Women's Activism NYC

Cubena Mcclure

By: Rene H | Date Added:
Edited

Cubena McClure was born in 1901 and expired in the year 1924. She was from Indianapolis, Indiana. She was one of the seven founders of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority that was established at Butler University. Little is known about founder Cubena McClure. She excelled academically and graduated from Abram C. Shortridge High School during World War I and later the Indiana Normal School. In 1923 she began course work in education at Butler University. During the summer months, she attended Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) in Cleveland Ohio. Undoubtedly, the beautiful young woman loved learning and community agency. McClure remained a constant presence in sorority affairs, and the organizations first initiation took place at her home. McClure helped design Sigma Gamma Rho’s pin, which reflected her artistic flair. McClure loved teaching as well; she taught at Indianapolis School Numbers 24 and 26 for three years. She was one of five instructors selected for a special supervisory project at School Number 24 in the early 1920s. McClure shined in the classroom, and her dedication to her craft paid off. Like Fellow sorority sister Marbury, McClure was awarded the prestigious Gregg Scholarship by the Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners. This award was given to the teacher who was very efficient and showed evidence of becoming a better teacher with additional training. In the 1920s, most teachers were graduates of normal schools, two-year institutions specifically devoted to the training of teachers. Many, however, chose to continue their education at four-year institutions that awarded baccalaureate degrees. Her plan was to attend Columbia University; unfortunately, a debilitating illness prevented her from accepting the award. Soror McClure was a beacon of light and talent that was extinguished too soon, and she died on August 24, 1924, 2 years after the establishment of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. Sources Sigma Gamma Rho - Long Beach http://www.sgrholongbeach.com/our-founders.html

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