The Delta Zeta 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 faithThat I might walk truly in the light of the flame.
History of Delta Zeta
Delta Zeta was founded on October 24, 1902 with the help of Dr. Guy Potter Benton at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
In 1902, Dr. Guy Potter Benton was elected as the new President of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. One of the first things that Dr. Benton did was to allow young women to enroll in the currently all-male University. That coming fall, six of the newly admitted female students organized the first sorority chapter, an idea that was widely accepted due to the three fraternities that already existed.
Seeking help in the planning of such an organization, the six women consulted Dr. Benton. He was familiar with the processes of a Greek organization due to his membership in the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and therefore became a helpful resource for the girls in the establishment of the first Delta Zeta chapter.
It was on October 24, 1902, that the Department of the State of Ohio issued formal Articles of Incorporation establishing the Delta Zeta Sorority. The founding members were stated as follows; Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Louise Keen, Julia Lawrence Bishop, Mabelle Minton, and Anne Dial Simmons.
Dr. Benton aided in preparation of a ritual, badge, and colors. Four pledges soon became part of the sisterhood, Elizabeth Coulter being the first. Dr. Benton was named as Grand Patron, and became the first and only man to ever wear the Delta Zeta badge.
The year 2002 marked the 100th year and Centennial Celebration for Delta Zeta. Chapters nationwide celebrated the event as well as a special convocation during the summer at the Delta Zeta National Convention. Today, with over 180,000 alumnae and college members and 160 chapters in the United States and Canada, Delta Zeta is a testament to lifetime sisterhood and cherished ideals and will continue to grow and touch the lives of many through their spirit, service and sisterhood.
Delta Zeta has continued to prosper throughout the years. Delta Zeta has now grown into the second largest national sorority and even has collegiate chapters in Europe, making it the largest international sorority!
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National Philanthropy
Delta Zeta’s philanthropy is aide to the Speech and Hearing Impaired. Since 1954, the Delta Zeta Sorority has shared in a partnership with Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the world's only university with undergraduate programs accessible to hearing-impaired students. Through the Delta Zeta Foundation, we provide scholarship support for students, and support the library and performing arts programs endowment funds. Each year, our chapter raises money to donate to Gallaudet. In 1983, the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles, California also became part of Delta Zeta's national philanthropy. The Institute is one of the premiere research sites for hearing disorders and the prevention of hearing loss, and the adjacent clinic treats a variety of hearing disorders.
