The History of the Delta Zeta Sorority
Our Founders
Delta Zeta was founded at Miami University of Oxford, Ohio on October 24, 1902 by six remarkable women: Mabelle May Minton, Julia Bishop Coleman, Alfa Lloyd Hayes, Mary Jane Collins, Anna Louise Keen and Anne Dial Simmons.
These six women established the symbols, crest and creed of Delta Zeta and
their meanings have been a lasting legacy for Delta Zetas for many years.
Their efforts were aided by the then president of the university, Dr. Guy Potter Benton. He later became the first and only man to wear the Delta Zeta badge. The first new member and initiate of the Delta Zeta sorority was Elizabeth Coulter Stephenson.
The History of the Delta Sigma Chapter
On August 21, 1956, the Truman State University chapters of the Delta Sigma Epsilon and Delta Zeta sororities merged to create what is currently the Delta Sigma chapter of Delta Zeta. Like Delta Zeta, Delta Sigma Epsilon had also been founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. We received the designation of the Delta Sigma Chapter in remembrance of the merger with Delta Sigma Epsilon.
At this time, Dr. Ruth Warner Towne was the Delta Sigma Collegiate Chapter Director. She continued in this position until her retirement in 1987. Dr. Towne was an amazing woman who supported both Delta Zeta and Truman State University in many ways. She received many awards and honors for her service and dedication to both, including the Delta Zeta Acoth Award and the E.M. Violette Outstanding Advisor Award from Truman. In commemoration of her achievements, the Dr. Ruth Warner Towne Cooperation Award was established for the Delta Zeta Region Weekend and the Dr. Ruth Warner Towne Conference Room at Delta Zeta Headquarters was constructed from a donation given by Delta Sigma in her honor. She left an impact on our sorority and our school that will not soon be forgotten.