HISTORY OF DELTA GAMMA

Gamma Zeta Chapter

Delta Gamma History

Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 in Oxford, Mississippi, at the Lewis School for Girls by three young women who were unable to go home for the Christmas break. Together, Anna Boyd, Mary Comfort and Eva Webb created a club of "mutual helpfulness."

They chose the Greek letters Delta and Gamma because of their desire to "Do Good." It remains Delta Gamma's motto today and a driving force in all we do. Delta Gamma is a sisterhood built on a commitment to making the world better through not only service, but also a deep appreciation for each individual.

our letters

Delta Gamma

Our Founders

Mary Comfort Leonard, Anna Boyd Ellington, and Eva Webb Dodd founded Delta Gamma in 1873 at the Lewis School in Oxford, Mississippi

motto

"Do Good."

What started with three women in Oxford, Mississippi, has since grown into an international Fraternity with 146 collegiate chapters and more than 220 alumnae groups. Delta Gamma's sisterhood continues to inspire women through the values that were built into our very first Constitution. Article II, written by our Founders in 1873, states:

"The objects of this Fraternity shall be to foster high ideals of friendship among women, to promote their educational and cultural interests, to create in them a true sense of social responsibility and to develop in them the best qualities of character."

While the Constitution spells out the values of a Delta Gamma woman in Article II, you can't tell the story of Delta Gamma without speaking of hope. The original pin of the Fraternity was the letter "H," which the Founders meant to stand for hope. A few years before she died, Founder Mary Comfort Leonard described the first pin:

"We went to a local jeweler and had our pin made-the letter 'H,' which stood for hope, for we hoped great results and have not been disappointed…" - The Shield

CREST

The meaning of the crest is only known to its initiated members. The crest displays the cream rose, gold stars and rope on the shield; Tau Delta Eta; blue and green shield and the Greek letters Delta Gamma in rose.

ORIGINAL BADGE

Originally, the badge was an "H" signifying hope, which was our Founders' watchword. In 1877, the Delta Gamma badge was changed to the age-old symbol of hope, the anchor.

BADGE

Only initiated members wear our beloved golden anchor. In 1877, the original badge, in the shape of the letter “H” (standing for Hope) changed to an anchor, which is the traditional symbol for hope.

PI ALPHA PIN

Women who are pledged to join, but who are not yet initiated, wear the new member pin. The white shield has the Greek letters Pi Alpha inscribed on it and is exchanged for the badge upon Initiation.

Read about our house

Philanthropy

Service for Sight

Colors

Bronze, Pink and Blue

Flower

Cream Colored Rose

mascot

Hannah doll

Delta Gamma Fraternity does not discriminate in its membership selection on the basis of race, religious affiliation, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical disability.

Delta Gamma Fraternity is a dynamic organization committed to diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Similarly, Delta Gamma Fraternity does not discriminate in its membership selection on the basis of race, religious affiliation, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical disability. All efforts are in place to guarantee those selected for membership in Delta Gamma have good scholarship, are of good character and standing, have an interest in activities which will enhance the academic atmosphere at the college, university, or community, and have a sincere desire to contribute to the work of Delta Gamma. Delta Gamma encourages an atmosphere which will foster the high ideals of friendship among college women, promote their educational and cultural interests, create in them a true sense of social responsibility, and develop in them the best qualities of character. The Executive Offices will continue to work with the individual chapters to ensure that all policies and procedures are followed at all times.