Alumnae Initiate Welcome
We’re so glad you’re here and excited that you’re interested in joining our sisterhood through the alumnae initiation process. Becoming a Delta Zeta as an alumnae initiate is a meaningful way to connect, grow and make a lasting impact, no matter where you are in life’s journey. Explore the information below to learn more about what it means to be part of Delta Zeta.
So, what really is Sorority?
Membership Benefits
As a member of Delta Zeta, you're joining a network and community of 350,000 Delta Zeta initiated members. All members of Delta Zeta have various expectations and responsibilities throughout the duration of membership. Alumnae Initiates must pay the one-time Alumnae Initiation Fee of $350 in addition to the cost of their Delta Zeta badge, which we as sisters wear in common. The $350 alumnae initiation fee also includes your lifetime subscription to The LAMP of Delta Zeta, our sorority magazine, access to Delta Zeta’s Learning Center, and to Truly Connected, Delta Zeta’s online mentorship and professional networking site.
Delta Zeta Badge
The Delta Zeta badge is a very special piece of jewelry that symbolizes membership in Delta Zeta and only initiated members of the Sorority shall wear the badge. Our badge is a Roman lamp in gold, resting upon an Ionic column with three wings of Mercury on each side. The official jewelling shall be a diamond in the flame, and four pearls at the base of the lamp. Each of these are important symbols of our sisterhood which will be expanded on during your Initiation Ceremony. Each member can pick their badge preference which includes the type of gold and stone, which will impact cost, but the Delta Zeta badge design is the same for all members. While the badge is required for purchase, the guard is not. The guard is an additional piece attached to the badge. The guard on the sorority badge is a decorative element that shares the chapter designation of the wearer. For example, if you joined the Pi Theta Chapter, your guard will be the Greek letters Pi and Theta. Prices vary and can be viewed here.
PHILANTHROPY AND SERVICE PROJECTS
As the only global women’s organization with a focus on hearing and speech, we use our philanthropy to protect hearing and provide the opportunity of speech therapy and hearing aids to people in search of those resources. Hearing and speech have been our philanthropy focus since 1954. And now, thanks to our partnership with Starkey Hearing Foundation, we can see the difference we are making here in the United States and around the world.
Alongside these ongoing endeavors, our sisters extend their impact through our global service project, SeriousFun Children's Network, which provides a camp experience globally to children with serious illnesses.
Through these collective efforts, we give back to the community and live out the Sorority's core values of generosity and community. By working together to make a positive impact in the lives of others, we also empower ourselves and strengthen the bonds of our sisterhood.
You will learn more later about how to engage with each of these phenomenal opportunities. Philanthropy is such an important part of Delta Zeta membership, and our efforts allow us to impact the communities we are a part of both locally and globally.
SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT/EVENTS
While this is not a requirement for membership, we are excited for you to get involved in Delta Zeta in whatever way works best for you! There are ample opportunities to get involved at the local and national level. Some exciting events to know about include:
National Events:
- Everlasting – This event is a sisterhood experience for both alumnae and collegiate members. Everlasting is a one-day experience filled with inspiring speakers, personal development opportunities and the opportunity to grow and connect with other Delta Zeta alumnae and collegiate members. These are hosted in cities across the United States throughout the year. Click here to learn more about Everlasting.
- Truly Connected - Truly Connected Events, sometimes hosted in conjunction with our Everlasting sisterhood events, is a premier opportunity for DZ members across all ages to network, build skills necessary for navigating careers at any stage, and participate in professional growth opportunities. Click here to learn more about Truly Connected.
- Volunteer Opportunities – There are both long-term and short-term volunteer opportunities in Delta Zeta, from advising a Collegiate chapter or being a facilitator or speaker during a national event. Click here to see our current openings.
Local Events:
- Alumnae Chapter – There are alumnae chapters in many cities across the United States and even internationally! Join an alumnae chapter to meet new sisters of all generations, and gather to support service and philanthropy and foster friendships through social gatherings. Click here to learn more.
- Supporting Collegiate Chapters – Many of our Delta Zeta chapters at colleges and universities are seeking both short-term and long-term assistance and volunteers from our alumnae members. Click here to see our current openings. Click here to see a list of our collegiate chapters and alumnae chapters – you can search by state too.
What's Next?
A Delta Zeta member in good standing must sponsor a woman for alumna initiation into Delta Zeta Sorority. If you have already been sponsored for initiation by a Delta Zeta member, you either already have, or will receive an email with next steps.
Each Alumnae Initiation Candidate will receive an email inviting them to claim their Delta Zeta account. Once you create your Delta Zeta account, you will also gain access to our Learning Center and be enrolled in a brief online course (no more than 15-20 minutes). This course can be completed prior to or post-initiation. This brief course will provide more information about Delta Zeta Sorority including fun but important facts all members should know, a review of our mission, vision, Creed and core values, as well as review the many ways to get involved!
If you have any questions about the alumnae initiation process, please reach out to [email protected].
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
162 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 315,000
Number of collegiate members
At any given time, Delta Zeta has more than 15,000 undergraduate members.
Members and chapters are recognized every year including the Grace Mason Lundy, Florence Hood Miner and Achoth Awards.