The Alpha Sigma Tau chapter at Geneseo (pictured above) is a sorority that instills values of respect and gratitude in its members. Aside from the strong friendships created among members, the organization provides the chance to do community work to better others’ lives (Courtesy of Sara Arthur).
Many students turn to Greek life in their college years as a way to meet new people, make lifelong connections and develop themselves both personally and professionally. The same holds true for members of Alpha Sigma Tau, one of Geneseo’s four national sororities and an organization committed to educating and inspiring women to navigate and enrich their lives.
Alpha Sigma Tau’s first chapter was founded in 1899 at a teachers’ college in Michigan. With over 80 chapters across the country, the organization’s official website explains that, just like their founders, sisters “strive to empower women to excel in every way.” The sorority has five core values: graciousness, respect, intellect, connections and excellence. Geneseo’s chapter began in 2013 and has since grown to include 82 members, offering any student the chance to find their home within the organization.
Business administration major junior Sara Arthur was elected to serve as president of the sorority for the 2020 calendar year. Arthur says her experience leading the organization thus far has been amazing, allowing her to help the members of her organization—and Alpha Sigma Tau as a whole—be the best it can be.
Geneseo’s chapter not only focuses on bettering the lives of its members but those in the community around them as well. “Our local philanthropy … is Haven House, an organization which supports victims of family and domestic violence,” Arthur said. Alpha Sigma Tau hosts fundraisers with different campus fraternities every semester to benefit Haven House. Their national philanthropy, that chapters nationwide support, is the Women’s Wellness Initiative, which empowers and encourages women through service and leadership programs.
Communication major sophomore Megan Schlichting chose Alpha Sigma Tau because of how easy the sisters were to talk to during recruitment and the clear bonds each member had with one another. “After completing all the rounds [of Panhellenic recruitment], I realized I wanted to be a part of that as well,” she said. “This sorority is extremely diverse and accepting of all girls. Though very different, we all do share the commonality of being open to many friendships and loving each other for who we are.”
Because Alpha Sigma Tau has so many members, history adolescent education major sophomore Heather Dreyer loves that she always runs into other sisters on campus and can stop and talk with them before class. “Our presence on campus makes Geneseo feel more like home for me,” she said.
Schlichting’s favorite part about being a member of Alpha Sigma Tau are the people she has met and the opportunities it has allowed her. “I have made friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life and they have made my experience at Geneseo so much more than I intended on it being,” she said.