If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member of a Chapter Advisory Board, please contact Allison Bressler, Associate Director of Chapter Services, at abressler@alphasigmatau.org or visit http://alphasigmatau.org/alumnae/volunteer/.

Jackie Oesmann
Epsilon Theta, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Recruitment Advisor

Rita Bertolino
Phi, Southeastern Louisiana University
Assistant Chapter Advisor

Kaitlin Musloe
Psi, James Madison University
Assistant Chapter Advisor

Gina Stano
Delta Theta, Moravian College
Chapter Advisor

Natalie De La Rosa
Epsilon Iota, New York Institute of Technology
Chapter Advisor

Elizabeth Davis
Alpha Lambda, Radford University
Chapter Consultant

My name is Kimmy, and I am one of the lucky women traveling to Hawaii for Alpha Sigma Tau’s Service Immersion Trip this May!

Back at school, I am the President of the Gamma Rho Chapter at Seton Hall University, where I study International Relations. I’m technically a junior, though I’ll graduate in December.

I’m really looking forward to the Service Immersion trip because it’s a whole new world of experiences for me. I have never gone on a service trip before, and I have also never been farther from home than California. I applied for the trip so I could get to know a few sisters from across the country and experience something totally new–and I know I’m in for an adventure!

I’m excited about the challenges of working as a team with people I have never met before and working with my hands out in the sun. Most of the service I have done in my life has been working with children by teaching and coaching them, or fundraising, so I’m excited to serve in a way that is totally new and challenging to me. I’m also excited to see all the scenery and experience a new place.

I’m looking forward to the experience, because I know it will be refreshing and eye-opening for me. After a long semester, it’s exactly what I need.

And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that I love the sun, the beach, and the smell of the ocean! I can’t say I’m not looking forward to that last day on Wakiki Beach!

- Kimmy

Justina, a member of the Gamma Theta Chapter, has an undergraduate degree in Science from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, in Erie, Pennsylvania. In college and after graduation, she worked in her University’s Development and Alumni Office, where she assisted with alumni and donor relations. Justina then served as an Educational Consultant for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years, where she assisted more than 35 chapters with general chapter operations and brought to fruition the installation of the Epsilon Mu Chapter.

In her role as Member Engagement Coordinator, Justina will assist in advancing the Sorority’s strategic goals related to communications, marketing, member engagement, and brand identity. She will report to Jim Paponetti, Executive Director.

“The Sorority is currently making groundbreaking strides, and it was time to create a position at National Headquarters that would tell the story of Alpha Sigma Tau,” said Jim Paponetti, Executive Director. “Justina’s two years of experience serving Alpha Sigma Tau members and her understanding of the strategic goals set in place for member engagement are a great addition to the full-time Headquarters staff.”

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 Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority was founded November 4, 1899, at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. 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.

Ashley, a member of the Psi Chapter, has an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. After graduating college, Ashley served as an Educational Consultant for Alpha Sigma Tau. During her time as an Educational Consultant, Ashley visited 17 chapters, specifically providing recruitment assistance. In addition to providing in-person recruitment support to chapters, Ashley participated in the Sorority’s recruitment efforts for three of its four colonies in the 2012-2013 academic year.

In her role as Recruitment Specialist, Ashley will serve as a recruitment coach for approximately 15 Alpha Sigma Tau chapters and will aid in the development and execution of specific, measurable membership growth and retention goals. She will report to Gretchen Stahl, Director of Membership Growth.

“Ashley exceeded all expectations during her time as a recruitment-focused Educational Consultant, and I’m excited to see our chapters reach their growth potential with her assistance,” said Gretchen Stahl, Director of Membership Growth. “Her passion for recruitment and her understanding of what resources and support our chapters need will definitely aid in the achievement of organizational goals related to collegiate membership growth and retention. With the addition of the Recruitment Specialist position and Ashley’s time and talent, the Sorority will continue to improve how it serves its members.”

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 Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority was founded November 4, 1899, at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. 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.

My name is Kiersten Bumgardner, and I am a member of the Beta Mu chapter! I am currently a junior at Salisbury University, which is about thirty minutes East of Ocean City, MD. I joined Alpha Sigma Tau the spring semester of my freshman year, and that decision positively changed my life forever.

Growing up I always wanted a sister, since I only had a younger brother, but on bid day, I didn’t just get one; I got about seventy amazing sisters. My sisters here at school are like a second family to me, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I live by the saying “everything happens for a reason” and the women in my chapter could easily tell you how I look at the positives in every situation.

I am always willing to give my opinion or advice to my sisters, and I am excited to gain so much knowledge in this upcoming week that I can share with them. Not only do I hope to become a better person and leader, but I also plan to use what I learn to help my chapter grow as a whole. The chance to meet women from other Alpha Sigma Tau chapters is another reason why I applied to go on this trip. I am curious to hear about what philanthropies they support and learn how my chapter can mirror their efforts to help out our own community. I can’t wait to come back after this trip to Hawaii and tell my chapter all about my adventures because there is never a dull moment wherever I go!

- Kiersten

Today’s spotlight is on Morgan Decoteau, alumna of and advisor for the Sorority’s Beta Nu chapter at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Her nominator writes:

“I would like to nominate our chapter advisor, Morgan Decoteau, who has dedicated her life to our organization and its members. Morgan is honestly like our second mother. Whenever we need guidance or advice about the chapter, school, or even our personal lives, Morgan is always there to lend her kind words and time to us. She is the truest, most genuine person I have ever met and I can honestly say that her heart is filled with loving kindness. I can speak for our entire chapter when we say that there is no way we can ever repay her for all of the things she has done to make our chapter progress to the level it has reached to this day. The reason we are in such a good place right now is because of Morgan and our amazing advisory board who stands right behind her. The support we have gotten and the relationships we have formed with our alumnae are astronomical. We could not thank Morgan enough for all of her hard work, generosity, passion, and commitment to us. We love her with our entire being and that is why we are nominating her. She is such a special person that we would be selfish if we did not share her beautiful personality with the rest of the world. We love you Morgan!”

Thank you to all advisors who are dedicating time, talent, and effort to the betterment of Alpha Sigma Tau! If you would like to shine the spotlight on a deserving advisor, please submit advisor spotlight nominations and an appropriate photo to communications@alphasigmatau.org. If you are interested in enhancing the collegiate experience by becoming a member of a Chapter Advisory Board, please visit this link.

Beta Nu Chapter Advisor Morgan Decoteau

Today’s spotlight is on Ronica Jackson, an alumna of and  Chapter Advisor to Epsilon Beta Chapter at University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, TX. Her nominator has this to say about Ronica:

“The Epsilon Beta Chapter would like to nominate Ronica Jackson.  She is not only a chapter founder, but also despite living 300 miles away from us, she is the most active advisor we have ever had.  She drives down often and keeps in touch by emailing at least 4 times a week and by phone at least once a week.  Since becoming chapter advisor, she has helped us grow and organize ourselves.  Having held many positions during her time as a collegian, her advice is always helpful.  She understands us and works with us well; she has never treated us lower than what we are, sisters.  This chapter loves her very much and we know it would mean the world to her to see how much we appreciate her hard work.”

Thank you to all advisors who are dedicating time, talent, and effort to the betterment of Alpha Sigma Tau! If you would like to shine the spotlight on a deserving advisor, please submit advisor spotlight nominations and an appropriate photo to communications@alphasigmatau.org. If you are interested in enhancing the collegiate experience by becoming a member of a Chapter Advisory Board, please visit this link.

Ronica Jackson, Epsilon Beta Chapter Advisor

Effie Lyman, the Sorority’s first advisor, not only advised and guided Alpha Chapter, but also helped organize additional chapters to help Alpha Sigma Tau become a national sorority.  Mrs. Lyman passed away in the final days of nationalization, but she knew her work had been done well and that others would “carry the torch.”

Patroness Ada A. Norton, who was an instructor in the mathematics department at Michigan State Normal College until 1930, proceeded with the plans for nationalization Mrs. Lyman begun. She directed the first national convention, was the Sorority’s second representative to the Association of Education Sororities, and in 1927, assisted Alpha Chapter in obtaining its first sorority house. During the early years of Alpha Sigma Tau, Ms. Norton was responsible for writing much of the Sorority’s Ritual and assisting in advising Alpha Chapter.

The third faculty member to join Alpha Sigma Tau was Abigail Pearce, who graduated Michigan State Normal College and later received a degree from University of Michigan. Ms. Pearce was a member of the Michigan State Normal College faculty, teaching English until 1930, and in her role with Alpha Sigma Tau, she helped Ms. Norton with the cultural and Ritual aspects of the Sorority.

Since the first three advisors/patronesses of Alpha Sigma Tau, many alumnae and friends of the Sorority have served as advisors to collegiate chapters and have worked hard for the betterment of the Sorority. Alpha Sigma Tau thanks all of those, past and present, who have volunteered time and worked tirelessly to advise the Sorority’s collegiate women.

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority’s first advisors left to right: Ada A. Norton, Effie P. Lyman, Abigail Pearce.

Source: History of Alpha Sigma Tau: November 4, 1899 – November 4, 1974

Today’s advisor spotlight is on Jessica Nolan, Gamma Delta, who is the Chapter Advisor for Gamma Psi chapter at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Her nominator has this to say about Jessica:

“Jessica Nolan, our advisor, is one of the most intelligent, beautiful, and driven individuals we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She always gives us the appropriate advice, even when making difficult decisions, and she always answers our questions, no matter what time of day or night it may be. She may not be able to make it to every one of our weekly meetings (given the fact that she has two children at home), but she is always there in spirit and is just a phone call away for any of our members. She enhances our experiences, our knowledge, and our college days by being a part of our lives; and though she is not originally from our chapter, we feel enriched by her expertise in all things Greek. She brings with her a lifetime of knowledge, and we can count on her to help us through any situation that may arise. Gamma Psi knows that we can be difficult at times, but through it all, she is continuously willing to help and to teach us things we never knew about Alpha Sigma Tau. She deserves all of the appreciation we can give, and we thank her for the services she has provided our chapter as an outstanding advisor.”

Thank you to all advisors who are dedicating time, talent, and effort to the betterment of Alpha Sigma Tau! If you would like to shine the spotlight on a deserving advisor, please submit advisor spotlight nominations and an appropriate photo to communications@alphasigmatau.org. If you are interested in enhancing the collegiate experience by becoming a member of a Chapter Advisory Board, please visit this link.

Jessica Nolan, Gamma Psi Chapter Advisor

Today’s spotlight is on Angela Dunnington, an alumna of and Faculty Advisor to Phi Chapter at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. Her nominator has this to say about Angela:

“For the past year, Ms Angela has served as our on campus Faculty Advisor. She has put her heart and soul into this position for our chapter. As our Faculty Advisor, she attends all of our business meetings, approves all of our events on campus, and even takes the time to attend all of our socials with her husband Todd. Ms Angela works on campus at the Southeastern Library. She always informs us on upcoming events and encourages us to go. Ms Angela is also very involved with our Alumnae Chapter, serving as the Editor. Our chapter is so glad to have her as an advisor! We voted her as our Outstanding Alumna for Fall 2012 for her strong dedication to the Phi Chapter.”

Thank you to all advisors who are dedicating time, talent, and effort to the betterment of Alpha Sigma Tau! If you would like to shine the spotlight on a deserving advisor, please submit advisor spotlight nominations and an appropriate photo to communications@alphasigmatau.org. If you are interested in enhancing the collegiate experience by becoming a member of a Chapter Advisory Board, please visit this link.

Angela Dunnington, Phi Chapter Faculty Advisor