SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 353 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, on the occasion of its 76th Regional Conference, which is being held March 17, 2017; and WHEREAS, The Southwestern Region was organized in 1940 under the leadership of Mary Scales Greenwood, who served as regional director for eight years and successfully organized multiple chapters in the region; and WHEREAS, During its early days, the Southwestern Region drew on the strength and experience of the local Alpha Lambda and Gamma Sigma Chapters of the sorority, which had been founded in 1928 and had already been promoting the sorority's values of greater womanhood, scholarship, community service, and leadership; and WHEREAS, Through the years, the Southwestern Region has played an important role in the national sorority's growth, including the creation of its poodle mascot designed by past regional director Quindonnell Robertson; it participates in such activities as the Mwanamugimu Essay Contest and the Program for Africa, and its community service program Project Reassurance has provided health education, support, and nurturing for countless expectant teen mothers and special needs families; and WHEREAS, Today, the Southwestern Region serves communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, and it is truly deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend the Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, on its commitment to service and extend to its members best wishes for a rewarding 76th Regional Conference; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for this outstanding organization as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Watson ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 6, 2017. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate