Delta Theta Tau Sorority

Delta Theta Tau Sorority, also known as ΔΘΤ, is a North American service sorority that is community-based and non-collegiate. It was founded on October 16, 1903, in Muncie, Indiana.

Founding and History

Initially established as a social group, the organization evolved over time into a service-focused sorority. The founders were five high school girls: Nora Spurgeon Charman, Olive Spurgeon Gage, Ethel Busch Lesh, Betsy Gordon Gibert, and Charlene Prutzman Rector. They first met at the home of Betsy Gordon, where they decided to change the group's name from Tyrolean Club to Delta Theta Tau. Ethel Busch was chosen as the first leader, and the group selected its colors and drafted a constitution.

The Beta chapter was installed in Elwood, Indiana in 1905, marking a significant expansion beyond its origins. The first convention took place in 1906, followed by the installation of the third chapter in Tipton, Indiana in 1907. By 1913, Delta Theta Tau had eleven active chapters, demonstrating rapid growth. The sorority's newsletter, GRIT, was first published in 1917.

Philanthropy and Mission

Delta Theta Tau is dedicated to advancing philanthropy and charity, promoting welfare for all, and fostering good fellowship. It supports various charities, with a significant focus on the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). The sorority also operates the Delta Theta Tau Golden Hand Fund, a non-profit entity providing charitable contributions and financial assistance to members in need.

Symbols and Chapters

The sorority's symbols include the vertical diamond as its symbol, with olive green and white as its colors. The white rose is the official flower, and the jewels are the diamond and emerald. The motto is "Grit Wins." Today, Delta Theta Tau has 72 active chapters and over 50 alumnae chapters across the United States and Canada, with a total of 180,000 lifetime members.

Structure and Operations

As a non-sectarian organization, members are required only to "believe in a higher power." Delta Theta Tau encourages community involvement and supports new chapter formation across the U.S., with a minimum of five women needed to establish a new chapter. The organization emphasizes its commitment to giving back to local communities through various philanthropic initiatives.