Alpha Sigma Alpha was started on November 15, 1901 at Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia. Its founders were five young women by the names of Louise Cox Carper, Juliette Hundley Gilliam, Mary Williamson Hundley, Virginia Boyd Noell, and Calva Watson Wooten started the first sorority of the 20th Century. One year later to the day, on November 15, 1902, they officially pronounced the formation of Alpha Sigma Alpha. The sorority suffered from lack of members and other financial problems until its reorganization in 1914, when over Thanksgiving weekend, the four chapters met and adopted a constitution, formulated a more elaborate ritual, made some changes in symbols and customs, and established a weekly newsletter, The Phoenix. In 1932, the national council of Alpha Sigma Alpha asked the national president Wilma Wilson Sharp to write a creed. It stands today, and is a guide for all members, young and old.

To know the peace and serenity of a divine faith,

To love life and joyously live each day to its ultimate good-

This is my creed in Alpha Sigma Alpha

- Wilma Wilson Sharp