Chapter History - Beta Zeta At-Large Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International
June 1961 Organization of Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at Massachusetts, Amherst is planned. Dr. Catherine McClure, the National Vice President was contacted.
January 29, 1962. Dr. McClure sent the Constitution and By-laws as pattern for drafting the Constitution for a local chapter and on March 3, 1962. Dean Mary A. Maher sent a letter of information to Dr. McClure. The preliminary committee requested that Dean Maher be the advisor.
March 20, 1962. Dr. McCLure wrote to Dean indicating that after the constitution is reviewed which would take about 6-8 weeks, a visit would be made by National followed by a review of the status by the National Council. It was noted that every chapter would be apprised of this school's application for a charter and that each chapter votes on acceptance.
April 7, 1966. In a letter to Dr. Virginia Crenshaw, National President Benita Martocchio, faculty member, indicated the "renewed interest" in beginning a chapter and requested materials. The first meeting of faculty members who were members of Sigma Theta Tau and the students was held on April 29, 1966. Present were Benita Martocchio, Charlene Phelps, Jane Nicholson, Dorothy Sexton, Ann Sheridan. Students were Elinor Scott, Elizabeth Johnson, Louise Standley, Judith Forbes, Joan Goldberg, Marilyn McNamara and Louise McCarthy. Students unanimously agreed to proceed in forming a Preliminary Committee and Elizabeth Johnson was elected Chair and Elinor Scott as Secretary, and Benita Martocchio as Advisor.
June 9, 1966. Dr. Elkins, Director of Honors and Chair of the University Honors Council, informed Ms. Maher that the Honors Council and the Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Matters approved the petition of the School of Nursing to establish a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Honor Society of Nursing. Letters were sent to those who were eligible including community leaders. At the November meeting of the preliminary Committee, dates for the evaluation visit were planned for December 12 and 13 and the Induction Ceremony the initiation would be planned for March.
November 12, 1966. E. Johnson sent the completed application form and draft of the Constitution and By-laws to Carolyn Widmer who acknowledged receipt of materials.
December 12, 1969. In a letter to C. Widmer, Dr. Lois Meier recommended that updated charter application materials be sent prior to June 1970. A. Sheridan assumed responsibility of advisor. The application was reviewed by the National Council and approved along with several other chapters. the chapter name of Beta Zeta At-Large Chapter was given, and the charter was awarded as the 52nd chapter of Sigma Theta Tau international.
April 9, 1972. The first Induction Ceremony was held for UMASS, Amherst.
May 10, 2003. College of Our Lady of the Elms becomes a charter member of Beta Zeta, making it an At-Large Chapter.
May 6, 2006. American International College becomes a charter member of Beta Zeta At-Large.
April 22, 2017. Westfield State University becomes a charter member of Beta Zeta At-Large.
Compiled by E. Ann Sheridan, May 1997
Updated by C. Sheils, October 2024