BES Executive Board

Shanae Joyce-Stringer

Basileus

Amber Hurst

1st Anti-Basileus

Grammateus

Anti-Grammateus

Ketina Willis

Vacant Positions

Tamiochus | Parliamentarian| Scholarship Chair

Trailblazing since 1947

Founded in 1947, the Beta Eta Sigma Chapter proudly serves as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s alumnae chapter for Oregon.

For more than 79 years, our members have worked to strengthen communities through educational initiatives, youth development, health and wellness programming, leadership, and meaningful community partnerships.

Guided by the principles of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service, we are dedicated to empowering others while cultivating lifelong bonds among our members.

We believe that meaningful service begins with authentic relationships, intentional leadership, and a shared commitment to uplifting our communities.

Our history extends beyond the pages of this website. Click here to explore BES historical records.

From the Archives

Our 2026–2027 Chapter Theme

Rooted in Royalty: Blooming with Purpose

This year's theme celebrates both our heritage and our future. Just as strong roots nourish a flourishing garden, our chapter is grounded in the enduring values of Sigma Gamma Rho while intentionally cultivating growth, leadership, wellness, and meaningful sisterhood.

Throughout this sorority year, we are committed to blooming with purpose—serving our communities with excellence, strengthening our connections with one another, and continuing to build a legacy that inspires generations to come.

The Beta Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter

Our Chapter History

The Beta Eta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized to serve communities throughout the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.

Chapter records identify six trailblazers who chartered Beta Eta Sigma on August 1, 1947:

Pollyanna Reed
Marjorie Marshall
Beatrice Leverette
Lou Vice Haywood
Carmen Walker
Maggie Morrison

Our Legacy Through the Years

  • According to a Western Region historical account prepared for Beta Eta Sigma's 75th anniversary, six women began organizing together in Portland in 1945, laying the foundation for what would become Beta Eta Sigma Chapter.

    Explore: Western Region 75th Anniversary History

  • Service, Youth & Scholarship

    Digitized issues of the Portland Challenger show Beta Eta Sigma’s early presence. By May 1952 the chapter held an annual spring children’s fashion show at the Williams Avenue YWCA with 20 young models. The paper noted blue and gold decorations, charter member Pollyanna Reed as commentator, and Mrs. Wilson Walker as Basileus.

    From the Archives: Read the May 16, 1952 Portland Challenger coverage.

  • In 2016, Beta Eta Sigma was officially reactivated, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the organization's history.

    The chapter's reactivation represented more than the restoration of operations—it reflected the determination of dedicated Sorors who believed that Oregon deserved an active Sigma Gamma Rho presence once again.

    Since reactivating, Beta Eta Sigma has rebuilt and strengthened the chapter by growing active membership across Oregon and Southwest Washington, restoring traditions and strong operations, expanding community partnerships, reinvesting in youth programs and scholarships, running Sigma Gamma Rho national programs, raising regional visibility, and developing new leaders for the future.

    The work of reactivation serves as a powerful reminder that while chapters may experience seasons of change, the legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho endures through the women who choose to continue the work.

  • More than six decades after the Portland Challenger documented Beta Eta Sigma raising funds for scholarships, the chapter continued that tradition.

    A 2019 Golden 7 fundraiser benefited Beta Eta Sigma Chapter scholarship recipients, illustrating the lasting connection between the chapter's historical work and its contemporary service.

    Explore: 2019 Golden 7 Scholarship Fundraiser

  • Beta Eta Sigma marked its 75th Charter Anniversary with a brunch cruise on the Portland Spirit. The "party with a purpose" raised funds for scholarships. The chapter also hosted Swim 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho’s water-safety program, and on May 3, 2023 The Skanner announced a free clinic for kids 7–14 at the David Douglas Aquatics Center.

    Explore: Beta Eta Sigma 75th Charter Anniversary / From the Archives: View The Skanner, May 3, 2023.

  • Blooming with Purpose

    Today, Beta Eta Sigma is a vibrant alumnae chapter committed to honoring its past while embracing the future.

    Guided by the 2026–2027 chapter theme,

    Rooted in Royalty: Blooming with Purpose

    our members continue building upon nearly eight decades of history through intentional leadership, authentic sisterhood, scholarship, and impactful service throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

    Every community partnership, scholarship awarded, youth mentored, and life touched is a continuation of the vision first established in 1947 and renewed through the chapter's reactivation in 2016.