|
|
|
The Founding of Delta Delta Delta
Delta
Delta Delta was founded at Boston University in 1888 by Sarah Ida Shaw and
Eleanor Dorcas Pond. Although there were three women's groups at BU at
this time, Shaw and Pond saw a need for a group which would be different
from the others. They sought to "found a society that shall be kind
alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than her
personal appearance." These two women proceeded to write Tri Delta's
rituals and constitution, and designed the emblem as well.
The
choosing of the name of the sorority was a joint decision. Pond suggested
a triple letter, while Shaw chose the letter and worked on the Greek
mottoes and passwords. It is said that inspiration for these came from a
variety of sources: Egyptian lore, Hindu mysticism, Greek, and astronomy,
reflecting the wide and various interests of Sarah Ida Shaw.
By the first anniversary of the founding of Delta Delta Delta,
there were three chapters located in three different states, a record for
early growth. By 1900, the sorority had grown from Alpha Chapter at BU
into 18 collegiate chapters, including the first in the South and the
first on the West Coast. Delta became international in 1930 with the
installation of a chapter at the
University of Toronto. Tri Delta entered the 1990s with 131 active
chapters.
|
The
Founding of The Phi Mu Chapter
On
March 23, 1957, the Clio Society at Southeast Missouri State
University was granted permission by the Delta Delta Delta
National Sorority to become a chapter and begin pledge ship.
The Phi Mu chapter became the 100th chapter of Delta Delta Delta.
On May 10, 1957, sixty-eight Clios received the final degree of
initiation and became the first active members of the Phi Mu
chapter of Delta Delta Delta.
|
|
The Clio Society
|
|
The
Clio Society was founded in 1894 as a literary society and
received its name Clio from the muse of history. Over the
years, Clio changed from a literary to a social organization.
Early in its history, it became the sister sorority to the men's
local group called "The Bentons" (Later became the local
Sigma Chi chapter). Clio colors were gold and black and they
were shown in the pin, a small black enamel shield with pearls
around it. The guard of the pin was a symbolic miniature
black cat. The motto was "Once a Clio, Always a
Clio."
|
Tri Delta Symbols
|
|
The
pearl is the jewel of Tri Delta. It was chosen to symbolize the
new member because it is the one jewel that grows, developing from
a tiny grain of sand into a thing of great value and beauty.
|
|
|
The
pine tree is a symbol of Tri Delta's collegiate members because it
represents growth and lofty aspirations
|
|
|
The
pansy is Tri Delta's flower. It is a symbol of alumnae membership
and the third step in the lifetime development of Delta Delta
Delta's members.
|
|
|
The
dolphin was considered a good omen by the ancient Greeks. It
symbolized rebirth, friendship and leadership. In Tri Delta the
dolphin is symbolic of clear skies and smooth sailing and has
special significance for Fraternity leaders.
|
|
|
The
patron Greek divinity of Tri Delta is Poseidon, god of the sea and
one of the three rulers of the universe.
|
|
Tri
Delta's colors are silver,
gold
and cerulean blue. Green is also significant for Tri Delta as it
represents the union of the three colors.
|
|
