Our History
National History
Delta Zeta Sorority was founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. These outstanding women were not even given the full status as students until 1902. When six young women came together to form a social sorority, they had a vision of a lifetime sisterhood fostered by ideals that they cherished. These friends bonded quickly as they faced the challenges of starting a sorority on the male-dominated campus that was known as the “Mother of Fraternities.”
Our six founders, Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Keen, Julia Bishop, Mabelle Minton, and Anne Simmons met with the then-president of the University, Dr. Guy Potter Benton. During their meeting, they put their words into actions and created the sorority they had dreamed about and in fact created the first sorority at Miami University.
Once they received the Articles of Incorporation from the State of Ohio on October 24th, it has been known to Delta Zeta as our Founder's Day. The Founders then went on to lay the foundation for the sorority, which would have a nation reach.
Today, Delta Zeta has enriched the lives of over 260,000 alumnae and collegiate members in the United States and Canada.
Fun Facts
Delta Zeta has five symbols that we hold near and dear to our hearts.
~Colors: Rose & Green
~Flower: Killarney Rose
~Jewel: Diamond
~Badge: Roman Lamp
~Mascot: Turtle
Our Creed
Dorothy Mumford Williams, Alpha Zeta (Adelphi University), 1939
"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."