What We Do

We are proud to share the 2019-2020 Donor Report to highlight the impact and generosity of Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation and its supporters over the past year.

Click here to view the 2019-2020 Donor Report

Originally posted July 2020

With gratitude for their service, the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation announces the retirement of Rita Bertolino (Phi 1977/Southeastern Louisiana) and Jamie Jones Miller (Psi 1995/James Madison) from the Board of Directors after a dual six years of service.

Jamie and Rita joined the Board of Directors in a time of extraordinary transition for the organization and have played integral roles in guiding the Foundation to where it is today. Through their leadership, the Foundation significantly enhanced overall awareness and support for its mission—the impact of which will be felt by members for years to come.

“It has been an honor to have spent this time working alongside Rita and Jamie, and their leadership and advocacy will continue to make a difference for our Sisterhood,” says Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation President, Kris Haskin (Beta Pi 1987/Eastern Illinois). “On behalf of the Foundation Board of Directors, I recognize and thank Jamie and Rita for their terms of service and look forward to the new relationships we will have with them as they pursue the next chapters in their Alpha Sigma Tau experience.”

Jamie was elected the 15th National President of the Sorority during the 43rd Convention in June. Rita plans to continue in her role as Chapter Advisor for the Phi Chapter at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Following Jamie and Rita’s retirement, the Board of Directors is comprised of Erika McManus Bukva (Delta Rho 2000/Chowan), Christina Duggan Covington (Alpha Lambda 1986/Radford), and Kris Haskin (Beta Pi 1987/Eastern Illinois).

Officer Academy, one of Alpha Sigma Tau’s cornerstone in-person educational events, returned January 31-February 2, 2020.

More than 200 collegiate chapter Executive Committee officers gathered in Indianapolis for a weekend full of developing leadership skills and networking with Sisters.
Throughout the weekend, Sisters participated in EQUIP: Officer Skills Training—a curriculum developed by RISE Partnerships to equip student leaders with the tools they need to advance their chapters and communities.

This invaluable leadership opportunity was offered through a grant from the Foundation, made possible by your generous support. Thank you for empowering the next generation of women to excel in life.

Click here to read a full recap of Officer Academy 2020.

Originally posted January 2020

Sisters and Friends, Happy New Year!

As another year comes and goes, I am overwhelmed by the generosity displayed by you and thousands of others this fall and throughout 2019.

As our collegiate Sisters headed back to their campuses and recruited the next generation of Alpha Sigma Taus, your contributions provided them with resources and education for safe and meaningful membership experiences.

Together in 2019, we also offered $68,000 in academic scholarships—supporting the educational goals of our Sisters and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.

Additionally, in a record-breaking start to our 120th Year of Sisterhood, more than $176,000 was contributed through 2,496 gifts during our annual Founders Day of Giving celebration in November.

120 years after our founding, Alpha Sigma Tau continues to be an organization where members can create deep and lasting friendships and support each other through all of life’s ups and downs. This is only possible because of loyal supporters like you.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our Dear Old Alpha Sigma Tau. Your investment in our Sisterhood is inspiring, and we truly could not do what we do without you.

Thank you again, and I wish you and yours a wonderful new year.

In Gratitude,

Kris Haskin (Beta Pi 1987/Eastern Illinois)
President, Board of Directors
Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation

 

 

Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation hosted twenty-two collegiate and alumnae members in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 2-4, 2019, for the kick-off event to the 2019 Emerging Leaders Cohort.

Donor support made the experience possible, which was funded by a grant to the Sorority from the Foundation.

The weekend-long event kicked off with a reception and tour of the Sorority’s Headquarters building, giving Sisters the opportunity to network and socialize amidst our Sisterhood’s most cherished memorabilia.

On Saturday, participants gathered bright and early to begin the programming, which was centered around Emotional Intelligence (EI/EQ). EQ is made up of personal and social competence skills, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. A certified facilitator from TalentSmart, Inc, a world-renowned company dedicated to the development of emotional intelligence and leadership skills, led the sessions and conversation.

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed time in small groups as well as independently for self-reflection. As the facilitated program neared an end, attendees were randomly matched with an “accountability buddy” to set personal goals and plan check-ins using a list of “66 Strategies to Train My EQ Brain” as a guide.

Beyond the in-person program, participants will take part in virtual meetings together and continue on their journey of personal and professional development.

On Sunday morning, attendees gathered once more to reconnect with their goals and accountability buddies after a good night’s sleep. As Sisters began to depart to head home, contact information and hugs were exchanged with new and old friends.

This type of small-group personal and professional development experience is the first of its kind for Alpha Sigma Tau, and the Foundation was proud to uphold our mission and play a role in supporting the continued growth of members demonstrating leadership in our Sisterhood and their communities.

Opportunities like this would not be possible without the Sisters and friends who generously support the Foundation. Your contributions honor our past and lay the groundwork for our future⁠—thank you!

We are proud to share the 2018-2019 Donor Report to highlight the accomplishments and generosity of Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation and its supporters over the past year.

Click here to view the 2018-2019 Donor Report

During the 2018-2019 Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation scholarship cycle (fall 2018), 45 members of Alpha Sigma Tau were awarded more than $60,000 in academic scholarships to support their undergraduate or graduate educations.

Of those recipients, 14 will be completing their undergraduate degrees this spring 2019. Below, read what’s next for a selection of these inspiring Sisters. Thanks to generous contributions from members and friends like you, the future is bright for the women of Alpha Sigma Tau!

Ashley Accardo, Psi (James Madison University)
2018-2019 Recipient of the Psi Chapter Scholarship ($1,000)
2017-2018 Recipient of the one-time Founders Day of Giving Scholarship for Psi Chapter ($1,000)

What is your major/what degree(s) will you earn at the conclusion of this semester?
Communication Studies with a focus in Public Relations and a minor in Art

What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to work for a PR firm in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. Hopefully as a digital or communications specialist using the skills and knowledge from my many PR classes and my previous summer internship in a Marketing role.

How did the scholarship(s) you received from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation impact you?
Receiving this scholarship from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation meant so much to myself and my family. Being the oldest of three girls and the first to attend university, it was hard to expect how the financial burden would impact our family. I saw my parents working tirelessly to provide myself and my three sisters with a debt-free education, however that meant taking on a lot of the financial burden themselves these past few years. I wanted to be able to help my parents put money towards my education, especially with my middle sister going into college this year as well. With working every summer and every break from college I did my best to help my parents provide for my education, but I saw the stress it could cause for us so I chose to apply and seek some assistance through scholarships like the ones I received through the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation.

What would you like to say to individuals who donate to the Foundation to provide scholarships to members like you?
The scholarships I received from the Foundation truly helped my family manage during a stressful time, and I will forever be grateful and thankful for all who donate and support the amazing efforts of the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation. It was an immense honor to even be considered for this scholarship, let alone to be awarded it. I truly see the value in the work that the Foundation does, and I will continue to donate to the Foundation no matter how big or small I can afford because I realize and have seen directly how these donations can impact a person’s life and situation. Thank you again, to all who donate and continue to support the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation and collegiate Sisters and families like mine!

Kacie Cassar, Beta Mu (Salisbury University)
2018-2019 Recipient of the Beta Mu Chapter Scholarship ($500)

What is your major/what degree(s) will you earn at the conclusion of this semester?
History, Psychology, and International Studies!

What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be returning to school to pursue a Masters in Public History

How did the scholarship(s) you received from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation impact you?
The scholarship I received helped to offset my college expenses allowing me to focus on my academics rather than financial concerns.

What would you like to say to individuals who donate to the Foundation to provide scholarships to members like you?
I am so appreciative and grateful to be apart of an organization that provides so many opportunities for women like me as we work to achieve our goals. Without the support of Sisters and their contributions to the Foundation, I may not have been able to participate in everything I would have wanted during my undergraduate career. Thank you!

Sarah Coffey, Gamma Gamma (University of West Alabama)
2018-2019 Recipient of the Gamma Gamma Chapter – Melinda Henry Oates Scholarship ($500)

What is your major/what degree(s) will you earn at the conclusion of this semester?
B.S. in Chemistry with a comprehensive in Forensics and a minor in Anthropology

What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I will be going home for a short internship and shadowing job. In July, I will be going to Poland for a 3 week Field Archaeology course. Once I get back in August, I’ll be working on moving to Hattiesburg, where I will be going to graduate school to achieve my Master’s in Anthropology from Southern Mississippi.

How did the scholarship(s) you received from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation impact you?
The scholarship I received helped me cover extra costs that came up with college courses such as textbooks and other class supplies. This helped me save up money from my on-campus jobs for other things I would need later in the semester.

What would you like to say to individuals who donate to the Foundation to provide scholarships to members like you?
Donations to the Foundation are extremely helpful for Sisters like me! Scholarships of all sizes help tremendously and can make a world of difference. Since I’ll be transitioning to an alumnae member soon, I plan to donate whenever I can to the Foundation to help future members of Alpha Sigma Tau.

Emma Densmore, Delta Tau (Oakland University)
2018-2019 Recipient of the Delta Tau Chapter Scholarship ($1,000)

What is your major/what degree(s) will you earn at the conclusion of this semester?
Major in Elementary Education Language Arts with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education

What are your post-graduation plans?
I’ll be on the hunt for a job in an elementary school setting. I can’t wait to be a teacher and have a classroom I can call my own!

How did the scholarship(s) you received from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation impact you?
The Delta Tau Chapter Scholarship helped me complete my last few classes on time. Without the help, I was at risk of not being able to afford my classes, which would have pushed back my graduation date. I am forever thankful!

What would you like to say to individuals who donate to the Foundation to provide scholarships to members like you?
Thank you so much for supporting me and many other Sisters around the country. You are supporting our education to better ourselves and helping us follow our dreams. Thank you again!

Hannah Foy, Beta (Central Michigan University)
2018-2019 Recipient of the Edith Minerva Elliott Scholarship Scholarship ($1,000)

What is your major/what degree(s) will you earn at the conclusion of this semester?
Elementary Education with a Major in Mathematics and a Minor in Language Arts

What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be graduating in December 2019 after student teaching next fall. I hope to find a full-time teaching position!

How did the scholarship(s) you received from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation impact you?
It was an honor to receive a scholarship through the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation. I felt that my hard work and commitment to my education and the Sorority was paying off, and it helped me build confidence in my abilities as an educator and finish my college career strong. This scholarship helped me pay for my tuition for my final year at Central Michigan University, and I am extremely grateful for it and the individuals that made it possible.

What would you like to say to individuals who donate to the Foundation to provide scholarships to members like you?Thank you for providing women like me the opportunity for college tuition support. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been able to apply for scholarship dollars through the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation, especially because Alpha Sigma Tau is near and dear to my heart. It is very generous of you to contribute to the Foundation, and it is very greatly appreciated.

Hannah Kaltenbaugh, Delta Alpha (Gannon University)
2018-2019 Recipient of the Nayle Family Scholarship ($1,000)

What is your major/what degree(s) will you earn at the conclusion of this semester?
Bachelor of Physician Assistant Science

What are your post-graduation plans?
Following graduation in May, I am getting married in August and starting clinical rotations for the last phase of my program. These rotations take place in a variety of medical settings and help me gain the necessary experience to practice as a Physician Assistant. In July 2020, I will complete my Master of Physician Assistant Science and take my licensure exam.

How did the scholarship(s) you received from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation impact you?
The scholarship I received provided great assistance in funding the many expenses associated with attending an accelerated health-professions program. I am incredibly grateful for the support.

What would you like to say to individuals who donate to the Foundation to provide scholarships to members like you?
I cannot thank those who made my scholarship possible enough for the gift they have provided towards my education, and for the opportunities that they continue to provide for the women of Alpha Sigma Tau.

Allie McCrady, Epsilon Kappa (Trine University)
2018-2019 Recipient of the Thomas J. King Jr. Scholarship ($1,000)

What is your major/what degree(s) will you earn at the conclusion of this semester?
 B.S. in Biomedical Engineering

What are your post-graduation plans?
Earn my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia

How did the scholarship(s) you received from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation impact you?
The Thomas J. King Jr. Scholarship allowed me the financial freedom to attend conferences and pay for applications to graduate school, which will allow me opportunity to achieve my future goals.

What would you like to say to individuals who donate to the Foundation to provide scholarships to members like you?
Thank you to all who donate and support young Alpha Sigma Tau women and their education!

Eryn Somers, Gamma Tau (Lebanon Valley College)
2018-2019 Recipient of the Mary Ellen Willmitch Scholarship ($1,000)

What is your major/what degree(s) will you earn at the conclusion of this semester?
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education

What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to work as an Elementary School Teacher in Pennsylvania or a neighboring state

How did the scholarship(s) you received from the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation impact you?
Receiving the Mary Ellen Willmitch Scholarship allowed me to continue my education at Lebanon Valley College for my senior year. I successfully student taught in the fall semester in a 2nd-grade classroom, as well as a learning support classroom. My student teaching experience is one I will never forget and I proved to myself that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to be the best teacher I can be.

What would you like to say to individuals who donate to the Foundation to provide scholarships to members like you?
I am beyond grateful for your donations and support. Without you, I would not have acquired the quality education and field experiences that I have this year. Thank you!

Originally posted January 2019

Sisters and Friends, Happy New Year!

January offers a chance for fresh starts and resolutions, but it is also an opportunity for reflection. The past year brought tremendous growth to the National Organization, and thanks to you and the nearly 2,000 members and friends who generously contributed their time, talents, and treasure to the Foundation in 2018, even more lives will be touched by educational and leadership development programs and scholarships in the year ahead.

As we begin 2019, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the amazing impact your support is having on Alpha Sigma Tau, and more importantly, on the individual women that make up this extraordinary Sisterhood.

Your generosity is:

• Providing opportunities for women to both build themselves as individuals and develop deeper levels of Sisterhood through Illuminate
• Empowering members to make safe and well-informed decisions through GreekLifeEdu
• Developing the leaders of tomorrow through innovative programming
• Educating your Sisters on consent, sexual assault, bystander intervention, and healthy relationships through Not Anymore
• Supporting your Sisters struggling with the rising costs of higher education through academic scholarships

Additionally, I look forward to using this space to continue sharing news and updates about the Foundation and the impact of your support in the coming months.

Thank you again for your generosity and continued commitment to enhancing the Alpha Sigma Tau Sisterhood through the Foundation.

In Sisterhood and Friendship,

Kris Haskin, Beta Pi
President, Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation