Delta Zeta Sorority was founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1902.  Miami is dubbed the “Mother of Fraternities” because of the many prominent men’s fraternities which were founded there.

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 (women had just been given full status as students at Miami University in 1902).

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.  The date of incorporation, October 24, is Alfa Lloyd’s birthday and that date is a tribute to her, for she quickly showed a leadership that was effective in moving the Sorority forward. Delta Zeta became the first sorority to be founded at Miami University.

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Founded:   October 24, 1902 at 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 

Number of Collegiate Chapters: 158 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 10,000 undergraduate members.