About Us

Our Purpose

“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. The purpose of this sorority shall be advanced through the National Convention, the National Council, and the college and alumnae chapters.”
~ Constitution of the Delta Zeta Sorority, Article II, Sections 1. and 2.

Mission and Vision
Delta Zeta’s mission is to be a lifelong, values-based membership experience for women.
Delta Zeta’s vision is to be a global women’s organization whose shared values truly inspire action and impact lives.

Our History
In the fall of 1902, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, six of the first female students enrolled on the campus dreamed of creating a sorority.
Together, Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Keen, Julia Bishop, Mabelle Minton, and Anne Simmons sought to create something special—a sorority based upon the noble principles of friendship, scholarship, and service.
Determined to make their vision a reality, they met with Dr. Guy Potter Benton, the university's president. With his support, their dream began to take shape.
From these meetings, Delta Zeta Sorority was born. The first sorority was founded at Miami University. The Sorority’s inception marked an exciting milestone for these young women and others across the campus. And that impact would soon reach far beyond campus borders.
Over 122 years later, Delta Zeta has impacted the lives of over 300,000 alumnae and collegiate members. And as the flame passes from one generation to the next, our story continues to be one of resilience, friendship and the power of a shared vision.
Learn more about our history through the Delta Zeta Museum.

Fast Facts
Established
October 24, 1902, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Founders
Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Keen, Julia Bishop, Mabelle Minton, and Anne Simmons
Order of the Laurel
Grace Mason Lundy, Irene Caroline Boughton, Elizabeth Coulter Stephenson, Myrtle Graeter Hinkly, Norma Minch Andrisek
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
163 in the United States and Canada
Number of Alumnae Chapters
Over 180 alumnae chapters offer continuing association in 49 states, including Hawaii as well as the United Kingdom and Canada.
Number of Initiated Members
Over 285,000
Number of collegiate members
At any given time, Delta Zeta has more than 14,000 undergraduate members.