Alpha Sigma Tau

Infobox Fraternity
letters= ΑΣΤ
name= Alpha Sigma Tau
crest=
founded= Birth date and age|1899|11|04
birthplace= Michigan State Normal College, (Ypsilanti, Michigan)
type= Social
emphasis=
scope= National
mission=
vision=
motto= Active, Self-reliant, Trustworthy
maxim=
colors= Emerald Green and Gold
symbol= Anchor
flower= Yellow Rose
jewel= Pearl
publication= "THE ANCHOR"
philanthropy= Pine Mountain Settlement School,
Habitat for Humanity
chapters= 80
members=
lifetime=
free label=
free=
address= 1929 Canyon Road
city= Birmingham
state= Alabama
country= 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.

History

Founding

As told by founding member Harriet Marx Pfeiffer, "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 ..." [http://www.alphasigmatau.org/students/who-we-are/history/]

Founding sisters

*Mable Chase
*Ruth Dutcher
*May Gephart
*Harriet Marx
*Eva O'Keefe
*Adriance Rice
*Helene M. Rice
*Mayene Tracy

National Presidents

The late Lenore Seibel King and Carrie Washburne Staehle have been recognized as Presidents Emerita.

Values

Open motto

The open motto of the Sorority is

Purpose

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.

Creed

" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1nE5K8QqsQ Video] of Delta Phi Chapter sisters reciting the [http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=3 creed] "

As a member of Alpha Sigma Tau,
I believe in the permanence and loveliness of its ideals.
I believe in the values of friendship and fidelity to purpose.
I believe in the fulfillment of self and will strive to contribute my share to the progress of mankind.
I believe in cultivating beauty of spirit and graciousness of living in all my contacts with others.
I believe that faithfulness to these ideals will help me to live joyously and valiantly.

ymbols

Although Alpha Sigma Tau encourages each chapter to choose a local mascot, there are several symbols that represent all sisters.

National symbols

*Colors: emerald green and gold
*Flower: yellow rose
*Jewel: pearl
*Symbol: anchor

orority jewelry

Badge, worn by initiated members
*Gold sorority letters on black bordered with gold. Pearls around the outer edge signify chapter president.
*Variations for national officers:
**National staff members have rubies in the pin points
**National council members have emeralds in the pin points
**Past and present national presidents have diamonds in the pin points

Jewelry that can be attached to Badge
*Charm displaying chapter letters
*Charm symbolizing office held in chapter
*Anchor charm symbolizing alumna status

New Member Pin, worn by new members
*Gold sorority letters intertwined vertically

Mother's Pin, worn by mothers of initiated members
*Gold sorority letters touching diagonally

Education

Association of Education Sororities

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. [cite web| url= http://www.npcwomen.org/about/history.aspx |title = History | publisher = National Panhellenic Conference | accessdate =2008-07-17]

Pine Mountain Settlement School

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.cite web| url =http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=42| title = Pine Mountain Settlement School| publisher =Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-03-18]

Order of the Open Book

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. [cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=66 |title = Order of the Open Book | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-17]

Grade point average

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.cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=46 |title = National Convention | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-17]

Philanthropy and Service

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. [cite web| url =http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=41| title = Local Endeavors| publisher =Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-03-18]

Pine Mountain Settlement School

Quote_box|width=40%|align=right|quote="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."
source=Robin Lambert, Executive Director, Pine Mountain Settlement SchoolAlpha 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. [cite web| date= January 28, 2001 | url =http://www.kyrc.org/webnewspro/98069699861465.shtml| title = Pine Mtn Settlement School Petition| publisher =Kentucky Resources Council| accessdate =2008-05-25] 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.

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." [cite web| url =http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1756&ResourceType=District| title = Pine Mountain Settlement School| publisher =National Historic Landmarks Program (NHL) | accessdate =2008-05-25]

Charitable contributions

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.

Habitat for Humanity

Quote_box|width=40%|align=right|quote="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."
source=Sandra Graham, Director for Special Projects, Habitat for Humanity [cite web| url =http://www.habitat.org/newsroom/2004archive/insitedoc006768.aspx| title = Alpha Sigma Tau chooses Habitat as national service project: Sorority looks to involve its many collegiate, alumnae chapters | publisher =Habitat for Humanity International | accessdate =2008-07-27] 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." [cite web| url =http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=40| title = Habitat for Humanity| publisher =Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-03-18]

Habitat campaigns

In 2005, all Alpha Sigma Tau chapters participated in [http://www.lycoming.edu/orgs/lycourier/archives/2004-05/3-31-05/greekpage.htm 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 [http://www.habitat.org/youthprograms/actspeakbuild Act! Speak! Build! Week.]

Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation, Inc.

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." [cite web| url =http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=112| title = Foundation| publisher =Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-13]

Philanthropic goals

Incorporated in 1982, the foundation provides a variety of resources, including:
* Over 30 scholarships [cite web| url =http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=78| title = Why join ΑΣΤ?| publisher =Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-28] and 1 grant per year
* Opportunity to support a charitable project
* Permanent headquarters for the Sorority
* Place for the storage and display of Alpha Sigma Tau's historical records
* Educational programming at the chapter, Regional Leadership Workshop, and National Convention levels

Publications

"THE ANCHOR" is the Sorority magazine, published twice annually. Its articles pertain to Alpha Sigma Tau, Greek life, and other issues affecting women today.cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=24 |title = Publications | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-17]

"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.

Focusing on alumnae news, "THE CREST" is published at least biannually [cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=98 |title = THE CREST | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-17] and is [http://www.alphasigmatau.org/crest viewable online.]

National Headquarters

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.cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=5 |title = National Headquarters | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-17]

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.

Active chapters and colonies

Alumnae

Notable alumnae

*Colleen Coffey (Delta Eta) - Co-Author of "I Heart Recruitment: The Eight Steps to Limitless Possibility for Sororities"cite web| date= June 27, 2007| url= http://www.phiredup.com/index.php?action=home.news_single&newsid=58 |title = Jessica Gendron Named “Director of Women’s Education” | publisher = Phired Up Productions |last = Orendi | first = Josh | accessdate =2008-08-07] [cite web| url= http://www.campuspeak.com/speakers/coffey |title = Colleen Coffey | publisher = CAMPUSPEAK | accessdate =2008-08-07]
*Gwen Frostic (Alpha) - Nature artist and environmentalist; Inducted into Michigan Women's Hall of Fame [cite web| date= March 1, 1999| url= http://web.archive.org/web/20010506005958/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 | accessdate =2007-09-17]
*Jessica Furrer (Upsilon) - Miss Arkansas USA 2005; Semi-finalist in Miss USA 2005 [cite web| url =http://www.santabanta.com/contestants.asp?picid=1030| title = Jessica Furrer| publisher =SantaBanta.com | accessdate =2007-04-10]
*Jessica Gendron (Beta Pi) - Co-Author of "I Heart Recruitment: The Eight Steps to Limitless Possibility for Sororities"
*Katie Heil - Member of Pittsburgh Passion American football team [cite web| url =http://www.pittsburghpassion.com/players/heil.shtml| title = Feel the Passion: Katie Heil| publisher =Pittsburgh Passion | accessdate =2008-07-30]
*Terri Utley (Upsilon) - Miss Arkansas USA 1982; Winner of Miss USA 1982 [cite web| url =http://www.uca.edu/org/ast/awards.htm| title = Awards and Involvement| publisher =Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau| accessdate =2008-03-18] dubious

Alumnae associations

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.cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=92 |title = Establish an Association | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-17]

Anchor Chapter

Alumnae sisters who live more than fifty miles from an active alumnae association are invited to join the [http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=87 Anchor Chapter] or to form their own association with local alumnae. [cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=87 |title = Anchor Chapter | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-17]

Emerald Chapter

In addition to joining a local association or the Anchor Chapter, alumnae may be invited to join the [http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=89 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 five National Conventions. [cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=89 |title = Emerald Chapter | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-17]

Networking

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. [cite web| date= July 13, 2003| url= http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07E7D6113DF930A25754C0A9659C8B63 |title = How to Move Up? The Sorority Track | publisher = "The New York Times" |last = La Ferla | first = Ruth | accessdate =2008-07-18]

In keeping with this trend, the Sorority launched an online network in 2007. The network, called [http://www.ast-incircle.com inCircle,] aims to connect alumnae and collegiate members both socially and professionally. [cite web| url= http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=100 |title = inCircle (TM) | publisher = Alpha Sigma Tau | accessdate =2008-07-07]

Footnotes

External links

* [http://www.alphasigmatau.org/ Alpha Sigma Tau]
* [http://www.alphasigmatau.org/alphasigmatau/?page_id=112 Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation, Inc.]
* [http://www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com/ Pine Mountain Settlement School]
* [http://www.habitat.org/ Habitat for Humanity]
* [http://www.npcwomen.org/ National Panhellenic Conference]