Alpha Sigma Rho
| Alpha Sigma Rho | |
|---|---|
| ΑΣΡ | |
 ASR Crest | |
| Founded |
April 2, 1998 University of Georgia |
| Emphasis | Asian-American unity |
| Scope | National |
| Mission statement | To advance involvement in intercultural relationship and its associated interests and to foster and promote diversity. |
| Motto | Strength in Unity |
| Colors | White red silver |
| Symbol | 女 ("Nu", the Chinese symbol for "woman") |
| Flower | Calla lily |
| Jewel | Opal |
| Mascot | Swan |
| Homepage | http://www.alphasigmarho.org |
Alpha Sigma Rho (AΣP), also known as Alphas, Alpha Sigs, ASR, and Lovely Ladies in Red is a sorority established by a group of Asian-American college women. Alpha Sigma Rho Sorority is a not-for-profit, Greek-lettered sorority committed to service projects with a primary focus geared towards helping those in the Asian-American community.
The sorority was founded on April 2, 1998 at the University of Georgia at Athens (UGA) by twelve founding mothers. Alpha Sigma Rho was the first Asian-interest sorority established in the state of Georgia. Alpha Sigma Rho is based on the principles of sisterhood, cultural diversity, and Asian-interest.
History
The twelve founding mothers were Irene Chien, Sandra Chu, Young Jeon, Debbie Kwon, Angela Lu, Lynn Nguyen, Anne See, Anna Suh, Juliette Taylor, Jessica Yoo, Suzanne Yoo, and Jasmine Yu. These women came together in the fall semester of 1997 upon realizing the need for Asian unity and a stronger voice within the campus and surrounding community. The Alpha Sigma Rho founders felt that their unique goals and ideals were not well-represented within the existing sororities on UGA’s campus. These ladies believed that a sorority should exist primarily to breach the barriers between separate cultural backgrounds, thereby promoting a sisterhood based on mutual respect and appreciation.[1]
Philanthropy
Since its founding in 1998, Alpha Sigma Rho’s National Philanthropy has been fighting against cancer and raising awareness. In 2011, Alpha Sigma Rho decided to solely focus their contributions on Ovarian Cancer Research by supporting the National Ovarian Cancer Center (NOCC).[2] September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and in honor of this month, all Alpha Sigma Rho chapters and colonies host Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week, in which sisters come together for fundraising, and to promote and educate the community about ovarian cancer.
Every Alpha Sigma Rho Chapter or Colony also has a local philanthropy in which they contribute funds and raise awareness for their chosen organization year round. Some of the local philanthropies include Half the Sky Foundation formerly known as China Care,[3] Austin Children's Services formerly known as Austin Children's Shelter,[4] and Circle of Sisterhood.[5]
Membership
Alpha Sigma Rho is an Asian-interest organization composed of college-educated women. Women may seek membership during undergraduate or graduate years of study through established chapters or colonies. Membership is open to anyone who meets Alpha Sigma Rho requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or religion.
Since its founding, Alpha Sigma Rho has expanded across States and has presence in Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. Today, as it continues to grow, Alpha Sigma Rho still remembers the beliefs that the organization was founded upon and continues to promote sisterhood, cultural diversity and Asian-interest. Above all else, sisters are taught the importance of strength in unity.
Chapters and Colonies
- Alpha Chapter [A] - University of Georgia at Athens
- Beta Chapter [B] - University of Texas at Austin
- Gamma Chapter [Γ] - Georgia Institute of Technology
- Delta Colony [Δ] - University of Texas at San Antonio
- Epsilon Chapter [E] - Temple University
- Zeta Colony [Z] - Towson University
- Eta Colony [H] - Denison University
Notable members
- Carol Newinn, NFL cheerleader