RU chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau recognized at national convention

The Alpha Lambda chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau at Radford University has added another honor to its growing list of achievements.

The sorority earned the Founders Award at the Alpha Sigma Tau National Convention, held June 26-29 in Atlanta.

The recognition comes amidst the chapter's continued celebration of earning the university's first-ever President's Cup this spring.

The Founders Award is presented to the chapter that is outstanding in all facets of sorority, college and community life.  It is one of the most prestigious awards the sorority extends to a collegiate chapter.

Chapter President Kortni Lindsay praised the members' dedication and hard work that "not only made us grow as women, but as a chapter," she said.

"We worked as a team to come together and achieve our goals," Lindsay continued. "We were able to come together as a chapter and achieve awards, but mainly, we achieved a new level of cohesion as a sisterhood."

During the 2013-14 school year, Alpha Lambda collaborated with local and national organizations, such as the Radford Elf Shelf, Radford Rehab, Project Linus, Autism Speaks and St. Jude. On campus, they assisted with the university's move-in-day efforts and hazing prevention initiatives.

Chapter members clocked 3,640 hours of community service and raised more than $5,900.

"Our chapter continues every year to volunteer for more organizations that not only mean a lot to our members, but to members in the Greek Community," Lindsay said. "We cannot wait to see the opportunities this organization meets in the future.

Alpha-Sigma-Tau-award

Kortni Lindsay, Alpha Lambda chapter president, accepts the Founders Award on behalf of the chapter from past National Vice President, Alli Miller.

Other convention highlights include:

Michele Messner, a member of the RU chapter's advisory board, received the Carrie W. Staehle Award. The award is named after Carrie Washburne Staehle, who served as the sorority's third national president. The honor is presented to the chapter advisor(s), chosen from the alumnae, for exceptional service to collegiate chapters and to the sorority.

Although Messner was not present at the convention to accept the award, she turned to social media soon afterward to thank the chapter and others who have supported her.

"I know there are many, many other great advisors around the country who deserve awards and accolades, too, and I hope they all know how much they are appreciated," Messner wrote on Facebook. "I am lucky to not only have a wonderful group of collegians in my chapter but also to be part of a simply fantastic Chapter Advisory Board."

A gift to the Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation was also announced in honor of outgoing national president and RU alumna, Christina Covington '90. Covington served as national president for six years (2008-2014).

"Serving as the national president was an amazing experience to lead an incredible organization of women. Working together, the leadership better positioned the sorority to provide exceptional opportunities for our collegiate and alumnae members," Covington said.

The Greek Community will celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Greek system at RU throughout 2014.

Aug 5, 2014