Dr. Virginia Correa Creager, Iota
By Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon
Nearly 48 years after initiation to the Iota Chapter at Emporia State University in Kansas, Alpha Sigma Tau still plays an important role in the life of Dr. Virginia Correa Creager. Known to her family, friends, AST sisters and coworkers as “Ginny,” this magnificent woman holds AST close to her heart.
Ginny upholds the values and ideals that our AST founders set in 1899 and fondly remembers her days as an undergraduate. In addition to serving on the campus yearbook and newspaper staff, Ginny became active with AST during her sophomore year, the first Mexican-American woman in her chapter to do so. She took on the responsibility as Editor and served on numerous committees, all while exposing her chapter to diversity.
“Our chapter was one of the early established chapters,” said Ginny. “The women were very active and were smart, attractive, and talented. We had many notable members.”
While AST has a long history of wonderful women, the Iota house on the small, 5,000 student campus was one of the most sought after.
“We were achievement-oriented and always the winners of the campus’ Greek activities,” said Ginny with pride.
In addition to friendly competition, Ginny learned many lessons and skills from living in the AST house. The 3-story Iota Chapter house had 60 sisters living there at once. They shared close living and sleeping spaces and helped with chores while tending to their studies and other extracurricular activities. She enjoyed the formality and structure of sorority living.
She clearly remembers the various roles, duties, rituals, and expectations that were presented to them. She, along with the other sisters, were taught about friendship, planning, etiquette, and social skills. The chapter participated in service projects, recruitments, fundraisers, and other on-campus activities.
“The routine and skills helped me when I graduated and with my own family and home,” said Ginny. “We were all working together for a common good and were always among friends.”
“I never would have experienced a full college life and never would have honed the skills needed for my professional and adult life without AST,” said Ginny.
The lessons Ginny learned from AST have been carried with her since graduating with double majors in English and Spanish and a minor in Journalism in 1963. Ginny obtained her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1971 and graduated from the University of Nebraska with her PhD in 1977.
Though most of her early career was as a secondary school teacher and college professor, Ginny has held management positions in Arizona state government as part of the governor’s staff and Rockwell International Corporation (now Boeing) and EE&G Idaho. Prior to retiring in 1997, Ginny obtained her Certified Professional Coach certificate from Coach University.
Just over a decade ago, in 1998, Ginny helped pioneer the Phoenix/Valley of the Sun Alumnae Club, which currently serves 30 active alumnae and collegiate members.
“We have four meetings a year, participate in cultural activities at museums or the theatre, donate our time to Habitat for Humanity, and celebrate our national and local founder’s days,” said Ginny. “We also have fun with picnics, pool parties, and annual holiday party.”
For the women of the Phoenix/Valley of the Sun Club, AST has become a family affair. The women’s husbands and families also participate in AST activities and has greatly impacted their lives. Ginny’s 86 year-old mother, Nellie Correa, maintains the role of AST Mom for the club.
When not involved with the Phoenix/Valley of the Sun Club, Ginny donates her assistance to the Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ and the Gamma Upsilon Chapter at California State University, Los Angeles. Ginny was also the local coordinator for the 1996 National Convention when it was held in Phoenix.
Ginny spends much of her time working with AARP Arizona to ensure people 50 and older receive affordable health care and long term financial security information. Ginny donates her time to help senior citizens in her community by giving seminars on a variety of health topics and stays active with aquatic aerobic classes and the AARP Walking Club.
Ginny and her husband Scott celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in February. Ginny has a son, Robert, and grandchildren Troy and Emily. She also has two grown step-children, both residing in Colorado. Ginny looks forward to spending more time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she and Scott hope to secure a condo on the beach.
“There haven’t been any unhappy moments with AST,” said Ginny. “The AST experiences have been highlights in my life.”
