Alpha Sigma Tau (AΣT) Sorority is a national collegiate sorority founded on November 4, 1899 at Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University). Currently, the Sorority has 76 chapters active nationwide. Alpha Sigma Tau is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference, an umbrella organization for the 26 inter/national women's social fraternities and sororities. While the terms fraternity and sorority may be used to describe any number of social and charitable organizations, including the Lions Club, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, International, and the Shriners, in the United States and Canada fraternities and sororities are most commonly known as social organizations of higher education students - organizations... A college (Latin collegium) can be the name of any group of colleagues; originally it meant a group of people living together under a common set of rules (con-, together + leg-, law). As a consequence members of colleges were originally styled fellow and still are in some places. ... While the term fraternity can be used to describe any number of social organizations, including the Lions Club and the Shriners, fraternities and sororities are most commonly known as social organizations of higher education students in the United States and Canada but there are fraternities in the whole world (for... Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is a comprehensive, co-educational public university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. ... The National Panhellenic Conference is a governing body for 26 womens sororities: Alpha Gamma Delta Alpha Delta Pi Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Sigma Alpha Alpha Epsilon Phi Alpha Sigma Tau Alpha Xi Delta Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Phi Gamma Phi Beta Delta Gamma Delta Zeta Delta Phi Epsilon Delta...

Purpose

The purpose of Alpha Sigma Tau is to promote the ethical, cultural, and social development of its members. The sorority offers membership programming with an emphasis on academic achievement, community service, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities.

The 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.

History

Founders

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

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 Mark 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 ..."

Philanthropy

Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority supports Pine Mountain Settlement School, located in Harlan County, Kentucky as our national philanthropy. At its founding Pine Mountain Settlement School was a leader in rural educational standards, creating what is now known famously known as the Head Start curriculum. 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. Location in the state of Kentucky Formed 1819 Seat Harlan Area  - Total  - Water 1,212 km² (468 mi²) 2 km² (1 mi²) 0. ...

In June 2002, the Sorority added Habitat for Humanity, a national philanthropic service project, to its national resume to expand the Sorority's mission in promoting progress of mankind.

Individual collegiate and alumni chapters are also heavily involved with local charities that reflect the Sorority's values of being "active, self-reliant and trustworthy".

National Foundation

The Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in 1982 to ensure the continuation of financial giving through the sorority. Through the Foundation, the Sorority's members and other donors the annual donations enable the Foundation to establish the resource funds to provide educational materials, program speakers, a National Headquarters and support for alumnae and collegians.

The Foundation provides: eighteen scholarships and one grant per year; the educational programming at the chapter, RLW and Convention levels; the opportunity to support a charitable project; a permanent Headquarters for the Sorority; and a place for the storage and display of Alpha Sigma Tau's historical records.

External links

• Alpha Sigma Tau Web Site
• Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation
• Pine Mountain Settlement School Web Site