Sorority life here at the University of Kentucky is one of the largest organizations on campus. As I mentioned in my previous blog, over 5,000 students belong to greek life here at UK. Out of the 14 sororities at UK, I have decided to narrow in specifically on the Delta Zeta chapter. Nationally, Delta Zeta is home to over 254,000 women from 49 different states. DZ was founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1902. Its founders included 6 brave, young women who had visions of lifelong sisterhood.
Pictured: Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Keen, Julia Bishop, Mabelle Minton and Anne Simmons (the founding sisters of Delta Zeta)
The Constitution of the Delta Zeta Sorority, Article II, Sections 1. and 2. States that:
"The purpose of this sorority shall be to unite its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another 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 the National Convention, the National Council, and the college and alumnae chapters."
In 1954, Hearing and Speech became Delta Zeta's nationally recognized philanthropy. A philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. Through the philanthropy of hearing and speech, DZ women volunteer many hours to support local and national hearing and speech organizations. The Painted Turtle Camp is Delta Zeta's national service project which aims to enrich the lives of children with chronic and life threatening illnesses. The Painted Turtle provides care, education, and love to the children involved, free of charge to their families.
http://thepaintedturtle.org
The two images posted on this blog will aid me in the completion of my final project in many ways. I will be able to contrast the photos by noting that in 1902 there were only 6 women involved in Delta Zeta. Today, there are over a quarter million women involved. Clearly the love for this sorority has grown over the years and women have been able to put the stereotypes aside in order to provide greater good for their communities. Philanthropy events give sorority women a chance to be leaders and bond together in hopes that their efforts will benefit many people. The photo of the women at the PTC breaks down the stereotype that all sorority women do is "party". These women really are here for the greater good of their community and are putting their time to beneficial use. Philanthropy events can feel like a party to a great majority of women, especially when you're having fun while participating. When you know your time is valued and appreciated by so many people, a sense of joy will overflow inside of you. This is one of the reasons sororities, including Delta Zeta, have experienced so much growth throughout the years.
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