Tri Delta celebrates chapters that exemplify excellence, intentional leadership and a commitment to creating inclusive, supportive and values-driven communities. From fostering authentic sisterhood moments and prioritizing health and wellness to advancing DEIAB initiatives, promoting financial accessibility and engaging meaningfully on campus, these chapters are setting the standard for what it means to live Tri Delta’s values every day. Their innovative programs, strong officer leadership and dedication to member growth reflect a sorority experience where every sister feels seen, empowered and connected.
Margaret Paddock Haller Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award
One of Tri Delta’s highest collegiate awards, the Margaret Paddock Haller Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award, was established in 1994 in honor of past Fraternity President Margaret Paddock Haller, Cornell, to recognize chapters that have shown outstanding achievement throughout the past calendar year. Recipients of this award have demonstrated overall excellence in all aspects of chapter operations.
Small Chapter Winner
Theta Tau Chapter, University of Idaho
Theta Tau exemplifies a sisterhood rooted in intentional care, authentic friendships and visible campus leadership. As the only chapter on their campus without a points system, members show up purely out of pride for one another, creating a culture built on genuine connection and accountability. From adding three new philanthropy events and hosting professor dinners and sober socials, to collaborating with the women’s basketball team and volunteering across campus programs, the chapter consistently performs at a high level of involvement. Members also demonstrate a proactive commitment to wellness and belonging, taking action after their campus women’s center closed by inviting campus officials for in-person Q&A discussions and creating space for honest conversations around mental health, reproductive health and access. The chapter’s collegiate chapter specialist (CCS) highlighted superb teamwork among officers, alumnae and their alumna advisor, noting the strong relationships and authentic sisterhood that define the chapter experience. The CCS also emphasized how DEIAB initiatives and wellness programming are embedded throughout chapter life and how members actively support women across the community. Highly engaged on campus and recognized with six Panhellenic awards, the chapter prioritizes sober social events, advisor and alumnae collaboration and meaningful involvement—creating a culture where authentic friendship, leadership and Tri Delta values thrive.
Medium Chapter Winner
Gamma Sigma Chapter, Colgate University
Gamma Sigma has demonstrated intentional leadership, remarkable growth and a strong commitment to living out Tri Delta’s values. Campus partners and alumnae alike have commended the chapter’s measurable improvement, organization and growing sense of pride. Officers lead the chapter with both structure and compassion, setting SMART goals, collaborating closely with advisors and embedding Ritual and traditions into chapter meetings, all while advancing wellness, DEIAB and financial accessibility initiatives that ensure every member feels supported. Gamma Sigma’s CCS noted the chapter’s continued focus on intentional growth, highlighting public relations, Ritual and DEIAB as particular strengths and praising their guiding philosophy: “You are creating the chapter you want to have.” The chapter also prioritizes inclusion and accessibility through values-based DEIAB training, partnerships with the campus cultural center and creative initiatives like a cultural cookbook, along with efforts to reduce financial barriers through clothing and textbook swaps and flexible approaches to traditional costs, ensuring every member can fully participate in a supportive and accountable sisterhood.
Large Chapter Winner
Alpha Rho Chapter, University of Georgia
Alpha Rho embodies a sisterhood built on support, purpose and authentic connection. Members thrive through mental health initiatives like “Wellness Wednesdays,” body image positivity programs and hands-on learning with campus partners and local alumnae, including spinal health and women’s health workshops. Their values-based recruitment and holistic approach to the member experience ensure that each sister feels seen and empowered, while creative engagement—such as resume seminars, senior breakout sessions and intentional chapter duos—fosters lasting bonds across all classes. As one member shared, “Being a part of this chapter makes you proud to show up for your sisters every single day,” reflecting a community where health, learning and belonging are woven into daily life. Alpha Rho’s CCS highlighted the chapter’s intentional focus on Tri Delta’s values, risk management and comprehensive member education, noting how robust onboarding, mentorship programs and year-long preparation for recruitment support both personal and chapter growth. By integrating alumnae, campus partners and local experts, the chapter ensures that members are supported academically, socially and emotionally, creating a culture of inclusion, meaningful involvement and lasting development for every sister.
Dr. Diane Petersen Commitment to DEIAB
This award recognizes a collegiate chapter’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging and honors a chapter that embodies the same brave, bold and kind spirit demonstrated by Dr. Diane Petersen, Ohio Wesleyan, and her Delta Upsilon sisters. It also recognizes the impact Diane’s membership and ongoing service on Tri Delta’s Foundation Board of Trustees have had and continue to have on our sisterhood.
Winner: Gamma Sigma Chapter, Colgate University
Gamma Sigma is deeply committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging into every aspect of chapter life. Through initiatives like recruitment workshops on implicit bias, student-led programs with the campus cultural center, celebratory cultural cookbooks and a women’s discussion group, the chapter educates and uplifts its members while fostering connection and understanding. Recognizing the high costs of Greek life, they intentionally promote financial equity through textbook and clothing swaps, transparent discussions about finances and encouraging handmade gifts within Tri Delta families. Their commitment to supporting members even led them to forgo a composite one year, instead redirecting a university gift toward the composite, demonstrating selflessness and prioritizing chapter wellness.
Gamma Sigma’s CCS highlighted the chapter’s thoughtful leadership and ongoing focus on intentional growth—noting public relations, Ritual and DEIAB as particular strengths—and praising their guiding philosophy: “You are creating the chapter you want to have.” By integrating values-based DEIAB training, campus partnerships and inclusive programming, while actively removing financial barriers, Gamma Sigma ensures every member can fully participate, feel valued and contribute to a chapter culture rooted in support, connection and equity.
Excellence in Chapter Management Award
This award recognizes a chapter whose officer team demonstrates strong leadership, ownership and operational excellence across all areas of chapter management. This award recognizes an officer team whose dedicated leadership fosters consistency, accountability, and engagement among members.
Winner: Beta Omicron Chapter, Illinois State University
Beta Omicron exceeds the parameters of effective chapter management through intentional leadership and strategic planning. From revamping officer onboarding to thoughtfully planning chapter calendars that avoid overlap and maximize collaboration, officers ensure continuity and clear expectations. Well-structured chapter meetings, cross-class engagement initiatives and committees that emphasize accountability without being punitive and foster meaningful member involvement.
Programs like the Poseidon alumnae mentorship program, wellness events and the integration of DEIAB principles into recruitment further demonstrate how leadership creates an environment where members feel supported, heard and engaged. Beta Omicron’s CCS spoke passionately about the chapter’s commitment to setting future leaders up for success, highlighting the intentional ways that officers prepare the next slate during transitions and their use of tools like surveys to track progress and ensure meetings are effective. She also emphasized the chapter’s strong alumnae engagement and its focus on mental health awareness and resources, noting how members consistently show up for one another and cultivate an authentic, supportive sisterhood, both on campus and beyond.
Excellence in Membership Growth Award
This award recognizes a collegiate chapter that continuously meets campus Total and quota by intentionally and authentically marketing the Tri Delta experience, as well as cultivating strong recruitment and retention efforts—showcasing positive chapter culture, consistent and effective year-round recruitment efforts and alignment of the marketed and lived member experience.
Winner: Delta Iota Chapter, University of Arkansas
Through initiatives like “day-in-the-life” stories highlighting academics and internships and encouraging members to build genuine connections with potential members year-round, Delta Iota showcases what it means to be intelligent, engaged and relatable. Strong support systems—including mental health initiatives, small group connections, a run club and a book club—ensure that every member feels included and empowered, creating a chapter that grows naturally through connection and care. Delta Iota’s CCS described the chapter as an incredible example of best practices, noting how, despite its large size and complex operations, the chapter runs with impressive organization and purpose. She highlighted the chapter’s continued improvements in record-keeping and officer transitions, along with their strong focus on risk management and mental health through expert presentations and structured practices. Together, these efforts demonstrate a chapter clearly living the values of Tri Delta while creating a meaningful and well-supported member experience.
Social Excellence Award
This award recognizes a collegiate chapter who plans for and executes safe, inclusive and engaging social events for members that have a wide variety of focuses and collaborators, spotlighting meaningful engagement with campus partners, alumnae and philanthropic opportunities that strengthen member bonds and promote an overall feeling of belonging.
Winner: Alpha Beta Chapter, Cornell University
Alpha Beta supports its members in all facets of social excellence through thoughtful initiatives designed to strengthen connection and belonging. By utilizing their member selection committee internally to pair members for biweekly “Delta Dates,” the chapter fosters meaningful one-on-one relationships and keeps members engaged across all class years, including third- and fourth-year members. Their DEIAB committee also encourages members to broaden their social horizons by spotlighting campus events and opportunities for engagement beyond the chapter. Members reflected on the heart of their community, sharing, “We come together in this community, and we love each other.”
Committee members noted their collegiate chapter president as an articulate and respected leader, highlighting the chapter’s philanthropic success, continued growth and effective use of tools like a sisterhood spreadsheet to strengthen connections. Alpha Beta’s CCS further emphasized the members’ passion, kindness and dedication, noting that the chapter’s supportive culture reflects a deep commitment to Tri Delta’s values and leaves a strong, positive impression of both the chapter and the campus community.
Excellence in Member Learning & Development Award
The Excellence in Member Learning & Development Award recognizes a chapter that demonstrates dedication to the growth and development of individual members and the chapter as a whole, highlighting a commitment to wellness initiatives, learning experiences and engaging third- and fourth-year members through innovative programming.
Winner: Chi Chapter, University of Mississippi
Chi Chapter takes an intentional approach that turns everyday chapter experiences into opportunities for growth. From sisterhood events to welcome week programming, members are encouraged to learn, participate and develop practical skills that will serve them beyond the chapter. Members in their final collegiate year remain actively engaged as mentors, guiding younger members and sharing their experiences, while initiatives like Bid Night presentations and parent Zooms provide clear and structured learning opportunities. Committee members noted the chapter’s strong leadership and thoughtful programming, highlighting how officers ensure smooth transitions and encourage involvement in leadership roles, campus activities and philanthropy. Chi’s CCS also emphasized the chapter’s commitment to wellness, safety and inclusivity through risk management education, bystander intervention and workshops on topics such as health, self-defense and financial literacy. By connecting members with campus resources and fostering strong mentorship networks, Chi Chapter creates an environment where every member feels supported, empowered and equipped to grow.
Excellence in Health & Safety Award
This award recognizes a chapter that is implementing new and innovative ideas for risk reduction and management within its chapter and community, highlighting collaboration with resources and strong chapter narratives that promote a safer and healthier chapter culture.
Winner: Theta Tau Chapter, University of Idaho
Theta Tau demonstrates an exceptional commitment to health and safety through open conversation, thoughtful education and a culture of genuine care. By prioritizing chapter dialogue around well-being and creating space for honest check-ins, chapter leadership empowers members to speak openly, ask questions and support one another. These conversations are paired with impactful programming on Narcan administration, CPR, campus and local laws and sexual health resources, ensuring that members are informed, prepared and confident in critical moments. Theta Tau’s CCS highlighted the chapter’s strong collaboration among officers, alumnae and their AA, noting how this partnership fosters unity and shared accountability. She also emphasized the chapter’s authentic sisterhood, where members actively support one another and integrate DEIAB and wellness initiatives into chapter life. Highly engaged across campus, the chapter has earned six Panhellenic awards and prioritizes sober social events, strong advisor involvement and genuine connection among members—creating a supportive environment where health, safety and Tri Delta’s values come first.