Type Social Symbol Anchor | Scope National | |
Founded November 4, 1899; 117 years ago (1899-11-04)
Michigan State Normal College, (Ypsilanti, Michigan) Motto Active, Self-reliant, Trustworthy Colors Emerald Green Gold | ||
Alpha Sigma Tau (ΑΣΤ) is a predominately white national Panhellenic sorority founded on November 4, 1899 at Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University). It is the third-oldest educational sorority, and has more than 90 active chapters and colonies nationwide.
Contents
Founding
In 1899, eight women founded Alpha Sigma Tau Alpha Chapter: Helene M. Rice, her sister Adriance Rice, Mayene Tracy, Eva O’Keefe, May Gephart, Mabel Chase, Ruth Dutcher, and Harriet Marx. There were three other sororities on campus at the time: Pi Kappa Sigma, Sigma Nu Phi and Zeta Phi (now inactive). The name "Alpha Sigma Tau" was chosen, and emerald green and gold were chosen for the colors.
Mrs. Effie E. Polyhamus 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. Effie E Polyhamus Lyman, Miss Abigail Pearce and Miss Ada A. Norton were asked to be patronesses.
Just six years later, in 1905 the Beta Chapter was founded at Central Michigan Normal College, which is now Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. From here over 90 new chapters were created across the country.
National Presidents
The late Lenore Seibel King and Carrie Washburne Staehle have been recognized as Presidents Emerita.
National symbols
Sorority Crest
The crest of the sorority, which was designed by Ruth Mayers Glosser in 1922 is made of symbols important to the organization: an open book, a crown, 6 stars, and an anchor (counterclockwise starting from top right). At the top of the crest there is a candle with glowing rays, and at the bottom there is a banner with Alpha Sigma Tau written in Greek (ΑλΦα ΣΙλμα Ταυ). This crest is to be worn by initiated members only.
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.
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.
Grade point average
At the 2008 National Convention, the Sorority raised the minimum collegiate GPA from 2.3 to 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (at B-C average). All sisters who have joined after the fall 2008 semester are required to meet this national standard.
Philanthropy and Service
The Sorority's official philanthropy is the Women's Wellness Initiative. Additionally, individual collegiate and alumnae chapters coordinate local philanthropic fundraisers and service projects.
Philanthropic goals
Incorporated in 1982, the foundation provides a variety of resources, including:
Publications
THE ANCHOR is the sorority's magazine, published twice annually. Its articles pertain to Alpha Sigma Tau, Greek life, and issues affecting women today.
Alpha Signal 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 and is viewable online.
Additionally, the organization has an electronic newsletter for donors to the Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation.
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.
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 for 16 years. In spring 2010, Alpha Sigma Tau moved its National Headquarters to Indianapolis, Indiana, the home of over 30 other Greek organizations.
Notable alumnae
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.
Anchor Chapter
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.
Emerald Chapter
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.