tri delta facts

Accomplishments

With such auspicious beginnings, it comes as no surprise that Delta Delta Delta is honored as a leader in the Greek world. Read on to learn more about this incredible organization.

Because Tri Delta's Founders were young women of great vision, the organization has been national in concept from its inception. Less than three years after its founding, Tri Delta was recognized as an established national organization and was invited to participate in the first panhellenic meeting. The Fraternity's accomplishments through the years have placed it among the leaders of the interfraternal movement.

Tri Delta was the first women's fraternity to be founded as a national organization with complete plans for governmental structure and expansion.

Tri Delta began regular publication of its quarterly magazine earlier in its existence than any other women's fraternity. The Trident has been published continuously since 1891.

Tri Delta was the first to plan and perfect an alumnae system.

Tri Delta pioneered chapter visitation in 1905, appointing an officer to visit all chapters.

Tri Delta was the first to publish a book-length history: A Detailed Record of Delta Delta Delta, 1888-1907.

Tri Delta was the first women's fraternity to hold a national Leadership Conference.

Tri Delta was the first to establish a central office (now called Executive Office).

Tri Delta was a leader in financing proper housing for collegiate chapters and has a large investment in houses, lodges and suites.

Tri Delta has concentrated its national philanthropic efforts on higher education and has been praised by educators for these contributions through the Founders' Anniversary Fellowships, the Zoe Gore Perrin Scholarships and the endowment of the National Humanities Center.

Tri Delta was the first NPC group to adopt a central accounting system for its collegiate chapters.

Individual Tri Deltas have made outstanding contributions in many fields. The History of Delta Delta Delta, 1888-1988 includes a chapter recognizing many "Distinguished Deltas," and The Trident regularly features articles on our outstanding Tri Deltas.

More Recent Accomplishments

In 1999 Tri Delta joined with St. Jude Children’s Research hospital to form a partnership of the heart. In this very special arrangement, St. Jude assists Tri Delta chapters to plan and host successful philanthropy events that will benefit the children and research at St. Jude.

Tri Delta adopted a chapter accreditation plan to help Tri Delta's collegiate chapters establish sound chapter management practices. The criteria of the plan are focused on five major areas of internal collegiate chapter operations: Financial Responsibility, Intellectual Life, Leadership and Collaboration, Member Recruitment and Retention and New Member Integration. Each area includes minimum standards that each collegiate chapter should strive to achieve in these areas.

In 2002, Tri Delta created a life member program (Life Loyal) to recognize members who want to support the continued growth and development of the Fraternity.

In 2004, Tri Delta partnered with Automated Payment Highway, a web based accounting system. Automated Payment Highway allows a chapter to monitor its budget and expenses online. It also allows members to view and pay their chapter invoices on line.

Distinguished Deltas

Kitty Bartholomew (Michigan State)

Host of “Kitty Bartholomew: At Home” on the Home and Garden Television Channel.

Sara Blakely (Florida State)

Founder and owner of Spanx pantyhose.

Named Ernst & Young’s Southeast Regional Entrepreneur of the Year (2002)

Recently named the state of Georgia’s “Woman of the Year”

The Honorable Bobbe J. Bridge (Washington)

Has retained her seat in the Washington State Supreme Court since 1999

Previously served as a Judge for King County Superior Court for 10 years

Katie Couric (Virginia)

Longtime anchor of NBC’s “Today” morning show