Delta Zeta Sorority was founded in
1902 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. It was the first year that women
were allowed to enroll as full-time students. Six of these women saw how
fraternities on the campus provided men with friendship and social
activities, so they decided to begin an organization that would allow
women the same enjoyment.
Alfa Lloyd, Anne Simmons, Anna Keen, Mary Collins, Mabelle Minton and
Julia Bishop signed the Articles of Incorporation on October 24, 1902
(Alfa’s birthday) making them the first national sorority on the Miami
University campus. They initiated their first members, Elizabeth “Bess”
Coulter and Noble Miller, into Alpha Delta Zeta Sorority with the
understanding that:
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.
Today,
Delta Zeta is the largest international sorority for women. It is one of
the sororities with the greatest number of collegiate chapters, over 165,
spread from coast to coast and also Canada. The 250 alumnae chapters offer
continuing association throughout the 50 United States, as well as Canada
and one in the United Kingdom. Altogether, Delta Zeta has over 180,000
members!
The
colors of Delta Zeta are Old Rose and Vieux Green. Our flower is the pink
Killarny Rose, chosen due to its absence of thorns. Our emblem is the
Roman lamp and our jewel is the diamond. The mascot is a turtle, because
we always stick our necks out for one another and no matter where we go
we’ll always have a home!
To
make the Westchester Alumnae Chapter your new home, contact our President!
