Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority Prepared to Grow at Bowie State

Multicultural Sorority Formed by Latina Women Seeks New Members

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – It was just an idea two students had in 2019. But today Bowie State University now has a chapter of the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority on campus for women to join with a focus on preparing members to live in a multicultural, pluralistic society where peoples’ values are respected.

Sigma Lambda Gamma is national sorority with over 10,000 members. The Bowie State chapter is left with two active members after three students graduated in May, and that is about to change according to Jennifer Reyes, a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in entrepreneurship.

“I love it here at Bowie State,” said Reyes. “When I came to the university I was welcomed with open arms and bonded with the folks on campus. What excited me about joining Sigma Lambda Gamma is that it enabled me to immediately connect with other young women who understand my background and share the same cultural nuances. It became easier for me to connect with other students and be more social on campus.”

The sorority was founded in 1990 at the University of Iowa by five Latina students who wanted an organization that empowered Latina women. According to Sigma Lambda Gamma’s National Constitution, the organization believes that a multicultural experience during college enhances each members’ ability to function in a pluralistic society.

The criteria for membership into the sorority is that a woman must have exceptional morals and ethics with a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence while pursuing a degree. An interest meeting is being planned in the next several weeks.

The women who wanted to form a Sigma Lambda Gamma chapter at Bowie State had to adhere to a detailed application process that included providing bios of potential members, goals and objectives, and a chapter constitution. They were also required to perform social activities and community service before a charter was granted authorizing the new chapter.

“Although the Sigma Lambda Gamma was formed by Latina women, the sorority is all about inclusiveness,” said Reyes.  “Nationally we have a diverse membership that represents over 100 nationalities. Our goal is for this chapter to be totally representative of the diverse student body that attends Bowie State.”

Sigma Lambda Gamma operates the Young Women’s Leadership Program and an Emotional Intelligence project. The sorority has also partnered with the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association to raise awareness about those organization’s efforts, and with Voto Latino, an initiative to encourage youth of color to vote.

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.