About Us
Our sorority is a community of strong and empowered women who support each other through sisterhood. We strive to promote leadership, scholarship, and service while creating lifelong bonds and unforgettable memories. Joining our sorority means becoming part of a network of inspiring women who will always have your back.
Our Story
Delta Gamma Fraternity was founded in 1873 in Oxford, Mississippi at the Lewis School for Girls by three young women: Anna Boyd, Mary Comfort and Eva Webb. Founded before the term sorority was used, our fraternity has since grown into one of the largest international women’s organizations with more than 250,000 members, 150 collegiate chapters and 200 alumnae groups.
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A local sorority, Delta Chi, formed at Duke in March 1938. They were organized for a year, and then on March 13, 1939, they petitioned Delta Gamma for a charter. In May, Delta Gamma unanimously approved the establishment of a chapter, and on June 1, 1939, nine members of the Delta Chi local sorority were initiated, thus installing the Beta Theta chapter of Delta Gamma. Evelyn Culp, president of Delta Chi and colony president, was the first member initiated into Beta Theta, and because she was in a hospital bed after a serious car accident, she was given her badge in a special ceremony in the hospital.
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Unfortunately, by the early 1970s, interest in Greek life was at an all-time low. Beta Theta joined the ranks of groups that were unable to withstand the tumultuous times. In April 1974, Beta Theta requested that Delta Gamma suspend its charter due to low rush numbers. It was made official on June 3, 1974, when Council honored the request.
Beginning in September 1985, Delta Gamma made informational sessions to Duke University for possible re-colonization. Delta Gamma was invited to re-colonize in December 1985. During re-colonization, Gamma Alpha-Tennessee collegians were to perform skits at the informational parties, but due to snow and sleet, they were unable to show. During this process, Delta Gamma expected 70 rushees, and instead interviewed 334 women hoping to be Delta Gammas.
On February 18, 1986, Delta Gamma pledged 96 women in an official ceremony. Installation ceremonies were held the weekend of October 11-12, 1986. Initiation occurred October 11 at the Searle Center, and Beta Theta was officially reinstated.
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Since 1986, the chapter has been awarded numerous Fraternity Awards, including the Patricia Peterson Danielson Award on 15 separate occasions, the H.K. Stuart Spirit of Service Award, and the Frankie Ladley Wakefield Parnsassus Award for academic excellence.
In April 1994, the Dorothy Garrett Martin Lectureship in Values & Ethics was established at Duke, with Maya Angelou being the annual speaker through 2013.
Chapter members continue to hold leadership positions on campus and help the university and student body move forward with visions for change and adaptation to cultural and campus needs. Our chapter has contributed over $141,528.82 to the Delta Gamma Foundation and has over 1,700 initiates.
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This is the Do Good Sisterhood. This is Delta Gamma.
