What is Delta Gamma?

It's a circle of smiles - a place you're proud to bring your friends - learning the true meaning of citizenship - studying for a purpose - Delta Gamma is a warm smile and a meaningful hug - doing your share - life-long friends - assuming responsibility - Delta Gamma is an idea that serves as an incentive - a cup of coffee after studying late - your sister's happiness - fixing up blind dates - encouraging your sister to the highest potential - helping to make your own rules - standing up and being heard - Delta Gamma is a pin, a flower, a creed - a democratic unit, a sincere congratulations - forever - What is Delta Gamma? - a brilliant torch, a special kind of love.

And so we pass our flame to you, to carry and care for with pride. It's light will lead your way, and you'll find - Delta Gamma is a lifetime of friendships and happiness.

Delta Gamma Philosophy

Delta Gamma offers to women of all ages a rich heritage, a continuity based on sound and tested principles of personal integrity, personal responsibility, and intellectual honesty.

Delta Gamma's primary purpose is to create an environment for its members in which lasting friendships are established and in which members find the processes, the experiences and the disciplines which will stimulate clear thought. Its aim is to foster an atmosphere in which women will develop a deeper love and consideration for mankind, a more profound understanding of the pupose of life, and a basic wisdom upon which to build their lives.

Delta Gamma's purpose is accomplished through planned collegiate and alumnae programs which provide intellectual motivation, the opportunity for graciousness in daily living, and community awareness which will enrich the lives of members and instill in them a respect for the enduring values to be gained from the Fraternity.

Delta Gamma History

Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 in Oxford, Mississippi, at the Lewis School for Girls near the University of Mississippi. The early growth for Delta Gamma was confined to women's colleges in the South. Within a few years, Delta Gamma was established in the North and then later expanded to the East. In 1891, Delta Gamma was one of the seven charter members of the National Panhellenic Conference when the first intersorority meeting was called in Boston.

As the population moved West, so did Delta Gamma. What began as a club in the South soon became an international fraternity in both scope and thinking as Delta Gamma established itself not only in the United States, but also in Canada. Through the years, goals and achievements have grown as Delta Gammas continue to live by the motto set forth by the Founders, "do good".

Delta Gamma is among the oldest of women's fraternities. Since its founding Delta Gamma has nurtured a fraternal pride which ensures the strength and progress of the Fraternity for the present generation of members and for those to come. More than 150,000 members have been initiated at the rate of about 5,000 each year. Delta Gamma is established on nearly 140 college campuses across the United States and Canada.

Why do we call ourselves Delta Gamma Fraternity? Delta Gamma was organized as a Fraternity, as were all similar organizations at the time of our founding. Although many of the women's groups adopted the term "sorority," Delta Gamma has retained "fraternity" in its official name. It is interesting to note that most of the older women's groups call themselves fraternities, from the Greek word, "phratres" or "phratria" meaning groups of people with similar interests and background. Thus, in using the Greek form rather than the Latin term, "frater" (brother), the empahsis is on similarity of ideals rather than similarity of sex.