Heritage & Philanthropy

ASA

Alpha Sigma Alpha is a women’s organization that exists to promote high ideals and standards for its members throughout their lives by emphasizing balance among the four aims of intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development.  Nationally, Alpha Sigma Alpha has 72 collegiate chapters and 73 alumnae chapters. More than 67,000 members are committed to promoting sisterhood, heritage and leadership.

Heritage

In 1949 seven Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae met in the Seville Restaurant in Dayton to organize the Dayton Alumnae Chapter.

The Dayton Alumnae were issued a charter in June, 1949 which was signed by Wilma Wilson Sharp, National President.

The chapter had a definite aim: The reinstatement of Alpha Alpha Chapter at Miami University. In 1950 Alpha Alpha was reinstated, and received the 1914 charter.  The reinstatement was a gala affair and several “Dayton girls” attended.   Dayton Alumnae Chapter established the Outstanding Junior Award which was presented annually to an Alpha Alpha Chapter member.  This award is retired until Alpha Alpha Chapter returns to the Chapter Roll.

The chapter’s first philanthropic project was caring for a needy family at Christmas.  In 1954 the chapter launched a program for special children.  In 1955 at the Biloxi Convention a national program for special children was presented for study.  At the 1958 National Convention at Galen Hall, this program was adopted, which later led to the adoption of Special Olympics as the national philanthropy.

 

Philanthropy

Dayton Alumnae are pleased to announce our philanthropy is AIM for the Handicapped, which is headquartered in Dayton.  We are glad to help this terrific organization assist handicapped children

 

Traditions

Traditions include our annual Alpha Sigma Sweetheart dinner and celebrating Founders’ Day.  In March, 2000, Dayton Alumnae met with the Dayton alumnae chapters of the ‘Farmville Four’ sororities: Kappa Delta, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Zeta Tau Alpha.  This has become an annual event with hostess duties rotating through the four alumnae chapters.

 

Recognition

The Dayton Alumnae Chapter was recognized as a Star Chapter in 1999 and received the Crown Chapter designation every year from 2000 - 2011.  In 1998 the chapter became the second ASA Alumnae chapter to establish a web site.