Six young nursing students at the Indiana University Training School of Nurses, now the Indiana University School of Nursing in Indianapolis, IN, founded sigma Theta Tau in 1922. With the full idealism of women forging pathways of change in the 1920’s, they successfully created a framework to encourage future leaders to improve health care.

Beginning in July 1963, communication began between the CU School of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International, as CU students were interested in forming a chapter. On Saturday, January 15, 1966, Alpha Kappa Chapter received its charter from Dr. Virginia Crenshaw, National President of Sigma Theta Tau. Dr. Kathryn Smith, Dean of the CU School of Nursing, responded for the school and Miss Patricia Slinkard, a senior nursing student, was installed as the first chapter President. The 90 charter members felt "the pursuit of excellence should be fostered, recognized, and rewarded."

In 1979, discussions began with the national office about forming a citywide chapter consisting of the University of Colorado and Loretto Heights College. The national office determined two mechanisms by which a chapter-at-large would be formed: 1) by one or more schools of nursing joining together to form one chapter, or 2) by an established chapter amending its charter to join with a developing honor society. On January 23, 1982, a rechartering ceremony was held as Alpha Kappa Chapter (originally chartered at the University of Colorado) amended its charter to include Loretto Heights College. Thus, Alpha Kappa became the first chapter to become a chapter-at-large via the charter amendment mechanism.

In the spring of 1988, a decision was made by the Loretto Heights College Board of Trustees to transfer control of the Nursing Program to Regis University. The last class to graduate from Loretto Heights College School of Nursing was May 1988 and then all nursing program operations were taken over by Regis University in July 1988.

The outstanding nurses from these three institutions, the University of Colorado, Loretto Heights College and Regis University, have been instrumental in assuring the success of Alpha Kappa Chapter-At-Large.

Through our 30 plus years, scholarship and practice have been supported through research conferences, seminars, and clinical practicums. The chapter has also supported numerous research students. From a beginning number of 90 members, Alpha Kappa now boasts over 1,000 current members! As we look ahead, we will continue to strive to improve the health of people worldwide through the advancement of nursing leadership and scholarship.

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