Jump to content

Alpha Sigma Tau: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→History: copy edit
 
(39 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American collegiate sorority}}
{{Advert|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox Fraternity
{{Infobox Fraternity
⚫
| name = Alpha Sigma Tau
| letters = {{lang|grc|ΑΣΤ}}
| letters = {{lang|grc|ΑΣΤ}}
⚫
| crest = Alpha_Sigma_Tau_crest.png
⚫
| name = Alpha Sigma Tau
| image_size = 170px
⚫
| crest = [[File:Alpha_Sigma_Tau_crest.png|200px]]
| founded = {{start date and age|1899|11|04}}
| founded = {{start date and age|1899|11|04}}
| birthplace = [[Eastern Michigan University|Michigan State Normal College]], ([[Ypsilanti, Michigan]])
| birthplace = [[Eastern Michigan University|Michigan State Normal College]], ([[Ypsilanti, Michigan]])
| affiliation = NPC
| affiliation = NPC
| former_affiliation = AES <!--check for PPA as well-->
| status = Active
| type = Social
| type = Social
| emphasis =
| emphasis =
Line 12: Line 15:
| vision =
| vision =
| mission =
| mission =
| motto = ''Active, Self-Reliant, Trustworthy''
| motto = Active, Self-reliant, Trustworthy
| tagline = Defining Excellence
| tagline =
| colors = {{color box|#065f5c}} [[Emerald (color)|Emerald Green]] {{color box|#cfad2b}} [[Gold (color)|Gold]]
| colors = {{color box|#065f5c}} [[Emerald (color)|emerald green]] and {{color box|#cfad2b}} [[Gold (color)|gold]]
| symbol = [[Anchor]]
| symbol = [[Anchor]]
| flower = Yellow [[Rose]]
| flower = Yellow [[Rose]]
| jewel = [[Pearl]]
| jewel = [[Pearl]]
| publication = ''The Anchor''
| publication = ''The Anchor''
| philanthropy = Women's Wellness Initiative
| philanthropy = Women's Wellness Initiative, Girls Who Code
| chapters = 78
| chapters = 77
| members =
| members = 65,000+
| lifetime = 65,000+
| lifetime =
| address = 3334 Founders Road
| address = 3334 Founders Road
| city = [[Indianapolis]]
| city = [[Indianapolis]]
| state = [[Indiana|IN]]
| state = [[Indiana]]
| ZIP code = 46268
| ZIP code = 46268
| country = USA
| country = United States
| homepage = [http://www.alphasigmatau.org Alpha Sigma Tau homepage]
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.alphasigmatau.org}}
| slogan = Defining Excellence
| footnotes = <ref name="vision and symbols">[https://alphasigmatau.org/foundation/ Mission statement, vision statement and other symbolism are noted on the national website], accessed 27 Apr 2021.</ref>
}}
}}
'''Alpha Sigma Tau''' (known as '''{{lang|grc|ΑΣΤ}}''' or '''Alpha Tau''') is a national [[Fraternities and sororities in North America|sorority]] founded on November 4, 1899, at [[Eastern Michigan University]] (formerly Michigan State Normal College). A member of the [[National Panhellenic Conference]], the sorority has 78 active collegiate chapters at colleges and universities around the U.S. and over 65,000+ lifetime members.
'''Alpha Sigma Tau''' (known as '''{{lang|grc|ΑΣΤ}}''' or '''Alpha Tau''') is a national [[Fraternities and sororities in North America|sorority]] founded November 4, 1899, at [[Eastern Michigan University]] (formerly Michigan State Normal College). A member of the [[National Panhellenic Conference]], the sorority has 78 active collegiate chapters at colleges and universities around the U.S. and over 65,000+ lifetime members.


== History ==
== History ==
On November 4, 1899,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities and Sororities|publisher=Associated University Presse|year=2009|isbn=978-0-8386-4194-1|editor-last=LaRon Torbenson|editor-first=Craig|pages=179|editor2-last=Parks|editor2-first=Gregory}}</ref> eight women founded Alpha Sigma Tau's first chapter at Michigan State Normal College (now [[Eastern Michigan University]]).<ref name="Baird's Manual Online">{{cite web|editor1=William Raimond Baird |editor2=Carroll Lurding |title=Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities (Baird's Manual Online Archive), showing Alpha Sigma Tau chapters |url=https://uofi.app.box.com/v/womens-pdf-folder/file/459803154069 |website=Student Life and Culture Archives |publisher=University of Illinois Archives |access-date=30 December 2021 |location=University of Illinois |language=English}} The main archive URL is [https://www.library.illinois.edu/slc/welcome/fraternity-sorority-almanac/ The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage].</ref> Founders were:
On November 4, 1899,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities and Sororities|publisher=Associated University Presse|year=2009|isbn=978-0-8386-4194-1|editor-last=LaRon Torbenson|editor-first=Craig|pages=179|editor2-last=Parks|editor2-first=Gregory}}</ref> eight women founded Alpha Sigma Tau's first chapter at Michigan State Normal College (now [[Eastern Michigan University]]).<ref name="Baird's_20th">{{cite book |editor1-first=Jack L. |editor1-last=Anson |editor2-first=Robert F. |editor2-last=Marchenasi |title=Baird's Manual of American Fraternities |edition=20th |year=1991 |origyear=1879 |publisher=Baird's Manual Foundation, Inc. |location=Indianapolis, IN |isbn=978-0963715906 |page=IV-21, 22}}</ref><ref name="Baird's Manual Online">{{cite web|editor1=William Raimond Baird |editor2=Carroll Lurding |title=Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities (Baird's Manual Online Archive), showing Alpha Sigma Tau chapters |url=https://uofi.app.box.com/v/womens-pdf-folder/file/459803154069 |website=Student Life and Culture Archives |publisher=University of Illinois Archives |access-date=30 December 2021 |location=University of Illinois |language=English}} The main archive URL is [https://www.library.illinois.edu/slc/welcome/fraternity-sorority-almanac/ The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage].</ref> The founders were:
*Helene M. Rice
*Helene M. Rice
*Adriance Rice
*Adriance Rice
Line 45: Line 48:
The name "Alpha Sigma Tau" was chosen, and emerald green and gold were chosen for the colors. Alpha Sigma Tau was initially founded as an educational sorority. There were three other sororities at Michigan State Normal College at the time: [[Pi Kappa Sigma]] (merged into [[Sigma Kappa]]), Sigma Nu Phi (local),<ref>Not to be confused with the professional law fraternity of the same name, [[Sigma Nu Phi]].</ref> and Zeta Phi (local, inactive).
The name "Alpha Sigma Tau" was chosen, and emerald green and gold were chosen for the colors. Alpha Sigma Tau was initially founded as an educational sorority. There were three other sororities at Michigan State Normal College at the time: [[Pi Kappa Sigma]] (merged into [[Sigma Kappa]]), Sigma Nu Phi (local),<ref>Not to be confused with the professional law fraternity of the same name, [[Sigma Nu Phi]].</ref> and Zeta Phi (local, inactive).


Effie E. Polyhamus Lyman was chosen as patroness. During the first year of its existence, the sorority did not display marked activity. The charter was received the following year, as Edith Silk, Myrtle Oram, Zoe Waldron, Grace Townley, Marie Gedding, Louise Agrell, and Mable Pitts had joined the organization and were the charter members. By suggestion of Mrs. Effie E. Polyhamus Lyman, Ms. Abigail Pearce, and Ms. Ada A. Norton was asked to be patronesses.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070307123545/http://www.alphasigmatau.org/students/who-we-are/history/ "Who We Are – History"], AlphaSigmaTau.org.</ref>
Effie E. Polyhamus Lyman was selected as patroness. During the first year of its existence, the sorority did not display marked activity. The charter was received the following year, as Edith Silk, Myrtle Oram, Zoe Waldron, Grace Townley, Marie Gedding, Louise Agrell, and Mable Pitts had joined the organization and were the charter members. By suggestion of Mrs. Effie E. Polyhamus Lyman, Ms. Abigail Pearce, and Ms. Ada A. Norton were asked to be patronesses.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070307123545/http://www.alphasigmatau.org/students/who-we-are/history/ "Who We Are – History"], AlphaSigmaTau.org.</ref>


The Beta chapter was founded in 1905<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://alphasigmatau.org/about/history/|title=History|date=2015-12-02|website=Alpha Sigma Tau|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-06}}</ref> at [[Central Michigan University]] (formerly Central Michigan Normal College) in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.<ref name="Baird's Manual Online" />
The Beta chapter was founded in 1905<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://alphasigmatau.org/about/history/|title=History|date=2015-12-02|website=Alpha Sigma Tau|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-06}}</ref> at [[Central Michigan University]] (formerly Central Michigan Normal College) in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.<ref name="Baird's Manual Online" />


=== Association of Education Sororities ===
Now at more than one institution, Alpha Sigma Tau leaders desired to grow the sorority and become recognized as a national group. To be recognized as a national organization by the [[Association of Education Sororities|Association of Education Sororities (AES)]], a national organization for sororities at teachers' colleges; Alpha Sigma Tau had to meet certain requirements:
In 1925, Alpha Sigma Tau met the three requirements required to be recognized by the [[Association of Education Sororities]] (AES). In order to be recognized, the sorority needed to:


# Hold a national convention
# Hold a national convention
# Have five active chapters
# Have five active chapters
# Publish a magazine
# Publish a magazine


These requirements were met in 1925: Alpha Sigma Tau held its inaugural Convention in [[Detroit]], Michigan; the first issue of the Sorority's magazine, ''The Anchor'', was published; five active chapters were fulfilled the ''Sigma chapter'' at [[Buffalo State College]] was installed. In 1926, Alpha Sigma Tau became an initiated member of the [[Association of Education Sororities]] (AES).
These requirements were met in 1925. Alpha Sigma Tau held its inaugural Convention in [[Detroit]], Michigan; the first issue of the Sorority's magazine, ''The Anchor'', was published; the ''Sigma chapter'' at [[Buffalo State College]] was the fifth chapter.


In 1926, Alpha Sigma Tau became an initiated member of the Association of Education Sororities.

=== National Panhellenic Conference ===
In December 1951, AES merged with the [[National Panhellenic Conference]] (NPC). This merger permitted Alpha Sigma Tau to begin establishing chapters at any accredited school and admit members regardless of major.
In December 1951, AES merged with the [[National Panhellenic Conference]] (NPC). This merger permitted Alpha Sigma Tau to begin establishing chapters at any accredited school and admit members regardless of major.


* Cynthia Peckhart McCrory is the only Alpha Sigma Tau member to have served as Chair of the National Panhellenic Conference. McCrory served as NPC Chair from 1983 to 1985.
Cynthia Peckhart McCrory is the only Alpha Sigma Tau member to have served as chair of the National Panhellenic Conference. McCrory served as NPC chair from 1983 to 1985.


⚫
== Notable members ==
== Collegiate Membership Experience ==

=== Invitation ===
Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority is a private membership organization. For membership selection purposes, only women who meet and maintain the requirements and obligations as set forth by the Sorority shall be eligible for membership invitation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-01-13|title=Membership Eligibility|url=https://alphasigmatau.org/join/membership-eligibility/|access-date=2021-07-29|website=Alpha Sigma Tau|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Legacy ===
During the structured recruitment process, any woman who is related to a member of Alpha Sigma Tau is known as a ''Legacy''. Alpha Sigma Tau defines a Legacy as someone who has a blood or step-relative in the Sorority. Potential new members will indicate this special status during the recruitment process and notify the chapter. In addition to notifying the chapter, it is encouraged to have a written recommendation from the relative.

=== Academics ===
Invitations to new members are extended based partially on academic success. Each potential new member must have a minimum 2.5 GPA before a chapter can consider her for membership. Current members are expected to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, though ΑΣΤ chapters are encouraged to have a higher minimum requirement to maintain the average national GPA. The average national GPA is above 3.0.GPA

Each collegiate chapter has a Director of Academic Success whose primary responsibility is to ensure members are reaching their fullest potential in their coursework. Additionally, members are encouraged to support one another academically. Upperclassmen members offer advice and guidance to freshmen and sophomores, while the built-in social network of sorority life also provides study partners.

Annually, members are eligible to apply for $65,000 in scholarship support. These scholarships are exclusive to members of ΑΣΤ and made possible by donors to the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation.

== Philanthropy ==
The National Philanthropy of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority is the Women's Wellness Initiative.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-06-17|title=Women's Wellness Initiative|url=https://alphasigmatau.org/philanthropy/womens-wellness-initiative/|access-date=2021-07-29|website=Alpha Sigma Tau|language=en-US}}</ref> As a Sisterhood, Alpha Sigma Tau contributes to helping all women become the best versions of themselves. Alpha Sigma Tau believes that women who achieve and maintain wellness are more likely to reach their fullest potential.

=== Women's Wellness Initiative ===
The Women’s Wellness Initiative is grounded in the Six Dimensions of Wellness of the [https://nationalwellness.org/ National Wellness Institute] – a nationally recognized leader in promoting optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities. These dimensions are the result of decades of research, which shows that individuals who achieve and maintain wellness are considerably more likely to lead successful, fulfilling lives. The Six Dimensions of Wellness are:

# Occupational
# Physical
# Spiritual
# Emotional
# Intellectual
# Social

Through the Women's Wellness Initiative, Alpha Sigma Tau has established relationships with National Service Partners who believe in empowering women and girls in the communities throughout the U.S. Currently, Sorority partners include [[Dress For Success (organization)|Dress for Success]] and [[Girls Who Code]].

=== Dress for Success ===
Dress for Success is an international nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life.

=== Girls Who Code ===
Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology. Girls Who Code programs inspire, educate, and equip girls with the computing skills they will need to pursue 21st-century opportunities.

== The National Foundation ==
The Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation was created in 1982 to give members a way to directly support the charitable and educational initiatives of the Sorority. The Foundation is solely funded by donor support and benefits members through grant funding and scholarship support. In February 2021, Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation distributed approximately $65,000 in scholarships to support members' educational pursuits. Additionally, grants from the Foundation to the Sorority support education and initiatives for members<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=28 December 2015|title=Foundation Grants to the Sorority|url=https://alphasigmatau.org/foundation/what-we-do/grants-to-alpha-sigma-tau-sorority/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604054210/http://alphasigmatau.org:80/foundation/what-we-do/grants-to-alpha-sigma-tau-sorority/ |archive-date=2016-06-04 |access-date=2021-02-02|website=alphasigmatau.org}}</ref> on:

* financial literacy
* leadership development
* safe decisions related to alcohol
* prescription drug abuse prevention
* sexual assault and relationship violence

== Chapters ==

=== Collegiate chapters ===
{{Main|List of Alpha Sigma Tau chapters}}

=== Alumnae chapters and associations ===
Alpha Sigma Tau alumnae members can establish or join alumnae clubs known as ''alumnae chapters'' or ''alumnae associations''. As of 2021, Alpha Sigma Tau has 32 established alumnae chapters or associations. The purpose of these groups is to provide women with a network of support. Alumnae chapters and associations host events, foster friendships, and support collegiate members.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-11-30|title=Alumnae|url=https://alphasigmatau.org/alumnae/|access-date=2021-07-29|website=Alpha Sigma Tau|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Publications ==
* '''''The Anchor''''' is the sorority's print magazine, published twice annually. Its articles pertain to Alpha Sigma Tau, fraternity/sorority life, and issues affecting women today.<ref name="publications">{{cite web|title=Publications|url=http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=24|access-date=2008-07-17|publisher=Alpha Sigma Tau}} {{dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The Anchor was first published in 1925.
* '''''Alpha Signal''''' is a weekly electronic newsletter informing collegiate chapter officers and advisors of important Sorority news, programs, and updates.
* '''''The Crest''''' is a monthly e-newsletter featuring Sorority news and events sent to alumnae members.
* '''''Connections''''' is a monthly e-newsletter featuring Sorority news and events sent to collegiate members.
* '''''The Foundation Circle''''' is an e-newsletter delivered monthly to supporters of the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation.<ref name="publications" />

⚫
== Notable Members ==
*[[Mildred Doran]] (Alpha) – aviator<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fraternityhistory.com/whm-mildred-doran-alpha-sigma-tau-aviator/|title=#WHM - Mildred Doran, Alpha Sigma Tau Aviator, #notablesororitywomen|last1=Becque|first1=Fran|last2=Ph.D.|date=2016-03-14|website=Fraternity History & More|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-06}}</ref>
*[[Mildred Doran]] (Alpha) – aviator<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fraternityhistory.com/whm-mildred-doran-alpha-sigma-tau-aviator/|title=#WHM - Mildred Doran, Alpha Sigma Tau Aviator, #notablesororitywomen|last1=Becque|first1=Fran|last2=Ph.D.|date=2016-03-14|website=Fraternity History & More|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-06}}</ref>
*[[Gwen Frostic]] (Alpha) – nature artist and environmentalist; Inducted into [[Michigan Women's Hall of Fame]]<ref>{{cite web| date= March 1, 1999| url= http://www.freep.com/womenhistory99/qgwen1.htm |title = Gwen Frostic: Michigan artist crafts nature into a rich life | publisher = Detroit Free Press |last = James | first = Sheryl | access-date =2007-09-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010506005958/http://www.freep.com/womenhistory99/qgwen1.htm |archive-date = 2001-05-06}}</ref>
*[[Gwen Frostic]] (Alpha) – nature artist and environmentalist; inducted into [[Michigan Women's Hall of Fame]]<ref>{{cite web| date= March 1, 1999| url= http://www.freep.com/womenhistory99/qgwen1.htm |title = Gwen Frostic: Michigan artist crafts nature into a rich life | publisher = Detroit Free Press |last = James | first = Sheryl | access-date =2007-09-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010506005958/http://www.freep.com/womenhistory99/qgwen1.htm |archive-date = 2001-05-06}}</ref>
*Jessica Furrer (Upsilon) – [[Miss Arkansas USA]] 2005; Semi-finalist in [[Miss USA 2005]]<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.in.com/jessica-furrer/biography-138095.html| title =Jessica Furrer| publisher =In.com| access-date =2007-04-10| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042741/http://www.in.com/jessica-furrer/biography-138095.html| archive-date =2015-09-24| url-status =dead}}</ref>
*Jessica Furrer (Upsilon) – [[Miss Arkansas USA]] 2005; Semi-finalist in [[Miss USA 2005]]<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.in.com/jessica-furrer/biography-138095.html| title =Jessica Furrer| publisher =In.com| access-date =2007-04-10| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042741/http://www.in.com/jessica-furrer/biography-138095.html| archive-date =2015-09-24| url-status =dead}}</ref>
*[[Terri Utley]] (Upsilon) – [[Miss Arkansas USA]] 1982; Winner of [[List of Miss USA titleholders|Miss USA 1982]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/alphasigmatau/docs/1982_fall_anchor|title=1982 Fall ANCHOR|last=Alpha Sigma Tau|date=1982|website=Issuu|language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}}</ref>
*[[Terri Utley]] (Upsilon) – [[Miss Arkansas USA]] 1982; winner of [[list of Miss USA titleholders|Miss USA 1982]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/alphasigmatau/docs/1982_fall_anchor|title=1982 Fall Anchor|last=Alpha Sigma Tau|date=1982|website=Issuu|language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}}</ref>
*Lanie Latsios (Beta Epsilon) - The Bachelor: Season 28 contestant
*[[Louise McNeill]] (Omicron) – American poet, essayist, and historian of Appalachia
*Hannah Billingsley Mooney (Upsilon) – Miss Arkansas USA 2013
*Colleen L. Jones-Cervantes (Beta Xi) – CEO of Chevron Lubricants
*[[Hayley Arceneaux]] (Phi) – physician assistant, [[Inspiration 4]] crew member and Chief Medical Officer


== National Headquarters ==
== National headquarters ==
The Headquarters building located in Indianapolis, Indiana, serves as an office for many Alpha Sigma Tau employees (known as Headquarters Staff) and archives for historical publications, photographs, documents, and keepsakes.
The headquarters building, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, serves as an office for many Alpha Sigma Tau employees and archives for historical publications, photographs, documents, and keepsakes.


The original location of the National Headquarters was [[St. Louis, Missouri]], adopted in 1949 by National President Dorothy Robinson. National Headquarters was relocated to [[Birmingham, Alabama]], in 1994 for 16 years.<ref name="headquarters">{{cite web|title=National Headquarters|url=http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=5|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430225231/http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=5|archive-date=2008-04-30|access-date=2008-07-17|publisher=Alpha Sigma Tau}}</ref> In 2009, Alpha Sigma Tau<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-12-02|title=History|url=https://alphasigmatau.org/about/history/|access-date=2019-11-08|website=Alpha Sigma Tau|language=en-US}}</ref> moved its National Headquarters to Indianapolis, Indiana, the home of over 30 other fraternal organization headquarters.
[[St. Louis, Missouri]] was chosen to be the location of the first national headquarters, in 1949 by then national president Dorothy Robinson. National headquarters was relocated to [[Birmingham, Alabama]], in 1994.<ref name="headquarters">{{cite web|title=National Headquarters|url=http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=5|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430225231/http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=5|archive-date=2008-04-30|access-date=2008-07-17|publisher=Alpha Sigma Tau}}</ref> In 2009, Alpha Sigma Tau<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-12-02|title=History|url=https://alphasigmatau.org/about/history/|access-date=2019-11-08|website=Alpha Sigma Tau|language=en-US}}</ref> moved its national headquarters to it current location in Indianapolis, Indiana. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://alphasigmatau.org/about/history/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=alphasigmatau.org |title=Our History and Symbols |date=2 December 2015 }}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

*[[List of social fraternities and sororities]]
* [[List of social sororities and women's fraternities]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 143: Line 88:


{{National Panhellenic Conference}}
{{National Panhellenic Conference}}
{{Association of Education Sororities}}
{{Fraternities and Sororities |collapsed}}
{{Fraternities and Sororities |collapsed}}


[[Category:Alpha Sigma Tau| ]]
[[Category:Alpha Sigma Tau| ]]
[[Category:1899 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:1899 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:Fraternities and sororities based in Indianapolis]]
[[Category:Fraternities and sororities in the United States]]
[[Category:National Panhellenic Conference]]
[[Category:National Panhellenic Conference]]
[[Category:Student organizations established in 1899]]
[[Category:Student organizations established in 1899]]
[[Category:Sororities]]
[[Category:Sororities]]
[[Category:Women's organizations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Association of Education Sororities]]

Latest revision as of 20:46, 25 November 2024

Alpha Sigma Tau
ΑΣΤ
FoundedNovember 4, 1899; 125 years ago (1899-11-04)
Michigan State Normal College, (Ypsilanti, Michigan)
TypeSocial
AffiliationNPC
Former affiliationAES
StatusActive
ScopeNational
MottoActive, Self-reliant, Trustworthy
SloganDefining Excellence
Colors  emerald green and   gold
SymbolAnchor
FlowerYellow Rose
JewelPearl
PublicationThe Anchor
PhilanthropyWomen's Wellness Initiative, Girls Who Code
Chapters77
Members65,000+ active
Headquarters3334 Founders Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268
United States
Websitewww.alphasigmatau.org

Alpha Sigma Tau (known as ΑΣΤ or Alpha Tau) is a national sorority founded November 4, 1899, at Eastern Michigan University (formerly Michigan State Normal College). A member of the National Panhellenic Conference, the sorority has 78 active collegiate chapters at colleges and universities around the U.S. and over 65,000+ lifetime members.

History

[edit]

On November 4, 1899,[1] eight women founded Alpha Sigma Tau's first chapter at Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University).[2][3] The founders were:

  • Helene M. Rice
  • Adriance Rice
  • Mayene Tracy
  • Eva O’Keefe
  • May Gephart
  • Mabel Chase
  • Ruth Dutcher
  • Harriet Marx.[4]

The name "Alpha Sigma Tau" was chosen, and emerald green and gold were chosen for the colors. Alpha Sigma Tau was initially founded as an educational sorority. There were three other sororities at Michigan State Normal College at the time: Pi Kappa Sigma (merged into Sigma Kappa), Sigma Nu Phi (local),[5] and Zeta Phi (local, inactive).

Effie E. Polyhamus Lyman was selected as patroness. During the first year of its existence, the sorority did not display marked activity. The charter was received the following year, as Edith Silk, Myrtle Oram, Zoe Waldron, Grace Townley, Marie Gedding, Louise Agrell, and Mable Pitts had joined the organization and were the charter members. By suggestion of Mrs. Effie E. Polyhamus Lyman, Ms. Abigail Pearce, and Ms. Ada A. Norton were asked to be patronesses.[6]

The Beta chapter was founded in 1905[7] at Central Michigan University (formerly Central Michigan Normal College) in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.[3]

Association of Education Sororities

[edit]

In 1925, Alpha Sigma Tau met the three requirements required to be recognized by the Association of Education Sororities (AES). In order to be recognized, the sorority needed to:

  1. Hold a national convention
  2. Have five active chapters
  3. Publish a magazine

These requirements were met in 1925. Alpha Sigma Tau held its inaugural Convention in Detroit, Michigan; the first issue of the Sorority's magazine, The Anchor, was published; the Sigma chapter at Buffalo State College was the fifth chapter.

In 1926, Alpha Sigma Tau became an initiated member of the Association of Education Sororities.

National Panhellenic Conference

[edit]

In December 1951, AES merged with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). This merger permitted Alpha Sigma Tau to begin establishing chapters at any accredited school and admit members regardless of major.

Cynthia Peckhart McCrory is the only Alpha Sigma Tau member to have served as chair of the National Panhellenic Conference. McCrory served as NPC chair from 1983 to 1985.

Notable members

[edit]

National headquarters

[edit]

The headquarters building, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, serves as an office for many Alpha Sigma Tau employees and archives for historical publications, photographs, documents, and keepsakes.

St. Louis, Missouri was chosen to be the location of the first national headquarters, in 1949 by then national president Dorothy Robinson. National headquarters was relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1994.[12] In 2009, Alpha Sigma Tau[13] moved its national headquarters to it current location in Indianapolis, Indiana. [14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ LaRon Torbenson, Craig; Parks, Gregory, eds. (2009). Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities and Sororities. Associated University Presse. p. 179. ISBN 978-0-8386-4194-1.
  2. ^ Anson, Jack L.; Marchenasi, Robert F., eds. (1991) [1879]. Baird's Manual of American Fraternities (20th ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Baird's Manual Foundation, Inc. p. IV-21, 22. ISBN 978-0963715906.
  3. ^ a b William Raimond Baird; Carroll Lurding (eds.). "Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities (Baird's Manual Online Archive), showing Alpha Sigma Tau chapters". Student Life and Culture Archives. University of Illinois: University of Illinois Archives. Retrieved 30 December 2021. The main archive URL is The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage.
  4. ^ "Alpha Sigma Tau Celebrates 100th Anniversary". Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 105th Congress, Second Session. Vol. 144 Part 9. United States Government Printing Office. 1998-06-23. pp. 13418–13419. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
  5. ^ Not to be confused with the professional law fraternity of the same name, Sigma Nu Phi.
  6. ^ "Who We Are – History", AlphaSigmaTau.org.
  7. ^ "History". Alpha Sigma Tau. 2015-12-02. Retrieved 2019-08-06.
  8. ^ Becque, Fran; Ph.D. (2016-03-14). "#WHM - Mildred Doran, Alpha Sigma Tau Aviator, #notablesororitywomen". Fraternity History & More. Retrieved 2019-08-06.
  9. ^ James, Sheryl (March 1, 1999). "Gwen Frostic: Michigan artist crafts nature into a rich life". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on 2001-05-06. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
  10. ^ "Jessica Furrer". In.com. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  11. ^ Alpha Sigma Tau (1982). "1982 Fall Anchor". Issuu. Retrieved 2019-08-06.
  12. ^ "National Headquarters". Alpha Sigma Tau. Archived from the original on 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  13. ^ "History". Alpha Sigma Tau. 2015-12-02. Retrieved 2019-11-08.
  14. ^ "Our History and Symbols". alphasigmatau.org. 2 December 2015. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Alpha_Sigma_Tau&oldid=1259559408"