.S. Leake Circle, and H.L. Pinkney

Gospel Choir. She was a Youth

Sunday School Teacher, Director

of the Youth Sunday School Choir

and a member of the Chancel

Choir.

Soror Terry will always be re-

membered for her style, laughter

and service. She was inducted into

the Alpha Iota Sigma Chapter on

March 14, 2008. Those who trav-

eled to Charleston, SC for the

74th Southeastern Regional Con-

ference will always remember her

for her honest truth.

Soror Terry proudly served on

the Miss Rhomania Pageant Com-

mittee and actively worked with

TaNeysha G. B. Johnson.

Those we love and lose are always

connected by heartstrings into infin-

ity. ~Terri Guillemets

side looking in, it seems to be

a huge burden but in reality it

is the greatest opportunity to

highlight and show how out-

standing it is to be a member

of this great sorority.

Alpha Iota Sigma has made it

its duty to promote true sis-

terhood and host events for

Sorors to get back in the swing

of Sigma. Are you interested in

The moment we be-

came members of this

illustrious organization

we became spokes-

women. We no longer

were called by our

name but known as

YOUR NAME, the

Sigma Gamma Rho.

From that moment we

proudly wear Sigma

across our chest. On the out-

reactivating in 2015? No need

to wait until the next fiscal

year, be ready when it comes.

Stay tuned for the next recla-

mation event in the new year,

and if interested in renewing

email savannahalumnaes-

grho@yahoo.com.

Soror Shemeka Cisco and Soror

Tiffany Duncan—R3 Committee

Chair

Soror Antonnette Tedford, a

spring 2013 inductee in the

Alpha Iota Chapter deserves a

resounding EEE-Yip! Soror

Tedford has obtained a Bache-

lor of Science degree in Biol-

ogy from the illustrious Savan-

nah State University on Satur-

day, December 13, 2014. Ma-

triculating through Savannah

State University with honors

and a full load of classes, Soror

Tedford is a recipient of Magna

Cum Laude honors.

She has a bright future and will

complete anything she sets her

mind to do. A true women of

Sigma, she served as Basileus in

the Alpha Iota Chapter. Look

forward to hearing more from

Soror Tedford and congratula-

tions in all your endeavors.

Continue to let your Sigma

light shine.

S T R E N G T H , L E A D E R S H I P & S O U T H E R N H O S P I T A L I T Y

SERVICE P A G E 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Highlighted below are a few events in 2014. We kicked off our service and service projects with a bang: (1) J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care, SAV 2014 World AIDS Day Walk, (2) Two

Stepping For Two Causes w/ Savannah Show Steppers—Hattie McDaniel Breast Cancer Awareness, (3) Ready! Set! Go! Back to School Expo, (4) School Supplies Donation at Butler Ele-

mentary School-Operation BigBookBag, (5) Soles for Little Souls Donation at Greenbriar Children Center, Inc. (6) Amerigroup Community Care—Take A Break for Health at DFACS, (7)

NPHC Toy Donation at May Street YMCA, (8) Annual Sweater Donation at Inner City Night Shelter (not pictured).

On Sunday, November 3, 2014, Miss TaNeysha G. B. Johnson was crowned Miss Rhomania

2014. This years theme was the “Harlem Renaissance” and the contestants celebrated heroines

of the Harlem Renaissance, such as Jessie Redmon Fauset, Josephine Baker, Florence Mills and

Isabel Washington.

TaNeysha G. B. Johnson is the proud daughter of Mr. Amos Johnson, Jr. and Ms. Taneya John-

son. She is 16 years old and attends Memorial Day School. TaNeysha is a member of Mt. Her-

man Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia. She enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with

her family and friends. Upon graduation from high school, TaNeysha plans to attend college and

join the Navy Reserve.

Miss Johnson will join the chapter in the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Monday,

January 19, 2015. The 2015 Theme is “His Dream: Inspiration for Freedom and Justice for All.”

Thank you to the Steering Committee, for all your hard work and dedication.

MISS RHOMANIA PAGEANT

1

5

6

TaNeysha G. B. Johnson, Miss Rhomania 2014

2

7

3

4

P A G E 4

92nd FOUNDERS DAY & SoRHORs and the CITY

SSU HOMECOMING 2014 Savannah State University homecoming is always a great time for bonding and showing our

Sigma pride. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. showed up and made a great impact on the

students at the university. The Alpha Iota Sigma Chapter was represented in the ‘Ole

Skool Step Show and took third place. The Alpha Iota Alumni was represented in the

Young Alumni Stroll Off and took 2nd place. Thank you Soror Priscilla Williams and Soror

Bonita Bradley for offering space and critiques.

Step Team Members: Soror Alana Gordon, Soror Tiffany Duncan, Soror Porshe

Moody, Soror Alexis Crawford, Soror Lacey Crews, and Soror Shanika Walker.

Stroll Team Members: Soror Brejia Blocker, Soror Kieara Hall, Soror Shaneese Lam-

bert, Soror Keyondra Garvin, Soror Shawnethia Howard and Soror Marquella Johnson.

View the Ole Skool Step Show Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hBZU6gVHPA

See you in 2015 for the 125th Anniversary of Savannah State University!

(1) Phi Beta Sigma Centennial Awards Gala, hosted by the Tau Beta

Sigma Chapter, (2) Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Lambda Pi

Sigma Chapter, Ruby & Pearl Luncheon—Honoring Soror Debra P.

Benjamin, Soror Francie Benyard, Soror Janette Scott, and Soror

Rosabell Dixon, (3) Wine & Canvas Event (Sailing) at Carlito’s Mexi-

can Bar and Grill.

On Wednesday, Novem-

ber 12, 2014, Sigma

Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

celebrated 92 years of

Sisterhood, Scholarship

and Service. The Foun-

ders’ Day Celebration

recognized the seven illus-

trious Founders’ and the

history of Sigma Gamma

Rho in Savannah, GA

(Alpha Iota Sigma and

Alpha Iota).

S T R E N G T H , L E A D E R S H I P & S O U T H E R N H O S P I T A L I T Y

ALPHA IOTA SIGMA: SOCIAL EVENTS

On Saturday, November

15, 2014, the R3 Commit-

tee hosted SoRHOrs and

the City at Rocks on the

River. A night of laughter,

bonding and celebrating a

‘birthday,’ sorors enjoyed

getting to know each

other and building new

relationships.

1

2

3

75th SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

The Diamond Anniversary will be one to remember!

Beginning March 11, 2015 we will make our mark in

Atlanta, GA as host chapter. Below take a moment

to view the schedule-at-a-glance and community

service opportunities. Just so you are aware, regis-

tration is breaking record numbers and late registra-

tion may not be an option. There is an anticipated

number of 700 Sorors, Rhoers, Philos and Guests

who will convene to celebrate the 75th Diamond

Anniversary. Get registered today at

www.seregionsgrho.org, early registration will end

January 31, 2015. Boris Kodjoe and Bishop William

H. Murphy, III are confirmed guests so far for the

conference. There will be more to come.

Opening Session

Murder Mystery Luncheon

Philo President’s Gala

Undergraduate Step Show, Stroll

Competition & Party

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

Morning Energizer

Plenary Sessions

Rhoer City Tours & College Visits

Ruby, Life Member & Cultured

Pearl Dedication Luncheon

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Pre-Conference Workshops

TORCH & Risk Management Training

Community Service Showcase

Special Guest Reception

New Member Reception

Undergraduate Hospitality

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015

Morning Energizer

Leadership Chat & Chew

Pre-Conference Workshop

Schedule At-A-Glance

MARCH 12-15, 2015 - HOST CHAPTER

Undergraduate Scavenger Hunt

Play Date Activities

Concurrent Workshops

Awards Banquet & Entertainment

VIP Reception

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2014

Omega Rho Ceremony

Sisterhood/Prayer Breakfast

Post Conference Board Meeting

P A G E 6

“Growth is never

by mere chance;

it is the result of

forces working

together:

James Cash

Penney

Angel VanEllison,

President and Rhoer

Ashlee Clark

PHILO AFFLIATE

STAY CONNECTED

ALPHA IOTA SIGMA RHOER CLUB On Sunday, November 2, 2014

the Alpha Iota Sigma Rhoer

Club welcomed Rhoer Ashlee

Clark into its chapter. Rhoer

Clark attends Herschel V.

Jenkins High School, maintains

an outstanding GPA, a member

of the band and is committed

to Leadership, Scholarship and

Community Service. Congratu-

lations Rhoer Clark!

The Alpha Iota Sigma Rhoer

Club has been actively working

in the community and will

continue its tradition by at-

tending the Bring One For The

Chipper event on Saturday,

January 10, 2015.

The next Rhoer Informational

will be Saturday, February 7,

2015 at 1pm. The location will

be the Southwest Chatham

Library Auditorium.

Soror Alexis Crawford, serves

as advisor and can be reached

at AISRhoerClub@gmail.com if

you know of any young ladies,

12-18 years old who would

benefit from community ser-

vice, sisterhood and work-

shops uplifting our youth. The

Alpha Iota Sigma Rhoer Club is

very excited to attend the 75th

Southeastern Regional Confer-

ence to bond with other Rho-

ers.

The Alpha Iota Sigma Rhoer

Club will also host fundraising

activities to help with the cost

of registration. Any questions

on how to help, contact Soror

Alexis Crawford.

ALPHA IOTA SIGMA CHAPTER

Website: www.sgrhosavalum.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alphaiota.sigmapoodles

Twitter: www.twitter.com/alphaiotasigma

Instagram: @alphaiotasigma

iliaries that had various

names until 1954 when

the sorority officially ap-

proved the organized

affiliate group and ac-

cepted the name of

"Philo"(meaning Friend)

as their official name.

Soror Tiffany Duncan

serves as advisor and

anticipates growth in this

area. If you are familiar

with any women inter-

ested in the uplift of our

community, email Philo-

clubsav@yahoo.com.

Since its inception, Sigma

Gamma Rho has pro-

moted unity among

women and for years

many alumnae chapters

worked with individuals

who were not members

of Greek-lettered organi-

zations. These women

were organized into aux-

S T R E N G T H , L E A D E R S H I P & S O U T H E R N H O S P I T A L I T Y

P A G E 9 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

January 10, 2015 — Bring One For The Chipper from 8am-12pm—Home Depot at Victory Drive

*Recycling Christmas trees (community service)

January 10, 2015—Chapter Business Meeting at 11am

January 15, 2015—Amerigroup Community Care, Re-Pack the Backpack from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Otis Brock Elementary

School (1804 Stratford St., Savannah, GA 31401)

January 18, 2015—Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter Founders’ Day Celebration featuring Mary

Breaux Wright, International Grand Basileus at 4pm —Location TBD (WEAR GOLD)

January 19, 2015—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade at 8am—Downtown Savannah

January 22, 2015—Layette Presentation

January 24, 2015—MLK Business & Community Brunch at 10am-Savannah International Trade & Convention Center

$50 tickets

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Iota Sigma Chapter

JANUARY EVENTS

Thank you Soror Bonita Bradley for hosting the Annual

Christmas Social —”Christmas In Little Italy.” It was indeed a

superb night of laughter, food and exchanging of gifts. By the

way Soror Bradley’s bread pudding is a must have!

P.O. Box 23664

Savannah, GA 31403

Email: savannahalumnaesgrho@yahoo.com

“Where strength, leadership

and hospitality meet”