Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority Announces Two Chapter Closures, One Chapter Suspension
On February 21, 2023, the Alpha Sigma Tau National Council unanimously voted to close the Omicron Chapter at Concord University and the Delta Beta Chapter at Fairmont State University. They also voted to suspend the Alpha Tau Chapter charter and reorganize at PennWest Edinboro next year.
The votes follow requests from collegiate members to relinquish the charters after each chapter faced ongoing challenges with declining membership, deficient retention, diminished affinity, and insufficient chapter operations.
The Alpha Sigma Tau experience is intended to be one of enrichment, growth, and fulfillment. Unfortunately, this was not the recent reality of these chapters. Despite years of support and attention, the decline in college student enrollment and interest in sorority membership at these institutions—as well as the lasting effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic—were too great to overcome.
The remaining collegiate members are now considered alumnae members and will have the option to participate in an Alumnae Induction Ceremony to conclude their collegiate chapter experience.
Each chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau is a special piece of the Sorority’s history, and the National Council does not take the decision to close a chapter lightly. Alpha Sigma Tau commends the collegians who bravely did what was necessary to ensure the greatest opportunity for the long-term legacy of Alpha Sigma Tau at these institutions.
Alpha Sigma Tau is in communication with Concord and Fairmont State administrators regarding potential options to return to campus at later dates. No decisions have been finalized. The Omicron and the Delta Beta Chapter Scholarships through the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation will remain available to alumnae members of the chapter.
Per National Panhellenic Conference policy, Alpha Sigma Tau can reorganize the Alpha Tau Chapter as early as the fall 2023 semester.
About the Omicron Chapter at Concord University
The Omicron Chapter was founded at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia, on May 31, 1930.
Throughout its 92-year history, Omicron has initiated more than 1100 members. Because of the chapter’s age, Omicron has contributed several influential members who are credited with building the Sorority at a pivotal moment.
Bula McManaway McNeill was one of the chapter’s original founding members and continued her commitment to Alpha Sigma Tau through various local, district, and national positions.
Ferne Shumate Phipps served on the National Council, as an alternate NPC Delegate, and in several other roles throughout her alumnae membership. Her Badge is on display at the Alpha Sigma Tau archives collection.
Alpha Sigma Tau recognized both Bula McNeill and Ferne Phipps as Builders—a distinguished honor presented to only 24 members by the National Organization in 1974.
Edith, Meda Ray, and Betty Gail Elliott were sisters and initiates of the Omicron Chapter. The trio is credited with conducting the first fundraising efforts for the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation at national events. Today, the sisters’ legacy lives on through the Foundation’s beloved Yellow Rose Garden—an initiative where Sisters donate in honor of a Sister and send her a yellow rose sticker to attach to her Convention name badge. The Yellow Rose Garden had record participation at the 2022’s National Convention.
Louise McNeill Pease is one of Omicron’s most notable members outside Alpha Sigma Tau. She was a widely praised poet, historian, and educator. Dr. Pease authored multiple poetry collections, incorporating rural Appalachia and West Virginia history themes. She would eventually become a professor of history and English at West Virginia University, where her archives are held today. In 1979, Dr. Pease was named West Virginia’s Poet Laureate and held the title until she died in 1993.
Omicron was Alpha Sigma Tau’s fifth oldest open chapter.
About the Delta Beta Chapter at Fairmont State University
The Delta Beta Chapter was founded at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia, on December 4, 1993, and has initiated 369 members. The chapter was awarded the Collegiate District Chapter Excellence Award in 1996 and the Membership Improvement Award in 2002 and 2004.
About the Alpha Tau Chapter at PennWest Edinboro
The Alpha Tau Chapter was founded at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (now known as PennWest Edinboro) on March 2, 1969, and has initiated 690 members. The chapter was awarded multiple national awards during its 53-year history, including the Elizabeth Wilson Award for Chapter Management in 1988 and 1992.