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 inter-sorority meeting was held 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."

Beta Theta History

In 1838, the original Trinity College was founded, and in 1924, this college was organized into Duke University. In 1927, Delta Gamma representatives began inquiring about a possible chapter at Duke. Over the next ten years, a local group, "Condordia Sororum," began petitioning Delta Gamma. In March of 1938, the local sorority Delta Chi was formed. The next year, Delta Chi petitioned Delta Gamma for a charter, and by May of 1939, Delta Gamma had unanimously approved the establishment of a chapter at Duke University. On June 1, 1939, the Beta Theta chapter held its Intallation Banquet at the Washington Duke Hotel. The theme was "Delta Gamma Goes South Again."

In June of 1974, Beta Theta requested that Delta Gamma suspend their charter due to low rush numbers, but by December of 1985, Delta Gamma was invited to re-colonize at Duke. On October 11, 1986, the Beta Theta chapter was officially reinstated. The first AnchorSplash® was held in 1987, and in 1994, the Dorothy Garrett Martin Lectureship in Values and Ethics was established. In 2004, Beta Theta held its first Gammas on the Green.

Notable Beta Thetas

 

 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Gretchen Feinberg, Chapter President.