History of Alpha Sigma Alpha

Alpha Sigma Alpha was founded at Longwood College, in Farmville, Virginia.  It was founded on November 15, 1901.  The five women that founded Alpha Sigma Alpha were Virginia Lee Boyd (Noell), Juliette Jefferson Hundley (Gilliam), Calva Hamlet Watson (Wootton), Louise Burks Cox (Carper), and Mary Williamson Hundley. 

During the early years of the sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha installed 13 chapters, but by 1913 the Alpha Chapter was the only active chapter.  In May 1913,  Alpha Sigma Alpha installed Pi Alpha Tau as a new chapter.  Alpha Sigma Alpha decided to limit its chapters to teachers' colleges and colleges of education within the universities.  In October of 1914,  two more local groups were interested in Alpha Sigma Alpha, and a convention was arranged.

A convention was held over Thanksgiving weekend in 1914.  Delegates from the Alpha Chapter, Alpha Alpha Chapter, Alpha Beta Chapter, and the Alpha Gamma Chapter were present.  In only two days, they adopted a constitution, formulated a more elaborate ritual, made some changes in symbols and customs and arranged for a weekly publication.