Delta Zeta (Delta chapter) records

Six women students residing in Mansfield Hall were the founders of Delta chapter of Delta Zeta, which was character at DePauw on May 21, 1909. Friend and helper of the organization in its early days was Professor Joseph T. Dobell, and it was in his name on south Locust street that the first chapter meetings were held. The Delta chapter has had several houses in Greencastle. The early years saw the sorority located on Indiana St. across from the bus station, the second move was in back of Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, then to “The Towers,” the former president’s home located on the corner of Arlington St. and Seminary St., next was the house at 314 E. Hanna St., where they lived until 1922. Between 1922 and 1959 Delta Zeta occupied 602 E. Washington St., which had previously belonged to John Clark Ridpath. In 1959, the Delta Chapter celebrated the 50th anniversary of the organization’s founding, as well as the groundbreaking for a new residence located at 411 Anderson St. The building was officially dedicated May 9, 1960. The sorority marked the 75th anniversary of the Delta chapter at DePauw in 1984. The chapter experienced a set back in 1985 when the National Council of Delta Zeta announced plans to deactivate the sorority in response to declining membership. The Delta Zetas at DePauw did not participate in rush that fall or as an active chapter on campus. Plans were underway to reopen the Delta chapter and give the sorority a new start with the purchase and renovation of the Sigma Nu House at 201 E. Seminary St. In August 1987 the chapter was reactivated and the re-colonization successfully got underway with the addition of forty-two pledges in Spring 1988 and the completion of renovations on the house.

Throughout the years the Delta Chapter at DePauw University has been fortunate to enjoy the support of Delta Zeta Alumnae, both near and far. The Delta Zeta Circle, a precursor to the Greencastle Alumnae Chapter of Delta Zeta, included patronesses of Delta Zeta, mothers of Delta Zetas of Greencastle, and Delta Zeta Alumnae of Greencastle. The Delta Zeta Circle began in 1934 and was officially granted a charter at the Province Day 1960, when it became known as the Greencastle Alumnae Chapter of Delta Zeta. The DZ Alumnae of Greencastle aid the chapter in rush activities, entertain their collegiate sisters in their homes, and provide a nearby support network. The Delta chapter also has its own alumnae group of DePauw graduates- the Delta Association and the Delta House Corporation. These groups are instrumental in providing financial assistance and guidance to the Delta chapter at DePauw and provided assistance in the purchase and renovation of the current home at 201 E. Seminary. The Delta chapter is truly fortunate to have the encouragement and support of alumnae, who committed to continuing the tradition of sisterhood. Delta Zetas, in all forms--collegiate or alumnae–continue to adopt philanthropies as a central element in their organizations.