Established: January 1, 1978 as a Local Sorority
Motto: "Awareness Through Unity"
Sorority Symbol: The White Rose
Sorority Colors: Navy Blue & White
Nicknames: ATU, Ladies of Navy Blue and White
President: Lauren McGuire
atustj@yahoo.com
Mission Statement
Founded in 1978, we gather to promote, Awareness Through Unity. Our women come from different backgrounds and have different personalities, each bringing something unique and valuable to our cause. We feel that through our unity we are made aware of the many different needs of our communities. Our goal is to bring further awareness to and improve our communities as best we can through various service projects, which objectives are to help those in need.
How We Maintain Our Bond…
Our women live by the words "Awareness Through Unity." Alpha Theta Upsilon is unified not by similarities but by individual differences. Our sisters are unique and their varying personalities, and backgrounds, allow us to approach the needs of our communities in many ways.
Our sisters are very close to each other, whether active or alumna. We regularly go on vacation together, go out on the town, or just hang out. We feel as if we truly are a family.
Our sisters are always happy to meet new people. Feel free to come and say "Hi" to any of our members on campus!
"Sister, our bond is light as a spider's web, yet strong as a thousand chains." - Unknown
How We Affect Our Community…
At St. John’s University, Alpha Theta Upsilon participates in a number of projects throughout the year, which include:
- Alzheimer’s Walk
- Breast Cancer Walk
- Have A Chance Brain Tumor Walk
- Light the Night Walk
- March of Dimes: Walk for Babies
- MS Walk
- Soup Kitchens
- St. John’s University Service Day
- New Orleans 2007
- NGLA 2007 & 2008
- Give Kids the World 2008
- St. Jude Collegiate Seminar 2008
- STJ Lourdes Service Pilgrimage 2009
Sisters of Alpha Theta Upsilon are also involved in many other organizations and events on Staten Island. The following are just some of the groups we are a part of:
- Accounting Society
- Beta Alpha Psi
- LASO
- Stagers
- Campus Ministry
- Up Til Dawn
- Lifesavers
- Retreat Leaders
- Midnight Run
Alpha Theta Upsilon has also received many different awards over the past 31 years. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Outstanding Service Award
- Dean’s Choice Award for Exemplary Leadership for an Organization
- Greek Week Champions (1995)
- Most Community Service Award (1994-1995)
- St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Award recipients (2009)
Legacy of Leaders
The Debbie Ciccarelli Memorial Scholarship Fund
In 1985, Debbie Ciccarelli along with her life long friend, Gayle Appel decided to take the step to becoming sorority sisters. They completed their mission and within a few short weeks, Debbie had attended a Dance-a-thon in the St. John's Gymnasium. She and her boyfriend, Michael, were in a car accident that weekend and Debbie Ciccarelli died on the evening of March 10th, 1985.
The Debbie Ciccarelli Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by Gayle Appel and Alpha Theta Upsilon, so that Debbie would never be forgotten. Every year this scholarship grows and is given to a student at Port Richmond High School in Staten Island, NY. Many women who have gone to Port Richmond High School have received the scholarship and became sisters of Alpha Theta Upsilon.
To my sister, from heaven.
I just wanted you to know.
That I'll be with you wherever you go.
I've gotten my wings and learned how to fly.
And I'll dry your tears whenever you cry.
Though I've went away and it seems we're apart.
You will forever be my soul and my heart.
The love that we shared will not go astray.
For deep in my heart it will always stay.
You held me close when I was filled with pain.
And your smile gave me sunshine when my life filled with rain.
You guided me when no one else could.
You protected me when no one else would.
We've shared so much that mere words can't express how knowing you has made me feel truly blessed.
So please dear sister, fret not for me, for now my soul is truly free.
So think of me often, as much as you can.
And I'll always be there to hold your hand.
I'll be your angel and guide you through life.
I'll give you comfort through torment and strife.
So thanks dear sister again and again, thank you always for being my sister and my friend. - Unknown
More Information
atustj@yahoo.com