history
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ASTEF (Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation) 2011
The Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation was established June 25, 2011, at the 82th TSO State Convention in McAllen. The recommendation to establish ASTEF was to allow members of the Texas State Organization of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International to "accept, manage and distribute contributions to improve the quality of education and to enhance the professional and personal growth of wormen educators in Texas, provide tax-exempt status to qualifying projects, to assist fundraising and to provide tax-deductible status for contributors.
Members of the Board of Directors are members of DKG and TSO, elected for 6-year staggered terms on odd numbered years. The Founders of DKG believed that there was need for an organization in which women educators might be united for efforts toward better professional preparation, recognition of women’s work in the teaching profession, and scholarships for those needing aid in improving their professional preparation. Members of TSO and, therefore, ASTEF are guided by this belief as is stated in the Mission Statement adopted by the first Board of Directors. ORIGINAL ASTEF PIN BY RUTH HULL
"During the time spent deciding what we wanted for ASTEF, we came to the conclusion that we needed a pin for the great beginning. So, we talked about what we wanted. Because of the three parts (scholarship, leadership, and projects) we decided the pin should be a triangle.
Since I was the chair of that part, I contacted Tom the pin man and told him what we wanted. He sent his first drawing which I sent to all the committee members. The 'like' for that pin was not unanimous so I told Tom to try again. This happened four or five times. He and I became friends (even though I have never seen him) and we finally decided on the pin. I told him at one time that "the powers that be'" could not decide, but we finally did. I guess that we ordered 1000 pins which he had ready for us by the convention in 2012. Apparently, I had lists of all who purchased pins (or I had the number who purchased them) as I put the list and that number of pins in plastic bags for the ACs to give to their ladies. I had all of those pins with me and met in Joanne Davis' suite at the hotel with the ACs so they could give them to those who had purchased them. I think that those pins cost around $500 and I think that I paid him, then was reimbursed by TSO. After all his good work, I wanted him to be paid immediately! A LOOK AT WHAT WE DO
Through the support of members and friends this year, ASTEF has:
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DIRECTOR'S AND PRESIDENT'S PINS 2025
During the 95th State Convention in Denton, ASTEF celebrated her 15th Birthday (September 2010) with a special breakout session. During this session, past and current ASTEF Directors were presented with the official Director’s Pin in honor and thanks for their service to the ASTEF Board. For a full list of those Directors and past Presidents who were presented these special pins CLICK HERE. Also, at this session the Past ASTEF Presidents were presented with the official President’s pin to serve as a sign of service and dedication to the Foundation.
Information from Heritage, Volume 1 tells us of events that point to the fact that pins have always been of importance to the Society. In fact, Dr. Blanton, on the night the Society was founded, was instructed to secure drawings from L. G. Balfour Company for a suitable pin which could be worn as a badge of distinction. Only a few weeks later she was already working with L.G. Balfour himself to produce what is now commonly called the Key Pin. Before the end of 1929, the Founders and other members in Texas were already proudly wearing their key pin. The first one manufactured was presented to Dr. Blanton for her vision, work, and efforts. During the early years, other pins were created. These included: the Founders’ pin, the State President’s pin, and the International Achievement Award pin. When the new design was selected for the State President’s pin that pin was then designated as the Chapter President’s pin and is still given today. To quote Dr. Blanton when asked about the importance of the pins and other insignia she said, “These items add pageantry, embellish events such as at conventions, lend dignity and beauty, and help identify members who should take pride in them as they are distinctively Delta Kappa Gamma.” As the idea of ASTEF turning 15 years old grew closer the idea of pins came quickly to the ad hoc committee established by Dr. Rosemary Morrow. “If pins meant so much to our Founders, shouldn’t they to our Foundation? Should we not join the Founders and others in wearing a pin to identify our Foundation and to be proudly worn by her leaders?” The committee’s answer was a resounding YES! Next came the work of designing the Director pins and then finding a company we could afford and trust in producing them. While many were willing to give input and feedback the bulk of the work fell to our talented Webmaster Kitty Hutchcroft. Without Kitty there would be no pin. She and I spent numerous times together by phone, email, text, and Zoom to solve all the issues that came with the President pin. Once many items and issues were finally ironed out between John the Bellman and us the next step was, “How are we going to pay for them?” After many MORE calls, texts, emails and zooms it was determined that they would be FULLY FUNDED by the committee and the Past ASTEF Presidents. NO ASTEF funds were used for either pin thus preserving these funds for ASTEF’s Mission and Purpose. Outgoing ASTEF President Janet Helmcamp purchased a pin for the incoming President and hopes this will become a tradition. At the breakout session, Suzanne Stidom received this special pin. It is Janet’s goal and others that this becomes a tradition. Our vision includes these pins becoming legacy pins like the TSO Past State President pins. We purchased three additional pins for future use taking us to 2031-2033. After much sweat, tears, diplomacy, work, effort, and pride the Director and Past ASTEF Presidents’ pins were presented. These ASTEF leaders will wear their pins with pride and distinction just like our Founders did almost 100 years ago. --written by Dr. Barbara Derrick, Past ASTEF President |
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation is
ASTEF members may apply for a Texas State Organization (TSO) state scholarship ; participate in leadership events; and apply for project stipends. Aspiring Educators, who are not members of TSO/ASTEF, may apply for educational grants.
- to provide funding for activities that support professional and personal growth of women educators in Texas, and
- to promote educational excellence for Texas students.
ASTEF members may apply for a Texas State Organization (TSO) state scholarship ; participate in leadership events; and apply for project stipends. Aspiring Educators, who are not members of TSO/ASTEF, may apply for educational grants.
WE ARE MINDFUL
We are "mindful of our sisters" and our communities "needing help and guidance" from leaders. As key women educators, we are committed to impacting education by impacting educators. With support from all, we will be able to meet our goals to provide leadership training, scholarships to current educators, grants to aspiring educators, and support of classroom and community projects. Thank you for your support.