NATIONAL HISTORY

Delta Zeta was founded on October 24, 1902 with the help of Dr. Guy Potter Benton at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. In 1902, Dr. Benton was elected as the new President of Miami University. Dr. Benton made it possible for young women to enroll in the currently all-male university.

Although Miami University was known for its many fraternities, six of the newly admitted female students became determined to organize the first sorority chapter that would create an everlasting bond of sisterhood. Seeking help in the planning of such an organization, the six women consulted Dr. Benton. He was familiar with the processes of Greek organizations due to his membership in the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and became a helpful resource for the girls in the establishment of the first Delta Zeta chapter.

It was on October 24, 1902 that that Department of the State of Ohio issued formal Articles of Incorporation establishing the Delta Zeta Sorority. The founding members were stated as follows; Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Louise Keen, Julia Lawrence Bishop, Mabelle Minton, and Anne Dial Simmons.

Dr. Benton aided in the preparation of a ritual, badge, and colors. Elizabeth Coulter was the first of four pledges that soon became part of the sisterhood. Dr. Benton was named as Grand Patron and became the first and only man to ever wear the Delta Zeta badge.