Our First Three Advisors

As Alpha Sigma Tau celebrates Advisor Appreciation Month, the dedication and efforts of the Sorority’s first three advisors – Effie P. Lyman, Ada A. Norton, and Abigail Pearce – are remembered with genuine admiration and heartfelt gratitude.

Effie Lyman, the Sorority’s first advisor, not only advised and guided the 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.”

Ada A. Norton, who was an instructor in the mathematics department at what was then Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) until 1930, proceeded with the plans for nationalization Mrs. Lyman began. She directed the first National Convention, was the Sorority’s second representative to the Association of Education Sororities, and in 1927, assisted the 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 the University of Michigan. Ms. Pearce was a member of the Michigan State Normal College faculty, teaching English until 1930. 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 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 and the remarkable women who are members. Alpha Sigma Tau thanks all of those, past and present, who have volunteered their time and talents, and worked tirelessly to guide the Sorority’s collegiate chapters to success.