Sorority News

Alpha Sigma Tau Awards the 2010 McCrory Order of Interfraternity Excellence Award

Indianapolis, IN- Alpha Sigma Tau awarded its highest interfraternal award, the McCrory Order of Interfraternity Excellence, to two distinguished Greek leaders at the National Panhellenic Conference reception at its 38th National Convention in June.

Kevin O’Neill, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, is a graduate of Syracuse University and Marshall Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary. He is the youngest member of the Patton Boggs, LLP management team in Washington, D.C. and has led the efforts of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) to encourage the passage of CHIA, the College Housing and Infrastructure Act, on a pro-bono basis. This legislation would ultimately benefit residence life on almost a thousand campuses where Greeks are housed. Kevin is the force behind the annual NIC/NPC Congressional Visits attended by Alpha Sigma Tau and is the founder of the Fraternity/Sorority Political Action Committee. Kevin was named one of Washington D.C.’s Rising Stars due to his lobbying practice as well as his innovative role as the creator and voice of Patton Boggs’ Capital Thinking podcasts on VoiceAmerica’s internet radio network. Kevin delivered the keynote speech at the Sorority’s NPC reception during convention.

Ginny Carroll is a member of Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity and served as the Fraternity’s Executive Director. She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in Industrial Technology and Graphic Communications. Ginny, founder and CEO of InGINuity, Inc., provides Greeks with customized tools and resources needed to build on the strengths of their organization and to move them forward in the fraternity/sorority community. She is a nationally-known expert and brings an inspirational and creative approach to problem solving and strategic planning and implementation. Ginny is a recipient of the Association of Fraternity Advisors’ Jack Anson Award for “one who fosters positive change to advance the fraternal movement by her long-term commitment to the Greek community beyond her own fraternity.” Ginny was recognized for her commitment to helping the Sorority define and implement the membership’s strategic objectives as part of the development of the 2010 Alpha Sigma Tau Strategic Plan. Ginny was a featured speaker at the Sorority’s convention.

The McCrory Order of Interfraternity Excellence was established by past NPC Chairman Cynthia McCrory and her husband Richard to honor individual who has contributed outstanding service to the betterment of the Greek system. Award recipients exemplify the finest tradition of fraternal service, have sustained successful leadership in interfraternity affairs, and are respected spokespersons for the important cause of fraternal ideals. Seven winners have received this honor since first awarded in 1998.

About Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority was founded November 4, 1899 at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The purpose of Alpha Sigma Tau is to promote the ethical, cultural, and social development of its members. The sorority offers membership programming with an emphasis on academic achievement, community service, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities. For more information, visit the Alpha Sigma Tau National Homepage at www.alphasigmatau.org.

Indianapolis, IN – Over 400 Alpha Sigma Tau members and guests gathered to “Sail into Excellence” at the 38th National Convention in June. The membership engaged in considering new governing documents, electing the National Council, learning from national Greek community educators, building 175 baskets for the local Ronald McDonald House, having fun, and sharing in the Ritual Services of the Sorority.

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority adopted new National Bylaws and Standing Rules, bringing the volunteer structure in alignment with the organization’s strategic areas of focus. The new structure moves the board to a governance-spectrum model with a President and five Vice-Presidents, one of which is a collegiate member at the time of election, and volunteer personnel who are strategically focused. The structure will increase the number of volunteers at the chapter advisory level and in strategic work groups while decreasing the number of volunteers who perform operational tasks. This change allows the Sorority to focus on: member development, growth and retention, infrastructure, alumnae engagement, communication and marketing, and maximizing financial resources.

For the final biennium of the current board structure, the Sorority elected the following National Officers as the National Council:

National President – Christina Covington
National Vice President – Shelly Redmond
National Secretary – Tiffany Street
National Treasurer – Tammy Bonifield
Director of Collegiate Chapters – Michele Golob
Director of Alumnae – Jamie Miller
Director of Fraternity Programs – Kristin Walker

The following National Officers were appointed:

NPC Delegate – Elizabeth McOsker
1st Alternate NPC Delegate – Carol Mooney
2nd Alternate NPC Delegate – Jamie Miller
3rd Alternate NPC Delegate – Joanne Walter

James R. Paponetti, Executive Director, became an ex-officio, non-voting member of the National Council.

Alpha Sigma Tau was honored to initiate Connie Street as an alumnae initiate at Convention.

About Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority was founded November 4, 1899 at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The purpose of Alpha Sigma Tau is to promote the ethical, cultural, and social development of its members. The sorority offers membership programming with an emphasis on academic achievement, community service, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities. For more information, visit the Alpha Sigma Tau National Homepage at www.alphasigmatau.org.

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Elaine Martin Kneebone, Alpha Gamma, Named General Counsel at Henderson State University:

Indianapolis, IN – ”Arkadelphia attorney Elaine Kneebone, ‘97, recently filled the role of general counsel at Henderson State University where she will advise and represent the president and trustees on all legal matters affecting the university. Regarding Kneebone’s move to Henderson, where she had previously served in the capacity of interim general counsel, Welch said “Elaine not only has a brilliant legal mind, but she also has a strong connection to our university.”

Kneebone earned her B.A. from Henderson in 1997, graduating magna cum laude. She was honored as Student of the Year and Greek Woman of the Year in 1995-96, and she also delivered the student response for the spring 1997 commencement. While at Henderson, Kneebone was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and Heart and Key.

After graduating from Henderson, Kneebone attended the University of Canterbury School of Law in New Zealand in 1998 as a Rotary Foundation International Ambassadorial Scholar. She graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2001 and has worked as an attorney in Arkadelphia for McMillan, McCorkle, Curry & Bennington LLP since 2001. Kneebone also has a strong record of volunteer leadership in the community. She is a Rotarian and has served on the board of the United Way of Clark County, CASA of Clark County and the Volunteer Council of the Arkadelphia Human Development Center.

‘Her family has been a special part of this university for many years, and it is always nice to welcome one of our former students onto our professional staff,’ said Welch. Kneebone was born and raised in Arkadelphia and began her schooling at Henderson’s Child Service Center at the age of three. She is the daughter of former art professor and department chair Edwin Martin, who retired from the university in 2007 after teaching for 39 years. ‘I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as General Counsel for Henderson. I look forward to serving this institution that I hold so dear,’ Kneebone said of her move back to her alma mater.”

Source: The Reddie Report Spring 2010

Elaine is a long time member and volunteer for Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, having served as National Parliamentarian, an advisor for the Alpha Gamma Chapter, and a member of the Constitution Committee.

About Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority was founded November 4, 1899 at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The purpose of Alpha Sigma Tau is to promote the ethical, cultural, and social development of its members. The sorority offers membership programming with an emphasis on academic achievement, community service, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities. For more information, visit the Alpha Sigma Tau National Homepage at www.alphasigmatau.org.

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April 28, 2010

For Immediate Release

Shannon Lynn Burton, Academic Advising Specialist, School of Criminal Justice, at Michigan State University, has been selected as an Outstanding Advising Award Winner in the Academic Advising—Primary Role category from the National Academic Advising Association as part of the 2010 Annual Awards Program for Academic Advising.

This award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students or outstanding academic advising administration. The Academic Advising—Primary Role category includes those individuals whose primary role at the institution is the direct delivery of advising services to students. Burton is one of five academic advisors honored with this award in this category in the nation-wide competition this year.

Since 1983, NACADA has honored individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising. The goal of NACADA is to promote quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to enhance the educational development of students.

NACADA’s membership consists of over 10,000 faculty, professional advisors, administrators, counselors, and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, personal, and vocational needs of students. In addition, NACADA is the representative and advocate of academic advising and those providing that service to higher education.

Burton will be honored and presented with this award in Florida during the NACADA Annual Conference this fall.

For more information about the Annual Awards Program for Academic Advising, visit the NACADA web page at http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Programs/Awards/index.htm
Or Contact: Farrah Turner, National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) 785-532-5717, fax 785-532-7732, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it