Nine Tri-State University students received pins in April as members of Alpha Sigma Tau, a national sorority with a new chapter on campus. Junior Nicole Dixon is president.

Bringing the national organization to TSU represented months of work for Dixon. “I worked with Dean of Student Life Randy White since last summer to get a national here,” she said. Immediate tasks will be collaborating with other Greek organizations and representing the sorority in the Sorority Panhellenic Council at TSU.

Her chapter will support Habitat for Humanity nationally, Pine Mountain Settlement School in Eastern Kentucky, and a local organization such as Community Anti-Violence Association (CAVA) or the Steuben County Literacy Coalition locally. Each year, the national membership provides over $1 million in donations and volunteers nearly 60,000 service hours.

Alpha Sigma Tau, founded in 1899, supports 76 collegiate chapters and colonies at a variety of schools across the country. It is supported by a national council and staff made up of hundreds of alumnae, and provides members with over 30 annual scholarship opportunities through the Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation. With an average chapter cumulative GPA of over 3.0, it focuses on scholarship, honoring members through its National Academic Honor Society—The Order of the Open Book.

Dixon appreciates the national support. “The ladies from Eastern Michigan University came to pin us, so we knew right off the bat that they backed us. We felt welcomed and proud,” she said. TSU women who are at least second-semester freshmen with a 2.3 grade point average are eligible for membership.

White welcomes the chapter and its benefits for women. “The national sorority provides the opportunity for leadership and networking with women throughout the world. It has a great influence on the lives of the women who join,” he said.