2023 Founders Day Proclamation

“We wish our Sorority to grow not merely in numbers but in the strength of our adherence to the principles by which it was founded,” said Elizabeth Coulter Stephenson, Alpha, Miami University, who was National President from 1912-1915.

As we celebrate the founding of Delta Zeta on October 24, 1902, and reflect on the many changes the world has seen since that time, it is heartening to think that the guiding principles of Delta Zeta remain constant and have passed on from the Founders to generations of members who have come after them. Not only did Alfa Lloyd, Julia Bishop, Anna Keen, Mabelle Minton, Mary Collins and Anne Simmons have the wisdom and foresight to found a Sorority based on their shared values of friendship, curiosity, generosity, community, empowerment and belonging, but they chose to share it with others, like our first new member, Elizabeth (Bess) Coulter Stephenson, and encouraged those members to do the same.

I urge you to “make these ideals more truly our own than they have ever yet been,” as Bess said in 1912. We are proud to be Delta Zetas, and Delta Zeta is proud to have a remarkable membership of women who are truly inspiring action and impacting lives globally through philanthropy, scholarship and service. Remaining true to our values allows us to accomplish extraordinary things together. Continue to invite others to join our sisterhood as our Founders did when they extended membership to Bess Coulter many years ago, to ensure that our impact as sisters continues well into the future.

As all Delta Zeta members observe our Founders Day, let us proudly wear our colors of rose and green demonstrating our dedication and faith in Delta Zeta.

Given under my hand and seal of the Sorority this 24th day of October in the year two thousand and twenty-three and of the Sorority, the one hundred and twenty first.

Truly,

Cathy I. Painter

National President

    on behalf of National Council