On October 24, 1902, during the first semester in which women were admitted to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio six female students founded the Delta Zeta Sorority. These extraordinary women: Mary Collins, Julia Bishop, Alpha Lloyd, Mabelle Minton, Anna Keen, and Anne Simmons (shown below), prepared a ritual, creed, badge and colors that remain standing traditions in all Delta Zeta chapters today. In 1910 the Delta Zeta Sorority became a member of the National Panhellenic Council.
The purpose of Delta Zeta shall be to unite its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate each other in the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action; objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort. The purpose of this sorority shall be advanced through National Convention, the National Council, and the college and alumni chapters.
Delta Zeta is a sorority with one of the largest numbers of college chapters. There are 158 college chapters across the nation. Additionally there are 182 alumnae chapters that offer assistance to collegians in all 50 states, the United Kingdom and Canada.
The Rho Chapter at the University of Denver was first installed on April 14, 1917. This year marks its 94th anniversary! The chapter was reinstalled on May 22, 1982 and is still active on the University of Denver campus today.