History

what makes us

  • enduring friendships
  • innovative growth
  • leadership excellence
  • personal development

Delta Zeta was founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio on October 24, 1902

When 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.

Although fraternities were well-established by the time Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Keen, Julia Bishop, Mabelle Minton and Anne Simmons met with Dr. Guy Potter Benton, then president of the university, to make their idea a reality, they faced derision from the male students of the university. This adversity served to bond them even closer.

They applied for and received the Articles of Incorporation from the State of Ohio on October 24, 1902, making Delta Zeta the first sorority to be founded at Miami University. Delta Zeta’s Founders went on to lay the foundation for the Sorority which would have a national reach.

Today, Delta Zeta has enriched the lives of over 220,000 alumnae and collegiate members in the United States and Canada. The Delta Zeta Foundation a non-profit organization, makes possible gifts and support for scholarships, leadership, philanthropy, and education that continue to enrich our members and enable them to enrich the lives of those in need.

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 Canada, making it the largest international sorority!

The Beta Xi chapter of Delta Zeta at Auburn University began in 1940, and it is the 4th oldest sorority on Auburn’s campus.

Delta Zeta is one of the sororities with the largest number of college chapters. Our 162 college chapters and 2 colonies are distributed from coast to coast, while our 250 alumnae chapters offer continuing association in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the United Kingdom and Canada. Currently, there are over 180,000 college and alumnae members of Delta Zeta.

Delta Zeta National Headquarters is located in Oxford, Ohio. DZ’s quarterly magazine, The Lamp of Delta Zeta, is sent to all collegiate and alumnae members.

The DZ pin is in the Smithsonian as the most beautiful pin and was also honored by Tiffany & Co.!

We share a common purpose: to make life fuller, more meaningful, more rewarding. Within Delta Zeta, we call it enriching. To our members, it is the promise of friendship, personal development and opportunity. To the community we are valued citizens deeply committed to making a difference where we live. Our promise to our Sorority and our commitment to enrich the world are for a lifetime.

• Founded: October 24, 1902 Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
• Founders: Julia Bishop, Anne Simmons, Anna Keen, Alfa Lloyd, Mabelle Minton and Mary Collins.
• Order of the Laurel: Grace Mason Lundy, Irene Caroline Boughton, Elizabeth Coulter Stephenson, Myrtle Graeter Hinkly
• Grand Patron: Dr. Guy Potter Benton, D.D., LL.D, (Phi Delta Theta)
• Colors: Rose and green.
• Flower: Pink Killarney rose
• Jewel: Diamond
• Badge: Roman Lamp
• Mascot: Turtle
• Magazine: The LAMP of Delta Zeta is the official magazine. It is published three times a year and mailed to all initiated members whose addresses are current at National Headquarters. An online version is offered to those members who prefer not to receive a hard copy.
• Number of Collegiate Chapters: 160 in the United States and Canada
• Number of Alumnae Chapters: Over 200 alumnae chapters offer continuing association in 49 states, including Hawaii as well as the United Kingdom and Canada. Surfing Sisters is our first virtual alumnae chapter, established in 1998 as an option for alumnae who do not live near an established college or alumnae group.
• Number of Initiated Members: Over 220,000
• Number of collegiate members: At any given time, Delta Zeta has more than 12,000 undergraduate members.

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, a 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