As Alpha Sigma Alpha Founders Day takes center stage, we embark on a captivating journey into the annals of this esteemed sorority. This day holds immense significance, commemorating the remarkable women who laid the foundation for an organization that has empowered generations of students.
Alpha Sigma Alpha’s story is a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of its founders. In an era marked by societal constraints, these women dared to dream of a future where women’s voices could soar and their aspirations could be realized.
Founders of Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Sigma Alpha was founded on November 15, 1901, at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Virginia. The seven founding members were:
- Julia Fletcher Coleman
- Louise Burks Hening
- Louise Holtzman Lee
- Mary Sinclair Oliver
- Callie Robertson Perrow
- Nan Tucker Worsham
- Mary Watkins White
The founders were all students at Virginia Tech and shared a common goal of creating a sorority that would promote scholarship, leadership, and service. They were also inspired by the ideals of the Progressive Era, which emphasized social reform and the advancement of women.
Julia Fletcher Coleman
Julia Fletcher Coleman was the first president of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1902 with a degree in home economics. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and a home economics extension agent.
She was also active in the women’s suffrage movement.
Louise Burks Hening
Louise Burks Hening was the second president of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was a native of Blacksburg, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1903 with a degree in English. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and a librarian.
She was also active in the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Louise Holtzman Lee
Louise Holtzman Lee was the third president of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was a native of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1904 with a degree in history. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and a historian.
She was also active in the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Mary Sinclair Oliver
Mary Sinclair Oliver was the fourth president of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was a native of Roanoke, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1905 with a degree in mathematics. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and a mathematician.
She was also active in the American Association of University Women.
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Let’s celebrate Alpha Sigma Alpha Founders Day!
Callie Robertson Perrow
Callie Robertson Perrow was the fifth president of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1906 with a degree in English. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and a writer.
She was also active in the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Nan Tucker Worsham, Alpha sigma alpha founders day
Nan Tucker Worsham was the sixth president of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was a native of Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1907 with a degree in history. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and a historian.
She was also active in the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mary Watkins White
Mary Watkins White was the seventh president of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was a native of Blacksburg, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1908 with a degree in home economics. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and a home economics extension agent.
She was also active in the women’s suffrage movement.
Historical Context of the Founding
Alpha Sigma Alpha was founded in 1901 at Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia. The early 20th century was a time of significant social and cultural change in the United States. The country was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, and women were beginning to gain more educational and professional opportunities.
Role of Women in Higher Education and Society
In the early 1900s, women were still largely excluded from higher education. Only a small number of women attended college, and those who did were often limited to studying “feminine” subjects such as home economics and nursing. Alpha Sigma Alpha was founded by a group of women who were determined to break down these barriers and provide women with the opportunity to pursue a higher education.
Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Mission and Values
Alpha Sigma Alpha’s mission is to inspire women to lead, serve, and succeed through the power of lifelong sisterhood.
The sorority’s core values are:
- Leadership:Alpha Sigma Alpha women are encouraged to develop their leadership skills and take on leadership roles within the sorority and the community.
- Service:Alpha Sigma Alpha women are committed to serving their communities through volunteerism and philanthropy.
- Scholarship:Alpha Sigma Alpha women are dedicated to academic excellence and strive to achieve their full potential as students.
- Sisterhood:Alpha Sigma Alpha women believe that sisterhood is a lifelong bond that provides support, encouragement, and friendship.
How These Values Are Reflected in the Sorority’s Activities
Alpha Sigma Alpha’s values are reflected in all aspects of the sorority’s activities. For example, the sorority’s leadership development program provides members with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and take on leadership roles within the sorority and the community.
The sorority’s service projects allow members to give back to their communities and make a difference in the lives of others. The sorority’s scholarship program provides members with support and resources to achieve their academic goals. And the sorority’s sisterhood events provide members with opportunities to connect with each other and build lifelong bonds.
Founders Day Celebrations
Founders Day is a significant event for Alpha Sigma Alpha, a day to commemorate the founding of the sorority and celebrate the legacy of its founders. Various chapters organize traditional activities to honor this special occasion.These activities hold immense importance in fostering a sense of community and tradition within the sorority.
They provide opportunities for members to connect with their history, embrace their shared values, and strengthen their bonds.
Chapter Celebrations
Each chapter celebrates Founders Day in unique ways, reflecting their individual traditions and the local culture. Some common activities include:
- Formal Dinners:Chapters often host formal dinners where members gather to share a meal and reminisce about the sorority’s history.
- Founder’s Day Speeches:Members deliver speeches to commemorate the founders and their contributions to Alpha Sigma Alpha.
- Historical Exhibits:Chapters may set up displays showcasing the sorority’s artifacts, memorabilia, and historical documents.
- Service Projects:Some chapters organize service projects in honor of the founders, giving back to the community and embodying the sorority’s values.
- Ritual Ceremonies:Chapters may conduct special rituals or ceremonies to commemorate Founders Day, strengthening their connection to the sorority’s heritage.
Legacy and Impact of the Founders: Alpha Sigma Alpha Founders Day
The founders of Alpha Sigma Alpha have left an indelible mark on the sorority and its members. Their vision and ideals continue to shape the organization today, inspiring generations of women to strive for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.
The founders’ commitment to scholarship is evident in the sorority’s academic achievements. Alpha Sigma Alpha consistently ranks among the top sororities in the nation for GPA. The founders also believed in the importance of leadership, and they established a strong tradition of service to the community.
Anecdotes and Stories
- One of the most famous stories about the founders is the story of how they chose the sorority’s colors, cardinal and old gold. The founders were inspired by the colors of the sunset, which they saw as a symbol of hope and new beginnings.
- Another story tells of how the founders helped to raise money for the construction of the sorority’s first house. They sold candy and baked goods, and they even organized a carnival.
Contemporary Relevance of Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Sigma Alpha remains a relevant and dynamic organization in the 21st century, embracing the evolving needs of modern students and society. Its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community service ensures that it continues to make a meaningful impact.
The sorority has actively worked to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity. It promotes diversity and encourages its members to engage in dialogue and understanding to create a more equitable and just society.
Commitment to Community Service
Alpha Sigma Alpha is deeply committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Its members participate in numerous volunteer activities, such as tutoring, mentoring, and supporting local organizations. Through these initiatives, they strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Adapting to Modern Students’ Needs
Recognizing the changing landscape of higher education, Alpha Sigma Alpha has adapted its programs and initiatives to meet the evolving needs of its members. It offers a variety of leadership development opportunities, career networking events, and academic support services to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Top FAQs
What is the significance of Alpha Sigma Alpha Founders Day?
Founders Day commemorates the founding of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and celebrates the legacy of the visionary women who established its mission and values.
How do different chapters celebrate Founders Day?
Chapters across the country hold a variety of activities to honor Founders Day, including banquets, guest speakers, and community service projects.
What are the core values of Alpha Sigma Alpha?
Alpha Sigma Alpha’s core values include sisterhood, scholarship, service, and leadership.
