Symbols

Aims

“The aim of this sorority shall…have for its four-fold objective the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development of its members.”

Mission

“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, spiritual and social development. Alpha Sigma Alpha provides structure and guidance through:

• Sisterhood, which is a strong bond of unconditional friendship based on common values and
• Heritage, which is expressed through creed, ritual and history,
• Opportunities for leadership and involvement in chapter, campus and community.”

Core Values

• Relationships
• Integrity
• Balance
• Learning
• Generosity
• Growth
• Responsibility
• Enjoyment

Insignia

The insignia of Alpha Sigma Alpha are the star, crown, palm tree and phoenix. The star represents the aspirations of Alpha Sigma Alphas to live up to the ideals of the Sorority. The crown represents leadership attained and the name of recognition given to our alumnae. The palm tree represents an emblem of sturdy development. The phoenix, the central symbol in our coat-of-arms, openly represents the reorganization of the Sorority that occurred in 1914.

Colors

The primary colors of Alpha Sigma Alpha are crimson and pearl white, supplemented by the secondary colors palm green and gold.

Crimson, indicating loyalty, is a primary color of Alpha Sigma Alpha. It is represented through our exemplar St. Valentine and our jewel the ruby.

Pearl White, representing fellowship and a perfect blending of all colors, is also a primary color of Alpha Sigma Alpha. It is represented through our exemplar Christ and our second jewel, the pearl.

Palm Green, a supplementary color, signifying hope, immortality, and victory, is represented through our exemplar Hermes and symbol, the palm.

Gold, a supplementary color, signifying wisdom, wealth, and social achievement, is represented through our exemplar King Asa and our symbol, the crown.

Jewels

The pearl represents the beauty that comes with growth and belongs distinctly to the new member.
The ruby, its color claimed for an indistinguishable flame in ancient Hindu legend, belongs distinctly to the initiated member.

Motto

Alpha Sigma Alpha has four mottoes. All have their initials the letters Alpha Sigma Alpha. The open motto is (Greek letters first) “Aspire, Seek, Attain.”

Flowers

The fall flower is the aster and the spring flower is the narcissus.

Celebrations

Founders’ Day is celebrated November 15 of every year and all members of Alpha Sigma Alpha are asked to wear green and gold ribbons underneath their membership badges to represent our enduring sisterhood since 1901 and the social aspect of the sorority.

The Christmas celebration centers around “Christ as an exemplar” and Alpha Sigma Alpha’s service to others. Members are asked to wear crimson and green ribbons underneath their badges to represent loyalty and immortality.

St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated February 14 and members are asked to wear crimson and gold ribbons underneath their membership badges to represent loyalty and the social aspect of the occasion.

Hermes’ Day, May 25, marks the beginning and end of the Alpha Sigma Alpha year. Members are asked to wear green and pearl white ribbons underneath their membership badges on this day, representing victory and fellowship.