Our History
Alpha Sigma, the oldest local sorority in Wisconsin, has had a significant impact on the campus life of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, and has positively influenced the lives of thousands of young women who have attended the university. Originally founded in 1898 as the Aureolia Society, the organization was restructured to its present form in 1931. Alpha Sigma sorority was organized to promote the social, intellectual, and personal growth of young women and has its designation as a social sorority.
As a local sorority, Alpha Sigma has the wonderful distinction of having had all its members attend the same campus. All alumnae have attended Whitewater, as either a college or university, and many have shared the same professors and courses. In addition, the present sorority house was home of the alumnae from the early 1950s to the early 1970s. The bond developed from this form of association cannot be underestimated. The true benefit of a ‘local’ sorority is that there is a commonality of experience. The rich tradition of Alpha Sigma has insured the return of many of is alumnae to the campus for social functions. The annual Open House at Homecoming is intended to welcome all returning graduates. The Recruitment Program welcomes back alumnae who speak and share past experiences with prospective members. The annual Alumnae Banquet, during which the seniors are inducted into the Association, insures that the rich tradition of Alpha Sigma is passed on from one graduating class to another.
Alpha Sigma Sorority ultimately advocates the success of its membership. The ‘networking’ available through the Alumnae Association helps to provide graduating seniors with job information and counsel as needed. The strong link between the active chapter and the alumnae insures the continuing success of Alpha Sigma Sorority on the Whitewater campus and in the larger community as a whole.