By Dukes H.R. No. 295 77R5595 MDM-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is indeed proud 1-2 to welcome Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., to the State Capitol on 1-3 March 1, 2001, during National Women's History Month, to pay 1-4 tribute to this worthy organization for its contributions to the 1-5 youth of our state; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Founded on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, 1-7 Indiana, by Mary Lou Allison Gardner and six other educators, Sigma 1-8 Gamma Rho Sorority has expanded through the years to include 1-9 chapters throughout the United States and in Liberia, Bermuda, and 1-10 the Virgin Islands; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Local affiliates include Austin's alumnae chapter, 1-12 Alpha Kappa Sigma, undergraduate chapters Alpha Omega at 1-13 Huston-Tillotson College and Mu Upsilon at The University of Texas 1-14 at Austin, and the Alpha Kappa Sigma Philo Affiliates; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Its slogan, "Greater Service--Greater Progress," 1-16 reflects the international group's focus, and its programs and 1-17 activities are designed to promote the social, moral, and 1-18 intellectual growth of individual members; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Participating youth are encouraged to work toward 1-20 scholastic success, leadership development, personal talent 1-21 enhancement, and goal-setting; to that end, the organization offers 1-22 vocational guidance, youth and citizens forums, community action 1-23 programs, the study of African American life and culture, 1-24 scholarships, awards, and a community service project, among other 2-1 opportunities; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Members of Sigma Gamma Rho promote the betterment of 2-3 Texas in myriad ways; the group has made notable contributions to 2-4 the Lone Star State, and it is appropriate that its members be 2-5 honored at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby commend the members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, 2-8 Inc., on the occasion of their visit to the State Capitol and 2-9 extend to them sincere best wishes for the future.