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Delta Delta Delta

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Delta Delta Delta
ΔΔΔ
File:Delta Delta Delta coat of arms.png
FoundedNovember 27, 1888
Boston University, (Boston, Massachusetts)
TypeSocial
ScopeInternational
MottoLet us steadfastly
love one another
Colors  Silver   Gold   Cerulean Blue
SymbolΔΔΔ (primary), Dolphin (secondary)
FlowerPansy
TreePine
JewelPearl
Patron Greek divinityPoseidon
PublicationThe Trident
PhilanthropyChildren's Cancer Research, partnered with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Chapters139
Members200,000+ active
Headquarters2331 Brookhollow Plaza Drive
Arlington, Texas
U.S.
Websitehttp://www.tridelta.org

Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ), also known as Tri-delt, is an international sorority founded on November 27, 1888 at Boston University. With over 200,000 initiates, Tri Delta is one of the largest National Panhellenic Conference sororities.

History

Delta Delta Delta was founded by Sarah Ida Shaw, Eleanor Dorcas Pond, Florence Isabelle Stewart, and Isabel Morgan Breed at Boston University. Three women's groups were already represented at Boston University in 1888 (Kappa Kappa Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta and Alpha Phi). Shaw enlisted the help of Eleanor Dorcas Pond and told her, "Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance."

The two young women began the work of creating a new national fraternity. Later Sarah wrote "...The two enthusiastic friends were unaware of the fact that there was something stupendous about the task they had set hands, heads and hearts to accomplish. They were working for a principle, and it never occurred to them that there could be such a thing as failure. Earnestness of purpose, energy and enthusiasm had brought them both success in college and why should not these same qualities bring assurance of good fortune to the new venture."

Shaw and Pond wrote the rituals and constitution and designed the emblems. Choosing the name was a mutual decision. Pond suggested a triple letter while Shaw chose the actual letter and developed Greek mottos and passwords. Inspiration came from Egyptian Lore, Hindu mysticism, Greek Mythology and Astronomy, reflecting Shaw's wide and various interests.

The Founders of ΔΔΔ:[1]

Sarah Ida Shaw
Eleanor Dorcas Pond
Florence Isabelle Stewart
Isabel Morgan Breed

Tri Delta firsts

Tri Delta was the first sorority to:

  • be founded as a national organization with complete plans for governmental structure and expansion.
  • regularly publish its quarterly magazine, The Trident, published continuously since 1891.
  • organize an alumnae system.
  • pioneer chapter visitation in 1905, appointing an officer to visit all chapters.
  • publish a book-length history: A Detailed Record of Delta Delta Delta, 1888–1907.
  • hold a national Leadership Conference.
  • finance proper housing for collegiate chapters and has a large investment in houses, lodges and suites.
  • concentrate its national philanthropic efforts on higher education through the Founders' Anniversary Fellowships, the Zoe Gore Perrin Scholarships and the endowment of the National Humanities Center.
  • adopt a central accounting system for its collegiate chapters.

Symbols, emblems, and insignia

Symbols

Colors: The colors of Tri Delta are silver, gold and cerulean blue. Green is also a significant color, symbolizing the union of the three colors.

Symbols: The Greek alphabet letters Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ) are the official symbols. The dolphin is recognized as an additional symbol of importance as it was considered to be a good omen by the ancient Greeks. It symbolizes rebirth, friendship and leadership. In Tri Delta, the dolphin is symbolic of clear skies and smooth sailing and has special significance for Fraternity leaders.

Jewel: The pearl is the jewel of Tri Delta. The one jewel that grows, it symbolizes the new member, developing from a tiny grain of sand into a thing of great value and beauty.

Flower: The pansy is Tri Delta's flower. It is a symbol of alumnae membership and the third and final step in the lifetime development of Delta Delta Delta's members.

Tree: The tree of Tri Delta is the pine tree. The pine is also a symbol of Tri Delta's collegiate members because it represents growth and lofty aspirations.

Emblems

The coat of arms consists of a shield quartered, first and fourth quarters in blue on each of which is a silver trident, second and third gold on each of which is a green pine tree. Above the shield, the crest, consisting of a torse with six folds alternating gold and blue, from which rises a white, gold and blue pansy. Below the shield the open motto, "Let us steadfastly love one another," is inscribed in Greek on a scroll.

Official insignia

New member pin The new member pin is worn prior to initiation. It is a green and silver enamel badge described in the 1888 constitution as an "inverted Delta, surrounded by three Deltas."

The Trident The trident symbolizes the first degree of initiation and is returned prior to initiation into the Stars and Crescent degree. A gold trident may be worn as a badge guard.

The Stars and Crescent Three golden stars, crown set with pearls, within a gold crescent of three hundred degree bearing three deltas in black enamel is the official badge of the Fraternity. Tri Delta initiates receive a Stars and Crescent Badge with her initials, the Greek letters of her chapter, and her chapter Initiation number engraved on the back. The badge belongs to Tri Delta and is "lent" to each member during her lifetime or as long as she remains a member.

Philanthropy

In the early 1970s, a national survey established that Tri Delta chapters were interested in children, hospitals, and cancer. At the 1974 Tri Delta Convention, the three were combined to support children's cancer charities as the designated philanthropy.

Many chapters observe "Sleighbell Day" on the first Tuesday of December, following the tradition of Sleighbell Luncheon, first held in the 1940s by 13 Southern California chapters to benefit a doctor researching blood diseases at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

In 1999, Tri Delta partnered with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude (through the fundraising branch, ALSAC) assists Tri Delta chapters in planning philanthropy events that benefit the children and subsidize research costs at St. Jude. Many chapters coordinate fundraising activities such as pancake breakfasts and football tailgates on their campuses each year. Since 1999, Tri Delta has raised more than $30 million for St. Jude.[2]

In 2002, Tri Deltas committed to raising $1 million to build a Teen Room at the St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Tri Delta fulfilled the commitment in 2005.

In July 2006, Tri Delta committed to raise $10 million in 10 years to build a new patient treatment floor focusing on brain tumor research at St. Jude. Tri Delta instead raised $10.4 million in 4 years.

In 2010, a new philanthropic goal was announced to raise $15 million in 5 years.[3] During the 2012–2013 academic school year, Tri Delta raised $5.6 million for a total of $14.2 million toward their "$15 million in 5 years" pledge to benefit St. Jude.

On February 1, 2014, it was announced that Tri Delta surpassed the $15 million goal in just 3.5 years.[4] On July 4, 2014, Tri Delta announced a new philanthropic goal to raise $60 million over 10 years, the largest single commitment by a partner of St. Jude in the history of the hospital. Their pledge funded the Tri Delta Place, a housing facility for families of hospital patients. Tri Delta was also named the St. Jude partner of the year for 2014, making Tri Delta the first non-corporation to receive this honor.

In addition to the national partnership, Tri Delta continues to raise money for local Children's Cancer Charities, including two Canadian Hospitals, the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto[5] and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa.[6]

Every year, chapters host a variety of events to raise money for these causes. This includes sporting events such as Greeks at Bat (an inter-fraternity baseball tournament) and Tri Delta Triple Play (kickball tournament), pancake breakfasts commonly named "Delta House of Pancakes" or "DHOP", and spaghetti dinners. Every Tri Delta member also participates in "Sincerely Yours", an international writing campaign to raise money for St Jude. Other St. Jude specific philanthropic endeavours includes a Gold Level National Team participation in the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer.[7] Tri Delta chapters donate 100% of philanthropic proceeds to these causes.

The Trident

The Trident is Tri Delta's award-winning publication, published continuously since 1891. The Trident's purpose is to bring to life shared values and reflect on the Tri Delta experience. The publication includes news about collegiate and alumni members, chapter events, topics in women's health, editorials, and upcoming events.

Delta Shop

Delta Shop carries official, licensed, Tri Delta apparel, accessories, jewelry, stationary and gifts. All products can be purchased on Tri Delta's website, in store at the Executive Office in Arlington, Texas, or in various pop-up shops throughout the year.

Leadership

Each Tri Delta chapter offers its members the opportunity to be slated into an office or to join a committee in order to give back to her fraternity, develop her leadership abilities and professional skills. During the slating process, members adhere to the mantra "The Office Selects the Officer", and undergo the process of determining the officer that is best suited for each office based on her skills and previous experience.

Much like the chief executive officer of a large organization, each collegiate chapter president oversees all chapter business, including membership in every team and committee. Each subsequent office is organized into one of the following teams, each headed by a Vice-President: Administration, Chapter Development, Finance, Public Relations and Membership. Further committees, assistants and chair-positions are tailored to each chapter's specific needs.

Chapter Development Consultants

Since 1910, Tri Delta has implemented a consultant program, in which recently graduated alumna members, trained and employed by the executive office, visit chapters to provide resources and advise on their chapter business. Chapter Development Consultants embody the purpose of Tri Delta and provide constructive feedback in order to align the chapter's proceedings with the values and standards determined by the executive office. Consultants have gone by many names over the years, including field secretaries, and field consultants. In 2015, the name was changed to Chapter Development Consultant.

Alumnae involvement

After graduation, alumna members continue to support Tri Delta and stay active within the Greek community. This includes joining an alumna chapter, attending and hosting philanthropy events, donating to the Tri Delta Foundation's scholarships, contributing to The Trident, writing reference letters for potential new members, and volunteering. Alumna members who wish to stay connected or make a more direct contribution to a specific collegiate chapter may join its alumna advisory team. Members volunteering on an international level include members of the National Housing Corporation,[8] providing resources and managing Fraternity properties, and members of the Tri Delta Foundation,[9] raising, managing and awarding scholarships to collegiate members in dire financial need.

Hazing

Tri Delta members have always been held to a no tolerance policy in regards to hazing, which they define as :

"any action which may be interpreted as producing, in any member, new member or other individual, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule; or as any activity which sets members, new members or any other individuals apart from other members or from the chapter without a constructive purpose."[10]

In order to keep potential new members, new, and collegiate members informed on the controversial topic, chapters implement member development workshops, anti-hazing information sessions and valuable resources. Tri Delta is also a platinum level sponsor of HazingPrevention.Org with a distinguished alumna member on the board of directors.

In 2015, the chapter at the University of West Georgia was shut down for violating the university's policy and code of conduct.[11] Serious allegations of hazing was charged against women of the sorority.[12]

In 2011, the chapter at the University of South Carolina was placed on probation after a party they hosted had 31 citations for underage drinking.[13] The sorority was forced to temporarily suspend all social activities as a result.

In 2009, the chapter at Pennsylvania State University was shut down due to hazing and endangering new pledges.[14]

In 2009, the chapter at Miami University was suspended for hazing. Pledges were blindfolded, forced off campus, and given an excessive amount of alcohol. Some women needed medical attention after the incident.[15]

Notable members

Beauty pageant contestants

Business and education

Entertainment media

News media

Literature

Politics and public service

Sports

See also

References

  1. ^ Tridelta.org Archived 2013-12-03 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ "St. Jude Fundraising Update". Delta Delta Delta. January 11, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2012.[dead link‍]
  3. ^ "$15 Million in 5 years". Delta Delta Delta. Retrieved February 28, 2012.[dead link‍]
  4. ^ "$15 Million Raised for St. Jude in 3.5 Years". Tri Delta. Archived from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "Chapter Philanthropy | Delta Delta Delta at University of Toronto". utoronto.tridelta.org. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  6. ^ "Chapter Philanthropy | Delta Delta Delta at The University of Ottawa". ottawa.tridelta.org. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  7. ^ "St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer". St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  8. ^ "National House Corporation". Tri Delta. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  9. ^ "Foundation - Tri Delta". Tri Delta. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  10. ^ "National Hazing Prevention Week 2015". Tri Delta. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
  11. ^ "Tri-Delta chapter charter revoked by National Headquarters". The West Georgian. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  12. ^ FOX. "Univ. of West Ga. Sorority Closed Following Hazing Allegations". WAGA. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  13. ^ "Sorority puts chapter on probation after off-campus party bust". September 8, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  14. ^ "Another One Bites the Dust". Onward State. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  15. ^ "Sororities' drunken actions shock MIami alumni, students". Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai "Distinguished Deltas". Delta Delta Delta. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "Winners of Miss Virginia USA". Archived from the original on October 24, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ "Melissa Witek -About Me". Melissa Witek Online. Archived from the original on November 21, 2007. Retrieved October 2, 2007. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Marshall, Ken (April 17, 2008). "Dr. Madeleine Wing Adler named President Emerita". Pennsylvania State System of higher Education.
  20. ^ Facebook.com/Betsy-Boze
  21. ^ programme.pdf[dead link‍]
  22. ^ "Penn Gazette - How to Succeed in Business by Really, Really Trying". Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  23. ^ "The Soap Opera Digest Awards: 1989". Soap Opera Digest. soapoperadigest.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
  24. ^ "Distinguished Deltas". Tri Delta. Archived from the original on March 4, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Didion, Joan. "The White Album". New York Noonday Press, 1994, p. 207.
  26. ^ http://www.sltrib.com. "Olympics: U.S. skier Caldwell surprises, Randall disappoints | The Salt Lake Tribune". Sltrib.com. Retrieved August 20, 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |author= (help)
  27. ^ "Meryl DAVIS / Charlie WHITE: 2013/2014". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on February 10, 2014.
  28. ^ "Distinguished Deltas". Retrieved September 18, 2015.
  29. ^ "USAWATERPOLO.ORG". Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  30. ^ "Abby Johnston". USA Diving. November 16, 1989. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  31. ^ "USA Synchronized Swimming". Usasynchro.org. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
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