History of the Sigma Chapter

L. R. Humphreys, who for several years had advised a collegiate chapter of Future Farmers on the campus at Utah State Agricultural College, observed that many Agricultural Education majors did not get the opportunities needed by prospective teachers. He worked with these young men in organizing a local chapter of ATA. Sigma Chapter was installed on November 11, 1950, by E. J. F. Early, National Secretary-Treasurer, assisted by members of Zeta Chapter, Colorado State University. Sixty students became charter members, a record number to be initiated at one time in ATA. The original officers were Wesley T. Maughan, president; Dale Cummings, secretary-treasurer; and Richard Harper, parliamentarian. Sigma Chapter developed the initiation emblem, which was officially adopted in 1952 and revised the initiation ritual, which was approved at the 1994 Conclave.   Several former members have received doctoral degrees and many have become school administrators. The majority have remained as successful teachers of vocational agriculture. S. S. Richardson served as National ATA Vice-President in 1952-53, National ATA Secretary-Treasurer from 1953-57, and National ATA President from 1963-66. Gary S. Straquadine served as the National ATA President from 2002-2003.

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