Sigma Theta Tau is an international nursing honor society organized at Indiana University in 1922. It is a member organization of the Association of College Honor Societies. The Alpha Eta Chapter was chartered on the University of California San Francisco campus in April 1964. Its purposes are to foster high professional standards, to encourage creative work, to promote the maximum development of the individual, and to strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession of nursing. A major focus since the late 1970s has been support of research through consultation (assistance to members engaged in research planning, writing a proposal or analysis of data) and financial assistance (administration of small grants through a research fund). The Alpha Eta Chapter also sponsors programs, conferences and an annual award (the Margretta M. Styles Chapter Award), and distributes a newsletter three times a year. Invitation to membership is extended to students and other members of the nursing community who have demonstrated qualities of scholarship, leadership and a capacity for professional growth.