138 collegiate chapters

261 alumnae chapters

5,607 new members

13,664 total collegians

193,495 total living alumnae

1,518 local and Fraternity volunteers

47 Executive Office staff members

 
Tri Delta, also known as Delta Delta Delta, is leading the Greek world through our passion for progress and visionary thinking.  Through partnerships with nationally recognized organizations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, award-winning publications like The Trident, and innovative collegiate and alumnae initiatives, Tri Delta is committed to leveraging our timeless values to revitalize the sorority experience.

Unless otherwise noted, candidates for the following positions are expected to work full-time on location at our Executive Office in Arlington, Texas.

    Delta Delta Delta National House Corporation
    P.O. Box 5987
    Arlington, TX 76005-5987
    info@parkstreetproperties.com    FAX: (817) 652-0212
 
    NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
 

Tri Delta, also known as Delta Delta Delta, is a social sorority dedicated to promoting friendship and leadership among women and advancing the shared ideals of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship.

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 5987
Arlington, Texas 76005-5987

Phone: (817) 633-8001
Fax: (817) 652-0212

E-mail: info@trideltaeo.org

Executive Board 2012-2014

(from left to right) Director Julie Greene Haskell, Vermont; Director Nicole Hughes, Washington State; President Phyllis Durbin Grissom, Southern Methodist; Director Carol Knoche Helmus, Millikin, Director Alison Ream Griffin, Southern Methodist.

The Executive Board members oversee and serve as visionary leaders of all Fraternity operations. The Board is structured to ensure that all viewpoints are considered in decision making and is devoted to making sure the Fraternity is positioned to be a viable organization long into the future.

The Executive Board is accountable for the behavior and strategic direction of the entire organization. The Board is accountable for everything the organization is, everything it does, and everything it achieves. The women who make up the Executive Board are called to exercise their responsibilities primarily by asking good and timely questions and having strategic conversations to position Tri Delta for success today and in the future.

Members may access directories of Fraternity volunteers in the Member Resources folder on Deltas Only.  Login is required.  If you have not claimed your Deltas Only account go here.

Complete this form to refer a potential Fraternity leader to the Leadership Development Committee (LDC).

Throughout the biennium, the LDC works to cultivate future leaders, evaluate current leaders and educate the membership about the LDC process. The LDC's main goal is to help all Tri Delta women grow as leaders, and while collegiate leadership positions are traditionally filled through sisters nominating other sisters to fulfill certain roles within the chapter, the LDC encourages Tri Deltas to nominate themselves.  The LDC works to present a slate for election to the:

• Executive Board
• Leadership Development Committee
• Center for Living, Learning and Leading
• Delta Delta Delta National House Corporation
  

If you are interested in serving Tri Delta in a leadership capacity, please fill out a leadership profile. If you would like to nominate an exceptional sister, submit a leadership referral form.

AVAILABLE WEBINAR RECORDINGS

Part I - Getting to Know the LDC
This webinar will introduce you to the 10 women who make up the LDC, the four leadership groups that the committee currently slates, and Tri Delta's overall leadership cultivation process and timeline. Whether you're already familiar with the LDC or are learning about the committee for the first time, this session will provide a comprehensive overview. 

Part 2 - Being a Tri Delta Leader
It's safe to say that there's no single definition of the word "leader," and this is especially true in Tri Delta, as we know that the many talents, skills and experiences of our members make our Fraternity the leading organization it is today. To strategically support our members' continued growth and development, the Leadership Development Committee has identified various leadership competencies (you also can think of them as "strengths") that it seeks to cultivate in current and future Fraternity leaders. Join us for part two of this webinar series to:

• Learn about the origin of Tri Delta's leadership competency model

• Get a brief overview of the competencies Tri Delta seeks - and seeks to cultivate - in her leaders

• Understand what resources are available to support your continued growth and development as a Tri Delta leader

• Ask any questions you may have about Tri Delta's leadership competency model
  

To access this webinar, please email the LDC at LDC@trideltaeo.org.

The Leadership Development Committee

Kristi Anderson Horner, Chair
Kate Davis
Megan Shaw James
Deborah Johnson
Ellen Baker Jurewicz
Linda Wolf McLinden
Melissa Hunter Muller
Mary Ann Heyser Wright

Questions?

E-mail LDC@trideltaeo.org

These organizations assist Tri Delta with everything from official Fraternity jewelry to online social networking and chapter philanthropy efforts. Please browse through the related pages, at left, for more information about several Tri Delta partnerships.

• Affinity Marketing Consultants assists the Fraternity and aids in administering the use of Tri Delta's trademarks and Tri Delta's Life Loyal program.
• Arthur F. Hoge of Mee Mee Hoge & Epperson, P.L.L.P. provides the Fraternity,
  National House Corporation and The Center for Living, Learning & Leading with legal services and consultation.
• Bigfish Creative is a company specializing in Web, print and logo design who is responsible for the redesign of the Tri Delta Web site.
• Billhighway is a provider of Web-based chapter financial management.
• GEICO Auto Insurance provides great rates on high-quality car insurance.
  
• Interactive Collegiate Solutions provides Web-based interactive recruitment tools.
• InGiNuity is a consultancy company specializing in strategic planning, curriculum design, team development and learning strategies.
• JobBound is a career services company offering career planning services to college students and professionals.
• Journey 360 Degrees, our Evergreen partner, is about traveling throughout the world and coming full circle in your own personal development and leadership journey through self-examination, personal challenge, and profound results learned on the road while traveling. Learn more at www.Journey360Degrees.com
  
• Kemp Interiors specializes in interior design consultation for Greek housing.
• MJ Insurance provides property and casualty insurance programs for college fraternal organizations.
• Pennington & Company assists The Center for Living, Learning & Leading with alumnae relations and capital campaign programs.
• Russell Pickens of Pickens Snodgrass Koch & Co., P.C. provides accounting services and consultation to the Fraternity, National House Corporation, The Center for Living, Learning & Leading and The Foundation.
• St. Jude - Tri Delta's partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital allows chapters the option to help on a national level while continuing to support local causes. Since beginning the partnership in 1999, Tri Delta has raised more than 20 million dollars.
  
• William Goodwin of U.S. Trust Co. of Texas provides the Fraternity and National House Corporation with investment management services and consultation.

Fraternity

The first and original organization is Delta Delta Delta Fraternity.  Officially designated as a fraternity, and more commonly called a sorority, Tri Delta is governed by an Executive Board elected by the membership every two years.

Delta Delta Delta Foundation

In 1986, the Delta Delta Delta Foundation was established by Convention Resolution as the tax-exempt fund-raising partner of the Fraternity. Lead by the Delta Delta Delta Foundation Board of Trustees, the Foundation is dedicated to serving the ever-changing needs of the Fraternity, and to fulfilling Tri Delta's Purpose to "assist its members in every possible way." 

National House Corporation

Five years later, the Delta Delta Delta National House Corporation was incorporated in 1991 for the purpose of holding property titles, collecting income and submitting net income to the Fraternity. This not-for-profit corporation is managed by the National House Corporation Board of Directors.

The Center for Living, Learning & Leading

Most recently, Tri Delta established a new 501(c) 3 organization, The Center for Living, Learning & Leading.  The Center's primary purpose is the funding of Tri Delta's collegiate living environments and developing innovative educational and leadership initiatives to ensure a safe, rewarding and relevant sorority experience for future generations of Tri Delta members. The Center is governed by a Board of Directors.
 

• Permit other individuals to access the Delta Delta Delta Fraternity Web site through your logon and password.
• Permit concurrent use of the Web site through your logon and password.
• Slander Delta Delta Delta Fraternity or any of its members.

View Slideshow

The current Executive Office building provides work space for staff and storage for supplies and merchandise. By housing state-of-the-art departments and facilities, Executive Office serves as both a testimonial to Tri Delta's proud past and a symbol of her promising future.

Members are welcome to tour the building during our regular office hours. To arrange a tour, please call Executive Office at 817-633-8001 or email info@tridelta.org.

If you can't make it to Arlington, see the slideshow above for a virtual tour.

Tri Delta Leaders Visit Capitol Hill
ARLINGTON, TX - April 19 2013 - Four Delta Delta Delta Fraternity student leaders will travel to Washington, D.C., on April 22 to act as advocates for the Greek agenda. read more

Delta Delta Delta Announces Return to Miami University (Ohio)
ARLINGTON, TX - Delta Delta Delta is pleased to announce the recolonization of Delta Beta Chapter at Miami University of Ohio. read more

Delta delta delta announces leadership for the 2012-2014 biennium

ARLINGTON, TX - July 30, 2012 - At its 55th Biennial Convention in Tucson, Ariz., Delta Delta Delta installed a new Board of Directors and elected President Phyllis Durbin Grissom, Southern Methodist. The 2012-2014 Board of Directors are Alison Ream Griffin, Southern Methodist, Julie Greene Haskell, Vermont, Carol Knoche Helmus, Millikin, and Nicole Hughes, Washington. read more

Delta Delta delta launches foursquare badge

ARLINGTON, TX (PRWEB) - July 10, 2012 - Delta Delta Delta Fraternity announced today that it partnered with the location-based social network foursquare to launch a custom "True to Tri Delta" badge members. The organization is the first national fraternity for women to offer a custom foursquare badge. read more

Tri Delta celebrates raising $4.2 million in one year for St. Jude

ARLINGTON, TX (PRWEB) - July 3, 2012 - Members of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity have gathered in Tucson, Ariz, this week for the organization's 54th biennial Convention, and today, the Fraternity announced that during the 2011-2012 academic year, its collegiate and alumnae chapters have raised $4.2 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. read more

tri delta announces 2012 women of achievement recipients

ARLINGTON, TX - May 10, 2012 - At its 55th Biennial Convention in Tucson, Ariz, Delta Delta Delta will recognize the following five members as the 2012 Women of Achievement recipients:

Pam Bondi, South Florida, Florida's Attorney General

Zoe Damacela, Northwestern, Founder and CEO, Zoe Damacela Apparel

Katharine Hable Sweeney, Mississippi, Co-owner of Hable Construction

Susan Hable Smith, Alabama, Co-owner of Hable Construction

Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, Missouri, Pediatric Oncologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Read more

tri delta leaders visit capitol hill

ARLINGTON, TX - April 20, 2012 - Four Delta Delta Delta Fraternity student leaders will travel to Washington, D.C., on April 21 to act as advocates for the Greek agenda. Ginnye Cubel, Butler, Anna McCracken, Elon, Alexandria Hill, Nevada, and Alexandra Bortot, Pittsburgh, will represent Tri Delta's 138 collegiate chapters. Read more

delta delta delta members take "journey in leadership"

ARLINGTON, TX - March 09, 2012 - Ten Delta Delta Delta Fraternity members will travel to Costa Rica for the first ever Evergreen program, sponsored by the Fraternity. The program will take place March 10-17 and will be led by Dr. Mari Ann Callais, director of development for the Delta Delta Delta Center for Living, Leading, & Learning, Michael Greenberg, owner of Journey 360. Cari Cook, Fraternity Executive Director, will also be accompanying the group. Read more

tri delta celebrates partnership with st. jude children's research hospital

ARLINGTON, TX - March 01, 2012 - Members of Delta Delta Delta will be coming together throughout the month of March to celebrate the Fraternity's long-standing partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Since the partnership began in 1999, Tri Delta has donated over $17 million for the kids at St. Jude. During the 2010-2011 academic year, Tri Delta raised more the $3.5 million dollars. Read more

delta delta delta announces fourth annual fat talk free week: fraternity seeks to change the conversation about body image

ARLINGTON, TX - October, 13, 2011 - Delta Delta Delta Fraternity announces the fourth annual Fat Talk Free Week sponsored by Succeed Foundation will take place October 16-22, 2011. Fat Talk Free Week is a week-long program to raise awareness about positive body image by eliminating damaging effects of fat talk and the thin-ideal standard of beauty. Read more

Tri Delta Celebrates Raising $3.4 Million in One Year for St. Jude

MEMPHIS, TENN. - Aug. 1, 2011 - Members of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity assembled at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating their newest commitment of raising $15 million in 5 years for the hospital. Read more.

Cal Poly Chapter Closing

ARLINGTON, TX - March 29, 2011 - "It is with sadness that the Executive Board of Delta Delta Delta announces the withdrawal of its Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at the Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo, effective June 1, 2011," says Cari Fitzgerald Cook, Executive Director of the Fraternity. Read more.

Tri Delta Receives the Elisa Project Star of Hope Award

ARLINGTON, TX - December 14, 2010 - During the month of November, Delta Delta Delta was recognized as a leader in the body image community at the Elisa Project's sixth annual Life Lessons Luncheon. Read more.

Tri Delta Promotes National Hazing Prevention Week

Tri Delta Sets new Fundraising goal for st. Jude

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - September - Delta Delta Delta members from around the country assembled at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in July for a celebration of the organization's commitment and accomplishments supporting the hospital. Read more.

Delta Delta Delta Announces Leadership for the 2010-2012 Biennium
 
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - July 5, 2010 - At its 54th Biennial Convention in Orlando, Fla., Delta Delta Delta installed a new Board of Directors and re-elected 2008-2010 president Jackye Brown Clark for a second term. Read More.

Tri Delta Announces Appointment for The Center: Amy Vojta Joins the center board of directors 
 
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - Feb. 16, 2010 - Delta Delta Delta's The Center for Living, Learning & Leading, Inc. is pleased to announce that Amy Vojta has joined The Center's Board of Directors. Amy replaces Mari Ann Callais, who left the Board to accept a staff position with Tri Delta and The Center.

Amy has worked at Rutgers University as the assistant dean of fraternity and sorority affairs since 1996. She has also worked at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as the assistant director of Greek affairs and at the University of Texas at Austin as the panhellenic advisor. Read more.

Tri Delta Launches New Web Site

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - Feb.15, 2010 - Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) Fraternity has launched its newly redesigned Web site, tridelta.org.  The new database-driven site is the culmination of months of research, design and development, and is intended to reflect the Tri Delta experience, to bring the Purpose and shared values of Tri Delta to life and to instill and sustain pride in the Fraternity. Read more.

Tri Delta Re-colonizes Oregon Chapter
University of Oregon welcomes Theta Delta back at Installation banquet.   
 
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - Jan. 26, 2009 - Tri Delta is proud to announce the re-colonization of one of its oldest chapters, Theta Delta at the University of Oregon. The chapter originally opened in 1910 and was closed 90 years later, in June 2000. The official celebration occurred during the Installation banquet on Jan. 16, which was held on the University of Oregon campus. Read more.

Tri Delta Closes Penn State Chapter
 
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - December 4, 2009 - In early November, Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) was alerted to alleged hazing and risk management violations involving the Alpha Phi chapter of Tri Delta at Penn State.  Tri Delta's Executive Board placed the chapter on immediate investigative probation on November 5, 2009.  Read more.

Celebrating a Decade of Fundraising
 
MEMPHIS, TENN. - November 24, 2009 - Two successful collegiate fundraising programs - Delta Delta Delta women's fraternity and Up 'til Dawn - are celebrating 10 years of supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in 2009. During the past decade, Delta Delta Delta, also known as Tri Delta, has raised more than $9.4 million and Up 'til Dawn has raised more than $25.6 million for St. Jude, one of the world's premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. Read more.

Tri Delta Rotates to National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Chairmanship  
 
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - Oct. 27, 2009 Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) Panhellenic Delegate Eve Woods Riley was recently installed as the National Panhellenic Conference chairman during ceremonies at the NPC's annual conference in Tampa, Fla. This marks the first time in 52 years that Tri Delta's NPC delegate has served the national organization in this capacity. Per the terms of the chairmanship rotation, she will serve a two-year term before the next group transitions into the chairmanship role. Read more.

Tri Delta Launches 2nd Annual 'Fat Talk Free™ Week' To Combat Negative Body Image

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19, 2009 - Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta), a leader among social Greek organizations, announced the return of 'Fat Talk Free™ Week' (Oct. 19-23), an international 5-day body activism campaign to draw attention to body image issues and the damaging impact of the 'thin ideal' on women in society. Read more.

Tri Delta Honored with ASAE Gold Circle Award
2009 Gold Circle Award Honors Excellence and Innovation in Association Communications   
 
WASHINGTON, DC - July 28, 2009 - ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership has recently recognized associations that have excelled in their communications programs and initiatives with a 2009 Gold Circle Award. Made possible with funding from TMG (The Magazine Group), the annual competition selects associations and nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated excellence in communication within a number of categories, including annual reports, magazines, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, innovative communications and others. The competition received more than 300 entries this year and included a record-setting number of digital format entries. Read more.

Tri Delta Receives Partnership Award
First-ever research-practice partnership award from AED  
 
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - June 29, 2009 - Delta Delta Delta and Carolyn Becker, Ph.D, FAED, of Trinity University were recognized with the first-ever Research-Practice Partnership Award from the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). Read more.

 
 
Media Contacts

If you are a member of the media, or have a suggestion for press coverage, contact:

Holly Thompson
Director of Marketing & Project Management
Phone: (817) 633-8001 ext. 202
E-mail: hthompson@trideltaeo.org

For information about The Trident or other Tri Delta communications, contact: trident@trideltaeo.org.

Delta Delta Delta today offers young women a rich heritage of lasting friendships among women who share common goals and values.  Values of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship. The perpetual bond of friendship among members has inspired generations of women to devote themselves to unselfish leadership and to a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime.

Since 1888, more than 238,000 women have joined the Tri Delta sisterhood at 180 chapters in both the United States and Canada and pledged to "steadfastly love one another." This open motto describes the strong feelings of support our members provide to one another throughout a lifetime of membership in Delta Delta Delta.

Each collegiate member forges lifelong and meaningful friendships and engages in unique and innovative chapter initiatives focused on developing her into a well-rounded, successful woman.  Following college, Tri Delta provides many ways for woman to stay connected at every step on the journey of self-discovery and growth.  Tri Delta offers a perpetual bond of friendship at each stage of a woman's life.

Official Fraternity Fact Sheet

Fraternity Name:     Delta Delta Delta or Tri Delta 

Founded:                 1888 in Boston, Mass.

Headquarters:         Tri Delta Executive Office
                                2331 Brookhollow Plaza Drive 
                                Arlington, Texas 76006

Phone:                     (817) 633-8001

Web Site:                www.tridelta.org

Overview: Tri Delta is a national women's fraternity that engages its members for life through timeless values, enduring friendships and innovative opportunities for growth.       

Employees & Volunteers: Tri Delta relies on more than 2,500 chapter officers, 1,394  local and Fraternity volunteers and 42 Executive Office staff members.                             

National Philanthropic Partner: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Open Motto: "Let us steadfastly love one another"

Purpose: THE PURPOSE OF DELTA DELTA DELTA shall be to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way.

IT SHALL ALSO BE THE PURPOSE OF DELTA DELTA DELTA to promote and develop mutually beneficial relationships between the Fraternity and the colleges and universities where the Fraternity has established chapters, to develop qualities of unselfish leadership among its members, and to encourage them to assume, with integrity and devotion to moral and democratic principles, the highest responsibilities of college women.

Although there were three women's groups represented at Boston University in 1888, Sarah Ida Shaw saw a need for a group which would be different from the others. She said to her friend, Eleanor Dorcas Pond, "Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance."

Never before had a sorority been founded so completely and with such depth of meaning from the very beginning, and the actual day of founding is beautifully described in Sarah's words.

"At last, all was finished on Tuesday...November 27, 1888, but there was one more meeting of the two friends on the following afternoon before they separated for the Thanksgiving recess, at the top of the college building in what was then the Philological Library. It was there that the two girls embraced each other and said 'Tri Delta is founded'...It is not strange that the hearts of these sponsors were full of emotion as together they went out of the college building, for each felt there were added reasons why her Thanksgiving should be a very happy one. When they came to the parting of the ways at the historic Boston Common, Miss Pond said, 'We can make the girls we initiate promise secrecy, but what shall hold us two?' So there in the shadow of the old Park Street Church, with a bright new moon and three brilliant stars nearby...the two faithful friends clasped hands and said, 'In the presence of these myriads of witnesses, I swear eternal loyalty and fealty to Delta Delta Delta.'"
 

"The most conspicuous thing about a fraternity girl in the eyes of a curious neighbor is the pin." Sarah Ida Shaw Martin, Tri Delta's Founder.

New Member Pin
The new member pin is worn prior to Initiation. It is a green and silver enamel badge and was described in the 1818 constitution as an "inverted Delta, surrounded by three Deltas"

The Trident
The trident is the symbol of the first degree of Initiation. The trident and its degree of Initiation administered as the new member service until 1912. The silver trident is returned prior to Initiation into the Stars and Crescent degree. A gold trident may be worn as a badge guard.

The Stars and Crescent
Three golden stars, crown set with pearls, within a gold crescent of three hundred degree bearing three deltas in black enamel is the official badge of the Fraternity. Tri Delta initiates receive a Stars and Crescent Badge with her initials, the Greek letters of her chapter, and her chapter Initiation number engraved on the back. The badge belongs to Tri Delta and is lent to each member during her lifetime or as long as she remains a member.

SPECIAL INSIGNIA

Executive Board Badge
The Executive Board badge is a Stars and Crescent badge set with emeralds in place of pearls. The badge design is based on the first badge of Gamma Chapter at Adrian, which belonged to Bessie Leach Priddy. This badge is larger than the standard badge and has engraving on the crescent. The green of the emeralds represents the union of the three colors. Each new Executive Board member is given one of these special badges to wear for the rest of her life.
 
Field Consultant Badge
For many years, the women who served Tri Delta as field consultants borrowed antique badges from the Fraternity vault to be used throughout her travels. Over time, the irreplacable badges were lost, and it was deemed necessary that a special badge be created. The field consultant badge is larger than the standard badge, has an engraving on the crescent, and the stars are set with aquamarines. 

Silver Circle Pin
Introduced at the 2004 Convention,  the Silver Circle pin was designed by Tri Delta's official jeweler, Herff Jones, Legacy Division. The pin is silver and features the anniversary number engraved on the stars and crescent design.

This pin may be purchased and worn by members who have reached the 25-year anniversary of their Initiation into Delta Delta Delta. The pin may also be given to 25-year members as a gift.

Golden Circle Pin 
Introduced at the 1962 Convention, where it was given to the Golden Circle members in attendance, this pin was originally designed by Sarah Ida Shaw for the Circle Degree of Initiation.

Consisting of a delta in white enamel supporting on its sides three deltas of gold and inscribed in a golden circle surrounded by six spherical triangles in blue enamel, the Golden Circle pin celebrates the 50th anniversary of a Tri Delta's Initiation into Delta Delta Delta. The pins may be purchased by a 50-year member or given to members as a gift. 

Diamond Circle Pin  
The Diamond Circle Pin honors Tri Deltas who have reached the 75th anniversary of their Initiation. The Diamond Circle Pin shares its design with the Golden Circle Pin, but has a diamond chip in the center.

Members who have reached the 75th anniversary of their Initiation have the privilege of buying the pin or receiving them as gifts.  Introduced in 1996, the first Diamond Circle pin was presented to Mary K. Wise Jensen, Butler, past Fraternity President.

To purchase milestone jewelry, contact Tri Delta's official jeweler, Herff Jones, Legacy Division or call their toll-free number (800) 542-3728.

	Sarah Ida Shaw The inspirational force behind the founding of Tri Delta was Sarah Ida Shaw. Sarah was one of the best students in the class of 1889 at Boston University, and her academic excellence was recognized by Phi Beta Kappa. All three of the women's societies (sororities) on campus had invited her to join, but she declined their invitations due to her family responsibilities and active personal life, as well as a preconceived notion that secret societies were foolish. However, she came to realize that a fraternity could fill a great need for young women living away from home and their network of family and friends. This realization led her to start Tri Delta.  Tri Delta owes to her the beauty of the Rituals and the knowledge that commitment to an ideal greater than ourselves can bring a new dimension into our lives.
	Eleanor Dorcas Pond Eleanor Dorcas Pond was valedictorian of her high school class and was awarded a scholarship to Boston University. A person of high intellectual ability, she was also a fun-loving but practical young woman, a perfect complement to Sarah Ida Shaw's visionary personality. It was she who suggested the name be a triple letter, and she also influenced the development of the Ritual, badge, emblems and Constitution.
	Florence Isabelle Stewart Florence Isabelle Stewart was the youngest child of a village doctor who was in his 80s when she entered Boston University. Because the family had little money, it was difficult for Flora to remain in school. During her first years she commuted from Medway with her high school friend, Nellie Pond. Flora was an excellent student and salutatorian of her high school class. Her intelligence was matched by her beauty. She served as Grand Secretary from 1889-1893, but was inactive in the Fraternity after this time.
	Isabel Morgan Breed Isabel came from Lynn, Massachusetts. She had refused sorority bids because deep religious convictions made her question being a part of a selective organization. After learning of the Christian principles and aims of Tri Delta, she consented to become a member. Her activity in Tri Delta is limited to serving as Grand Treasurer from 1889-1893, but her interest was unabated, and in her quiet and orderly life she reflected great credit upon the Fraternity.

From your introduction to fraternal organizations, you'll notice that each group has unique images associated with its membership.  

Those images are significant for a number of reasons, either they are rooted in the ritual itself or have become iconic over the years.

To learn more about Tri Deltas symbols, emblems and insignia please read through the related pages.

Colors
The colors of Tri Delta are silver, gold and cerulean blue. Green is also a significant color for it symbolizes the union of the three colors.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms consists of a shield quartered, first and fourth quarters in blue on each of which is a silver trident, second and third gold on each of which is a green pine tree.
 
Above the shield, the crest, consisting of a torse with six folds alternating gold and blue, from which rises a white, gold and blue pansy.

Below the shield the open motto, "Let us steadfastly love one another," is inscribed in Greek on a scroll. 

Greek Letters

Using the Greek alphabet the name Delta Delta Delta is depicted above. The Greek letter Delta is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet and is commonly seen as an isosceles triangle.

The Pearl

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

The pine tree is a symbol of Tri Delta's collegiate members because it represents growth and lofty aspirations.

The Pansy

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

The dolphin is recognized as an additional symbol of importance as it was considered to be a good omen by the ancient Greeks. It symbolizes rebirth, friendship and leadership. In Tri Delta, the dolphin is symbolic of clear skies and smooth sailing and has special significance for Fraternity leaders.

Poseidon

The patron Greek divinity of Tri Delta is Poseidon, god of the sea and one of the three rulers of the universe.

Executive Board Badge
The Executive Board badge is a Stars and Crescent badge set with emeralds in place of pearls. The badge design is based on the first badge of Gamma Chapter at Adrian, which belonged to Bessie Leach Priddy. This badge is larger than the standard badge and has engraving on the crescent. The green of the emeralds represents the union of the three colors. Each new Executive Board member is given one of these special badges to wear for the rest of her life.
 
Field Consultant Badge
For many years, the women who served Tri Delta as field consultants borrowed antique badges from the Fraternity vault to be used throughout her travels. Over time, the irreplacable badges were lost, and it was deemed necessary that a special badge be created. The field consultant badge is larger than the standard badge, has an engraving on the crescent, and the stars are set with aquamarines. 

Silver Circle Pin
Introduced at the 2004 Convention,  the Silver Circle pin was designed by Tri Delta's official jeweler, Herff Jones, Legacy Division. The pin is silver and features the anniversary number engraved on the stars and crescent design.

This pin may be purchased and worn by members who have reached the 25-year anniversary of their Initiation into Delta Delta Delta. The pin may also be given to 25-year members as a gift.

Golden Circle Pin 
Introduced at the 1962 Convention, where it was given to the Golden Circle members in attendance, this pin was originally designed by Sarah Ida Shaw for the Circle Degree of Initiation.

Consisting of a delta in white enamel supporting on its sides three deltas of gold and inscribed in a golden circle surrounded by six spherical triangles in blue enamel, the Golden Circle pin celebrates the 50th anniversary of a Tri Delta's Initiation into Delta Delta Delta. The pins may be purchased by a 50-year member or given to members as a gift. 

Diamond Circle Pin  
The Diamond Circle Pin honors Tri Deltas who have reached the 75th anniversary of their Initiation. The Diamond Circle Pin shares its design with the Golden Circle Pin, but has a diamond chip in the center.

Members who have reached the 75th anniversary of their Initiation have the privilege of buying the pin or receiving them as gifts.  Introduced in 1996, the first Diamond Circle pin was presented to Mary K. Wise Jensen, Butler, past Fraternity President.

To purchase milestone jewelry, contact Tri Delta's official jeweler, Herff Jones, Legacy Division or call their toll-free number (800) 542-3728.

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