Commemorating 81 years of 'greater service, greater progress'

Caption: COMMEMORATING 81 YEARS OF 'GREATER SERVICE, GREATER PROGRESS': Helen J. Owens (3rd, r), International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., is joined by (l-r), Tonia Dew (Delta Sigma), Barbara Ellerson (Epsilon Nu Sigma), W. Jeanine Daugberty (Theta Chi Sigma), Sandra Kelly (Eta Xi Sigma) and Alma Harrell (Zeta Omicron Sigma), the hosting basilei of the sorority's Founders' Day celebration, at the Hvatt Regency Chicago, Crystal Ballroom, in Chicago. The gala marked the first time that five Illinois chapters of the organization convened in Chicago for a joint Founders' Day. Below, Grand Basileus Owens addresses the audience at the momentous affair. She is also the chairman of the Council of Presidents for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). The NPHC Council of Presidents consists of the nine national presidents of the nine affiliate organizations of NPHC. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., organized on November 12, 1922, became the first African-American organization on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis. As a leading national service organization, the sorority's aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community.