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. He became a helpful resource for the women 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.
Delta Zeta has continued to prosper throughout the years. Delta Zeta has now grown into the second largest international sorority! We recently celebrated Delta Zeta's 100th birthday, which is a huge milestone for the sorority.
Fun Facts
- Delta Zeta is one of the sororities with the largest number of college chapters. Our 165 college chapters are distributed from coast to coast while our 250 alumnae chapters offer continuing association in all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as the United Kingdom and Canada.
- Delta Zeta's badge was designed by Tiffany & Co.
- Dr. Guy Potter Benton is the only man to wear the Delta Zeta badge.
- Delta Zeta has a national loan fund and many scholarships to aid members who may need financial assistance to finish their education.
- The turtle was voted Delta Zeta's official mascot in 2006. The idea first came up for a vote in 1970, because Betty Heusch Agler, Delta Zeta National President from 1966-1970, loved turtles and collected turtle figurines. While many DZ's previously assumed the turtle was the official mascot, the resolution officially passed 36 years later.
Delta Zeta Headquarters
Delta Zeta Headquarters are located at:
Miami University
202 E. Church Street, Oxford, Ohio 45056
http://www.deltazeta.org