Respect – The highest level of esteem for the worth of oneself, Sisters, Ritual, and community.Graciousness – Embody kindness, generosity of spirit, charm, tact, courtesy, and authenticity in all.This crest is to be worn by initiated members only.Īlpha Sigma Tau emphasizes five core values that all members should uphold and abide by. A candle with glowing rays is above the shield, and a banner with 'Alpha Sigma Tau' written in Greek (ΑλΦα ΣΙλμα Ταυ) is below. The crest of the Sorority, which was designed by Ruth Magers Glosser in 1922, is made of symbols important to the organization and members: an open book, a crown, six stars, and an anchor (counterclockwise starting from top right). Members with different roles may order badges with different jewels on the badge's four points: volunteers have rubies, advisors have rubies or amethysts, yellow topaz identifies NPC delegates, and emerald identifies National Council members and National Officers, while the badge used by all past and current National Presidents has a double border of gold inlaid with diamonds. The badge is a black, kite-like polygon with a golden ΑΣΤ inscribed on the enamel, bordered by gold, inlaid with small pearls. Alpha Sigma Tau is nicknamed 'Alpha Tau'. Its flower is the yellow rose, its jewel is the pearl, and its symbol is the anchor. McCrory served as NPC Chair from 1983 to 1985.Īlpha Sigma Tau's colors are emerald green and gold. Cynthia Peckhart McCrory is the only Alpha Sigma Tau member to have served as Chair of the National Panhellenic Conference.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). In 1926, Alpha Sigma Tau became an initiated member 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 five active chapters was fulfilled the Sigma chapter at Buffalo State College was installed. In order to be recognized as a national organization by the Association of Education Sororities (AES), a national organization for sororities at teachers colleges Alpha Sigma Tau had to meet certain requirements: Now at more than one institution, Alpha Sigma Tau leaders desired to grow the sorority and become recognized as a national group. The Beta chapter was founded in 1905 at Central Michigan University (formerly Central Michigan Normal College) in Mt. 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. During the first year of its existence, the sorority did not display marked activity. There were three other sororities at Michigan State Normal College at the time: Pi Kappa Sigma (merged into Sigma Kappa), Sigma Nu Phi (local), and Zeta Phi (local, inactive).Įffie E.

Alpha Sigma Tau was initially founded as an educational sorority. The name 'Alpha Sigma Tau' was chosen, and emerald green and gold were chosen for the colors.

On November 4, 1899, eight women founded Alpha Sigma Tau's first chapter at Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University). A member of the National Panhellenic Conference, the sorority has 78 active collegiate chapters at colleges and universities around the U.S. Michigan State Normal College, ( Ypsilanti, Michigan)Īlpha Sigma Tau (known as ΑΣΤ or Alpha Tau) is a national sorority founded on November 4, 1899, at Eastern Michigan University (formerly Michigan State Normal College).

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