| Alpha Sigma Tau | |
|---|---|
|
ΑΣΤ
|
|
| Founded | November 4, 1899 Michigan State Normal College, (Ypsilanti, Michigan) |
| Type | Social |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | Active, Self-reliant, Trustworthy |
| Colors | Gold |
| Symbol | Anchor |
| Flower | Yellow Rose |
| Jewel | Pearl |
| Publication | THE ANCHOR |
| Philanthropy | Pine Mountain Settlement School, Habitat for Humanity |
| Chapters | 80 |
| Headquarters | Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, USA |
| Homepage | http://www.alphasigmatau.org |
Alpha Sigma Tau (ΑΣΤ) is a national Panhellenic sorority founded on November 4, 1899, at Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University). The Sorority has over 80 chapters and colonies active nationwide.
Contents |
As told by founding member, "There were present at this first meeting, Helene Rice, her sister Adriance, Eva O'Keefe, Harriet Marx, May Gephart, Mayene Tracy, Mable Chase and Ruth Dutcher. There were then in existence on campus three other sororities: Pi Kappa Sigma, Sigma Nu Phi and Zeta Phi (now inactive). The name Alpha Sigma Tau was chosen and purple and gold were chosen for the colors. Thus it was Alpha Sigma Tau, the third oldest educational sorority, was organized. A dozen or more very enthusiastic girls were present at this meeting.
The next meeting was a little party at the home of Mrs. Depew on Forest Avenue where Helene and Adriance Rice, Eva O'Keefe and Harriet Marx roomed. The party was indeed gay and festive with decorations of gold and purple. Even the cake was golden with purple icing. Here it was decided that the next day should witness the introduction of a newly born sorority to the world at large and to the student body in particular. Accordingly the members attended chapel en masse, everyone wearing the chosen colors. Imagine their surprise and chagrin when the members of the Zeta Phi informed them that the Alpha Sigma Tau had appropriated their colors. The group then chose emerald green and gold.
Mrs. E.A. Lyman was chosen patroness. During the first year of its existence the sorority did not display any marked activity. The charter was not received until the second year when Edith Silk, Myrtle Oram, Zoe Waldron, Grace Townley, Marie Gedding, Louise Agrell and Mable Pitts had joined the organization and with the organizers were the charter members. On the suggestion of Mrs. Lyman, Miss Pearce and Miss Norton were asked to be patronesses. The charter members were very, very close friends and have ever remained so ..." [1]
| Years | Name | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 - 1928 | Grace Erb Ritchie | Alpha |
| 1928 - 1934 | Luella Chapman | Sigma |
| 1934 - 1949 | Carrie Washburne Staehle | Alpha |
| 1949 - 1955 | Dorothy Bennett Robinson | Pi |
| 1955 - 1964 | Mary Alice Seller Peterson | Iota |
| 1964 - 1972 | Elizabeth Wilson | Pi |
| 1972 - 1984 | Lenore Seibel King | Psi |
| 1984 - 1986 | Gail Shockley Fowler | Alpha Lambda |
| 1986 - 1992 | Patricia L. Nayle | Phi |
| 1992 - 1996 | Mary Charles Ashby | Chi |
| 1996 - 2002 | Martha Drouyor DeCamp | Alpha |
| 2002 - 2008 | Patricia Klausing Simmons | Delta |
| 2008 - present | Christina Covington | Alpha Lambda |
The late Lenore Seibel King and Carrie Washburne Staehle have been recognized as Presidents Emerita.
The Purpose of the Sorority is to promote
the ethical, cultural, and social development
of its members, specifically:
to develop the character of each member through a study
of ethics so that she will show in all her relationships
sincerity, honesty, love and understanding;
to help each member enjoy the cultural advantages
in life so that she will know how to select those
things which are most worthwhile; and
to develop in each member the social graces to the extent
that she will be able to take her place in life with true dignity and poise.
Although Alpha Sigma Tau encourages each chapter to choose a local mascot, there are several symbols that represent all sisters.
Badge, worn by initiated members
Jewelry that can be attached to Badge
New Member Pin, worn by new members
Mother's Pin, worn by mothers of initiated members
Alpha Sigma Tau was founded as an educational sorority and soon gained membership into the Association of Education Sororities. In 1947, AES merged with the National Panhellenic Conference, and the Sorority became a Panhellenic group.[1]
In part due to the Sorority's educational background, Alpha Sigma Tau adopted Pine Mountain Settlement School as its national philanthropy in 1945. Each collegiate chapter supports the school annually, contributing to the success of environmental and cultural education programs.[2]
Established in 1995, the Order of the Open Book is a national honor society recognizing academic excellence among Alpha Sigma Tau sisters. Members may join as undergraduate or graduate students.[3]
At the 2008 National Convention, the Sorority raised the minimum collegiate GPA from 2.3 to 2.5. All sisters joining after the fall 2008 semester are required to meet this national standard.[4]
Alpha Sigma Tau has a long history of philanthropy and community service. The Sorority's official philanthropy is Pine Mountain Settlement School, and its official service project is Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, individual collegiate and alumnae chapters coordinate local philanthropic fundraisers and service projects.[5]
"The women of Alpha Sigma Tau don't realize just how much they mean to us. ... We truly appreciate everything Alpha Sigma Tau has done for Pine Mountain over the years. Not just the financial support, but the goodwill and generosity of its members make a real difference."
Alpha Sigma Tau adopted Pine Mountain Settlement School as its national philanthropy in 1945.
At its founding, Pine Mountain Settlement School was a leader in rural educational standards, creating a forerunner of what is now famously known as the Head Start curriculum.[6] Today, Pine Mountain Settlement School serves as an environmental education center and provides educational outreach services, such as summer reading camps and after-school tutoring, to the poverty-stricken Appalachian community in located in Harlan County, Kentucky.[2]
On December 4, 1991, Pine Mountain Settlement School became a National Historic Landmark, noted for "[launching] one of the most important efforts to adopt the urban settlement house to a rural community."[7]
The first pledge classes of Alpha Sigma Tau sent much-needed school supplies. Today, the growing sorority is able to contribute much more, including a tractor, a fifteen-passenger van, a walk-in refrigerator, a heavy-duty washer and dryer, a commercial cooking range, furnaces, furnishings, renovations, and thousands of dollars per year.[2]
"We're so proud to be affiliated with such an outstanding group of women ... Their service ethic and commitment to making a difference are so strong, and it adds another voice to Habitat's growing chorus that everyone deserves a simple, decent place to live."
Alpha Sigma Tau adopted Habitat for Humanity as its national service project in June 2004.
Alpha Sigma Tau members contribute to Habitat for Humanity in various ways, including partnering to build houses with and for families in need, thus expanding upon the Sorority's creed "to contribute to the progress of mankind."[9]
In 2005, all Alpha Sigma Tau chapters participated in Hope Through Change, which raised money for Habitat for Humanity International to help rebuild following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. After Hurricane Katrina, Alpha Sigma Tau chapters rallied to Operation Home Delivery. In April 2007, Alpha Sigma Tau chapters across the nation supported Habitat for Humanity's Act! Speak! Build! Week.
According to the foundation's mission statement, "The Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation, Inc. was established to promote the acquisition, development and disbursement of charitable contributions from donors to promote and fulfill the educational and philanthropic programs of the Sorority."[10]
Incorporated in 1982, the foundation provides a variety of resources, including:
THE ANCHOR is the Sorority magazine, published twice annually. Its articles pertain to Alpha Sigma Tau, Greek life, and other issues affecting women today.[12]
Alpha Sig-Nal is a monthly newsletter distributed to National Staff and to chapters, both collegiate and alumnae. This bulletin relays messages from National Council and Staff and discusses upcoming events and other items of importance to the Sorority.[12]
Focusing on alumnae news, THE CREST is published at least biannually[13] and is viewable online.
National Headquarters is the home of the Sorority's archives and publications. Photographs, awards, and other historical documents are on display. Additionally, Headquarters can connect people with collegiate and alumnae chapters, National Council and Staff, and the Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation, Inc.[14]
The original location of the National Headquarters was St. Louis, Missouri. This was adopted in 1949 by National President Dorothy Robinson. National Headquarters was relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1994.[14]
As of Spring 2010, Alpha Sigma Tau moved its National Headquarters to Indianapolis, Indiana, the home of over 30 other Greek organizations.
Alpha Sigma Taus all over the United States participate in alumnae associations. These associations include alumnae chapters, clubs, social teams, support teams, and hope groups.[21]
Alumnae sisters who live more than fifty miles from an active alumnae association are invited to join the Anchor Chapter or to form their own association with local alumnae.[21][22]
In addition to joining a local association or the Anchor Chapter, alumnae may be invited to join the Emerald Chapter. The requirements for becoming a member of the Emerald Chapter include serving a minimum of four years as National Council or Staff or attending a minimum of three National Conventions.[23]
According to The New York Times, an increasing number of women are gaining professional networks through their sorority ties. To explain the growing connection, the newspaper cites a United States Department of Labor statistic of 21.4 million women in management and hiring positions in 2002 as compared with 14.7 million a decade before.[24]
In keeping with this trend, the Sorority launched an online network in 2007. The network, called inCircle, aims to connect alumnae and collegiate members both socially and professionally.[25]