THE 2023 COHORT :

For the past four years, the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation has funded AΣΤ Excel, a leadership development program focused on emotional intelligence (EQ). Every other summer (in non-Convention years), the AΣΤ Excel cohorts gather to take Mastering Emotional Intelligence Level 1, provided by TalentSmart. Other small groups of members, such as our chapter advisors, take this course throughout the year as well.

Improving EQs helps mold our Sisters into better leaders and helps them build stronger and better relationships. Throughout the program, participants learn how to:

• remain calm in challenging situations

• improve how they work with others

• grow from mistakes and criticism

• ask for help when they need to

• communicate most effectively

These skills let our Sisters succeed in their workplaces. “The Excel program gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a promotion,” said Ashley Brown Beasley (Beta Zeta 1989/UAB). But the program also helps Sisters in their personal lives and with their own mental health, working to prevent burnout.

Additionally, focusing on emotional intelligence fits into the Sorority’s National Philanthropy: the Women’s Wellness Initiative. Mastering EQ falls under several categories in the Six Dimensions of Wellness, since having a high EQ can benefit your emotional, occupational, social, and intellectual wellness. Maintaining the Six Dimensions of Wellness is essential to promoting optimal health and wellness in our Sisters and their communities.

From June 23-25, the 2023 cohort met for their initial EQ training at the Sorority Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. The participants completed pre-work before meeting in person. On Friday evening, they kicked off their weekend with a tour of the Sorority’s archives and a small reception.

On Saturday, participants met and learned about the four components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, selfmanagement, social awareness, and relationship management. There was both small group and large group work, with lots of time to share and discuss.

The Cohort will continue to meet virtually at least five more times this year to expand on the lessons of the initial training.

Thank you to our donors who make AΣΤ Excel possible! Your generosity helps offset experience fees, making this program accessible and available to all alumnae and collegiate members. Together, we are empowering women for generations to come.

Welcome to all our newly graduated Sisters! Alumnae life is waiting for you with open arms. Your alumnae Sisters can assure you that Sisterhood after college is even more special and rewarding.

The Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation has watched you grow and learn through the Sorority’s donor-funded programs, such as MoneySmarts U, Officer Academy, and more. We’ve loved investing in you as collegians and can’t wait to see you take advantage of our alumnae-inclusive programming, such as AΣΤ Excel and our graduate program scholarships.

If you were an 1899 Society member or ambassador as a collegian, we know you already understand the importance of Foundation-funded programs to the member experience. We encourage all new alumnae to support the Foundation in whatever way they can so that even more collegiate Sisters have the opportunity to benefit from these programs.

Our Sister, Kathryn Galante (Beta Tau 2020/UMass Lowell), put it best when she said, “I want to support future generations of my Sisters with access to the best opportunities.” We cannot provide those opportunities without your help – and the generosity of all our donors. Thank you to those who have supported our collegians and continue to support them as they enter alumnae life.

Speaking of AΣΤ Excel, we are honored to fund this year’s program. Cohort members kicked off their experience in June at the Sorority’s Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. The participants will continue to meet virtually as they further develop skills to navigate life with emotional intelligence and deepen their connections with one another.

And, although we don’t want to rush the summer away, we are looking ahead to celebrating our Founders Day of Giving on November 2-3, 2023, and participating in Founders Day activities on November 4. Make sure to join us as we ring in another great new year for Alpha Sigma Tau!

In Sisterhood and Gratitude,

Erika McManus Bukva Delta Rho 2000/Chowan President, Board of Directors Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation