Delta Zeta
Encyclopedia
Delta Zeta is an international college sorority founded on October 24, 1902, at Miami University
in Oxford, Ohio
. Today, Delta Zeta has 158 collegiate chapters in the United States and over 200 alumnae chapters in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. There are over 220,000 college and alumnae members, making Delta Zeta the second largest sorority nationally and largest internationally. In 2007, a New York Times article regarding the closure of the DePauw University
chapter of Delta Zeta accused the organization of discrimination of girls based on looks.
"The purpose of this sorority shall be to unite its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action; objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort."
Delta Zeta Sorority was founded at Miami University
in Oxford, Ohio in 1902. Miami is dubbed the "Mother of Fraternities" because of the many prominent men's fraternities which were founded there.
In 1902, Dr. Guy Potter Benton
was elected as the president of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. One of his first actions was to allow young women to enroll in the previously all-male university. That fall, six of the newly admitted female students organized the first sorority chapter.
When these six young women came together in 1902 to form a social sorority, they had a vision of lifetime sisterhood fostered by ideals that they cherished. These friends bonded quickly as they faced the challenges of starting a sorority on a male-dominated campus.
The young women consulted Dr. Benton regarding the founding of such an organization. Having been a leader in the Phi Delta Theta
fraternity he was familiar with the processes of a Greek organization and became a valuable resource for the women in the establishment of the first Delta Zeta chapter.
The women were harassed for wanting to form a sorority. In one account, someone stole the constitution out of the secretary's hand but Dr. Benton pursued the offender and retrieved the constitution.
On October 24, 1902, the State of Ohio issued formal Articles of Incorporation establishing the Delta Zeta Sorority. The founding members were: Alfa Lloyd Hayes, Mary Jane Collins, Anna Louise Keen, Julia Lawrence Bishop, Mabelle May Minton, and Anne Dial Simmons.
Dr. Guy Potter Benton aided in preparation of the ritual
, badge, and colors. Four new members soon joined the sisterhood, the first of whom was Elizabeth Coulter. Dr. Benton was named the Grand Patron and became the only man ever awarded the Delta Zeta badge.
The sorority joined the National Panhellenic Conference
in 1910. Through the years, Delta Zeta has absorbed four other sororities: Beta Phi Alpha
in 1941, Phi Omega Pi
in 1946, Delta Sigma Epsilon
in 1956, and Theta Upsilon
in 1962. Delta Zeta marked its Centennial Celebration in 2002. Chapters nationwide celebrated the event as well as a special convocation during the summer at the Delta Zeta National Convention.
and programs such as the House Ear Institute
.
In 2006 Delta Zeta partnered with The Painted Turtle
and The Starkey Hearing Foundation; adding both to the national philanthropic project.
One event that many Delta Zeta chapters use to raise funds for their philanthropies is the Turtle Tug. A tug-of-war contest conducted across campuses by both sororities and fraternities to raise money for The Painted Turtle and their local hearing and speech foundation. Trophies and prizes are given to the winning teams and the most spirited team.
I promise temperance and insight and courage,
To crusade for justice,
To seek the truth and defend it always:
To those whom my life may touch in slight measure,
May I give graciously
Of what is mine;
To my friends,
Understanding and appreciation;
To those closer ones,
Love that is ever steadfast;
To my mind,
Growth;
To myself,
Faith
That I may walk truly
In the light of the Flame.
–– Dorothy Mumford Williams, Alpha Zeta (Adelphi University) (1939)
On March 29, 2007, it was reported in the New York Times that Delta Zeta's national office, based in Oxford, Ohio, had filed suit in U.S. Federal District Court in Indianapolis against DePauw University for expelling the sorority from campus.[15] The university said the lawsuit completely lacks merit. "From the beginning, DePauw University has acted to protect its students."[16] In November, 2007, Delta Zeta withdrew the lawsuit and DePauw agreed that the sorority will have the opportunity to compete with other sororities attempting to colonize a chapter on the campus beginning in academic year 2010/11[17][18] however Delta Zeta elected not to compete for the 2010/2011 academic year and as of May 2010 has no future plans to do so.[19]
In 1999, eight former members of the sorority's Alpha Theta Chapter at the University of Kentucky sued the national organization, claiming they had been forced to take early alumnae status based on their appearance during a similar reorganization. ΔΖ settled the lawsuit in 2001. [21]
Miami University
Miami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in Oxford, Ohio
Oxford, Ohio
Oxford is a city in northwestern Butler County, Ohio, United States, in the southwestern portion of the state. It lies in Oxford Township, originally called the College Township. The population was 21,943 at the 2000 census. This college town was founded as a home for Miami University. Oxford...
. Today, Delta Zeta has 158 collegiate chapters in the United States and over 200 alumnae chapters in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. There are over 220,000 college and alumnae members, making Delta Zeta the second largest sorority nationally and largest internationally. In 2007, a New York Times article regarding the closure of the DePauw University
DePauw University
DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, USA, is a private, national liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. The school has a Methodist heritage and was originally known as Indiana Asbury University. DePauw is a member of both the Great Lakes Colleges Association...
chapter of Delta Zeta accused the organization of discrimination of girls based on looks.
Mission statement
Article II"The purpose of this sorority shall be to unite its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action; objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort."
History
Miami University
Miami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in Oxford, Ohio in 1902. Miami is dubbed the "Mother of Fraternities" because of the many prominent men's fraternities which were founded there.
In 1902, Dr. Guy Potter Benton
Guy Potter Benton
The Reverend Dr. Guy Potter Wharton Benton was an American educator who served as president of Miami University from 1902–1911, the University of Vermont from 1911–1920, and the University of the Philippines from 1921-1925...
was elected as the president of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. One of his first actions was to allow young women to enroll in the previously all-male university. That fall, six of the newly admitted female students organized the first sorority chapter.
When these six young women came together in 1902 to form a social sorority, they had a vision of lifetime sisterhood fostered by ideals that they cherished. These friends bonded quickly as they faced the challenges of starting a sorority on a male-dominated campus.
The young women consulted Dr. Benton regarding the founding of such an organization. Having been a leader in the Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta , also known as Phi Delt, is an international fraternity founded at Miami University in 1848 and headquartered in Oxford, Ohio. Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and Sigma Chi form the Miami Triad. The fraternity has about 169 active chapters and colonies in over 43 U.S...
fraternity he was familiar with the processes of a Greek organization and became a valuable resource for the women in the establishment of the first Delta Zeta chapter.
The women were harassed for wanting to form a sorority. In one account, someone stole the constitution out of the secretary's hand but Dr. Benton pursued the offender and retrieved the constitution.
On October 24, 1902, the State of Ohio issued formal Articles of Incorporation establishing the Delta Zeta Sorority. The founding members were: Alfa Lloyd Hayes, Mary Jane Collins, Anna Louise Keen, Julia Lawrence Bishop, Mabelle May Minton, and Anne Dial Simmons.
Dr. Guy Potter Benton aided in preparation of the ritual
Ritual
A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. The term usually excludes actions which are arbitrarily chosen by the performers....
, badge, and colors. Four new members soon joined the sisterhood, the first of whom was Elizabeth Coulter. Dr. Benton was named the Grand Patron and became the only man ever awarded the Delta Zeta badge.
The sorority joined the National Panhellenic Conference
National Panhellenic Conference
The National Panhellenic Conference , founded in 1902, is an umbrella organization for 26 national women's sororities.Each member group is autonomous as a social, Greek-letter society of college women and alumnae...
in 1910. Through the years, Delta Zeta has absorbed four other sororities: Beta Phi Alpha
Beta phi alpha
Beta Phi Alpha was a national collegiate sorority operating in the United States from 1919 until 1941. It was absorbed by Delta Zeta sorority.- History :...
in 1941, Phi Omega Pi
Phi Omega Pi
Phi Omega Pi was a national collegiate sorority operating in the United States from 1922 until 1946 when it was absorbed by the larger national sorority, Delta Zeta.- History :...
in 1946, Delta Sigma Epsilon
Delta Sigma Epsilon
Delta Sigma Epsilon was a national collegiate social sorority operating in the United States from 1914 to 1956. It was absorbed by Delta Zeta sorority.-History:...
in 1956, and Theta Upsilon
Theta upsilon
Theta Upsilon was a national women's fraternity operating in the United States from February 1921 until May 1962, when the group was absorbed by the Delta Zeta sorority.- Local Club :...
in 1962. Delta Zeta marked its Centennial Celebration in 2002. Chapters nationwide celebrated the event as well as a special convocation during the summer at the Delta Zeta National Convention.
Philanthropy
The sorority supports several hearing and speech impaired programs. Individual chapters support fund raising for Gallaudet UniversityGallaudet University
Gallaudet University is a federally-chartered university for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing, located in the District of Columbia, U.S...
and programs such as the House Ear Institute
House Ear Institute
The House Ear Institute is a non-profit 501 organization, based in Los Angeles, and dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education to improve quality of life. Established in 1946 by Howard P...
.
In 2006 Delta Zeta partnered with The Painted Turtle
The Painted Turtle
The Painted Turtle is a camp located near Lake Elizabeth in Lake Hughes, California. The camp is for children who are faced with life threatening and chronic illnesses, Many of these children would not have the opportunity to have a camping experience due to their illness.-History:The Painted...
and The Starkey Hearing Foundation; adding both to the national philanthropic project.
One event that many Delta Zeta chapters use to raise funds for their philanthropies is the Turtle Tug. A tug-of-war contest conducted across campuses by both sororities and fraternities to raise money for The Painted Turtle and their local hearing and speech foundation. Trophies and prizes are given to the winning teams and the most spirited team.
The Delta Zeta Foundation
The Delta Zeta Foundation is a non-profit entity within the organization that provides various scholarships for members of the sorority as well as funding leadership, philanthropy, and education programs. There is a national philanthropic organization for active members of Delta Zeta known as the 1902 Loyalty Circle, members join by donating $19.02.Creed
To the world,I promise temperance and insight and courage,
To crusade for justice,
To seek the truth and defend it always:
To those whom my life may touch in slight measure,
May I give graciously
Of what is mine;
To my friends,
Understanding and appreciation;
To those closer ones,
Love that is ever steadfast;
To my mind,
Growth;
To myself,
Faith
That I may walk truly
In the light of the Flame.
–– Dorothy Mumford Williams, Alpha Zeta (Adelphi University) (1939)
Media accusation of discrimination
At the end of 2006, the Delta Chapter of Delta Zeta at DePauw University became enmeshed in a controversy that would eventually make national headlines and result in the chapter's closure. The Delta Zeta national leadership was criticized after the New York Times published an article accusing the National office of moving certain members of the Delta Chapter at DePauw University to alumnae status based on their perceived attractiveness. Founded in 1909, the Delta chapter was the sorority's second oldest active chapter and its fourth oldest chapter overall (a "single letter" chapter). Despite its long history at DePauw, the Delta chapter struggled with declining membership and had acquired a negative reputation on campus. As a result, the Delta chapter members voted to request Delta Zeta Sorority to close the chapter due to falling numbers and lack of interest in recruitment. When notified of the chapter decision, Delta Zeta Sorority arranged a chapter membership review and chapter reorganization rather than close the chapter completely. Several of the members that were moved to alumnae status (and therefore required to move out of the Delta Zeta house at DePauw) argued that they were moved to alumnae status due to their perceived unattractiveness, weight, or ethnicity and contacted the media.On March 29, 2007, it was reported in the New York Times that Delta Zeta's national office, based in Oxford, Ohio, had filed suit in U.S. Federal District Court in Indianapolis against DePauw University for expelling the sorority from campus.[15] The university said the lawsuit completely lacks merit. "From the beginning, DePauw University has acted to protect its students."[16] In November, 2007, Delta Zeta withdrew the lawsuit and DePauw agreed that the sorority will have the opportunity to compete with other sororities attempting to colonize a chapter on the campus beginning in academic year 2010/11[17][18] however Delta Zeta elected not to compete for the 2010/2011 academic year and as of May 2010 has no future plans to do so.[19]
In 1999, eight former members of the sorority's Alpha Theta Chapter at the University of Kentucky sued the national organization, claiming they had been forced to take early alumnae status based on their appearance during a similar reorganization. ΔΖ settled the lawsuit in 2001. [21]
Notable alumnae
For a full list of notable Delta Zeta alumnae please visit here. http://dzgraphics.tripod.com/fame.html- Mercedes BatesMercedes Alison BatesMercedes Alison Bates is a graduate of Oregon State University most famous for her involvement in General Mills, specifically the Betty Crocker division....
(Theta) – first female corporate officer of General Mills Foods. After being appointed to head the Betty Crocker division, she was often referred to as "Betty Crocker". - Sally Ride Astronaut. Youngest person to go to space at age 32
- Shelley BerkleyShelley BerkleyRochelle "Shelley" Berkley is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1999, and a candidate for U.S. Senate. She is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life, education, and legal career:...
- U.S. Representative for Nevada's 1st congressional district - Marti DodsonSaving JaneSaving Jane is a band from Columbus, Ohio who are most famous for their hit songs "Girl Next Door", "Come Down To Me", and "SuperGirl".-2002-2008: Girl Next Door, One Girl Revolution & SuperGirl:...
(Theta) – lead singer for national recording artist, Saving JaneSaving JaneSaving Jane is a band from Columbus, Ohio who are most famous for their hit songs "Girl Next Door", "Come Down To Me", and "SuperGirl".-2002-2008: Girl Next Door, One Girl Revolution & SuperGirl:... - Nanette FabrayNanette FabrayNanette Fabray is an American actress, comedienne, singer, dancer, and activist. She began her career performing in vaudeville as a child and then became a musical theatre actress during the 1940s and 1950s, winning a Tony Award in 1949 for her performance in Love Life...
(Xi Omicron) – actress, worked to bring sign language and captioning to television - Edith HeadEdith HeadEdith Head was an American costume designer who won eight Academy Awards, more than any other woman.-Early life and career:...
(Alumna Initiate, Mu) – Emmy Award-winning designer; 7-time Oscar winner in costume design - Florence HendersonFlorence HendersonFlorence Agnes Henderson is an American actress and singer. She is perhaps best known for her role of Carol Brady on the ABC sitcom The Brady Bunch from 1969 to 1974...
(Alumna Initiate, Alpha Chi) – actress, (The Brady BunchThe Brady BunchThe Brady Bunch is an American sitcom created by Sherwood Schwartz and starring Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, and Ann B. Davis. The series revolved around a large blended family...
) - Shelly Hepke Moore (Xi Beta) 1989 CBS Big Brother 13.
- Maurine Brown NeubergerMaurine Brown NeubergerMaurine Brown Neuberger was an United States senator for the State of Oregon from November 1960 to January 1967. She was the fourth woman elected to the United States Senate and the tenth woman to serve in the body. She and her husband, Richard L. Neuberger, are regarded as the Senate's first...
(Omega) – former US Senator - Melissa OrdwayMelissa OrdwayMelissa Ordway is an American actress and model. She has modeled in many campaigns and acted in such films as 17 Again and on television in Privileged.-Background:...
(Delta Delta) – actress and model - Pat PriestPatricia Ann PriestPatricia Ann Priest is an American actress who is best known for portraying Marilyn Munster on the television show, The Munsters .-Show business career:...
(Alpha Chi) – actress, (The MunstersThe MunstersThe Munsters is a 1960s American family television sitcom depicting the home life of a family of monsters. It starred Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster and Yvonne De Carlo as his wife, Lily Munster. The series was a satire of both traditional monster movies and popular family entertainment of the era,...
) - Ivy Baker PriestIvy Baker PriestIvy Baker Priest was an American political figure. Born in Kimberly, Utah, she was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints....
(Alpha Chi) – Former United States TreasurerTreasurer of the United StatesThe Treasurer of the United States is an official in the United States Department of the Treasury that was originally charged with the receipt and custody of government funds, though many of these functions have been taken over by different bureaus of the Department of the Treasury... - Märtha Sofia Lovisa Dagmar ThyraPrincess Märtha of SwedenPrincess Märtha of Sweden , full name Märtha Sofia Lovisa Dagmar Thyra was the granddaughter of King Oscar II of Sweden and the consort of Crown Prince Olav of Norway . She was the first Crown Princess of Norway in modern times who was not also Crown Princess of Sweden or Denmark...
(Alumna Initiate, Upsilon) – Known formally as Princess Märtha of SwedenPrincess Märtha of SwedenPrincess Märtha of Sweden , full name Märtha Sofia Lovisa Dagmar Thyra was the granddaughter of King Oscar II of Sweden and the consort of Crown Prince Olav of Norway . She was the first Crown Princess of Norway in modern times who was not also Crown Princess of Sweden or Denmark...
, she was both a princess of Sweden and the Crown Princess of Norway. - Marcia WallaceMarcia WallaceMarcia Karen Wallace is an American character actress, comedienne and game show panelist, primarily known for her roles in television situation comedies...
(Delta Nu) – TV and stage actress - Kay YowKay YowSandra Kay Yow was an American basketball coach. She was the head coach of the NC State Wolfpack women's basketball team from 1975 to 2009. A member of the Naismith Hall of Fame, she had more than 700 career wins. She also coached the U.S...
(Zeta Lambda) – women's basketball Coach, NC State
Collegiate Chapters