Tri Delta’s Biennial Convention is a time for sisters to come together, conduct Fraternity business, celebrate our sisterhood and shape the future of Tri Delta. While aspects of Convention have evolved over the years—from the schedule of events to the attire—its purpose remains unchanged.
In the early days, Convention was often hosted on college campuses, and members traveled by train, turning the journey into part of the experience. Today, sisters gather in major cities for larger-scale programming, inspirational speakers, leadership development and the work that continues to guide the Fraternity forward. Though the format may look different, Convention still serves the same essential purpose of bringing Tri Deltas together to connect, lead and celebrate the bonds of sisterhood.
History
Over the past 133 years, Tri Deltas have gathered for 61 Conventions across the United States and Canada. From college campuses and grand hotels to national parks and bustling cities, each Convention has reflected a moment in history while creating lifelong memories for the sisters who attended. Take a look as we focus on a few Conventions to remember!
1893 Convention: Our First Convention
At the time, our Alpha Chapter at Boston University and the Grand Trustees (now called the Executive Board) managed operations of the organization. Tri Delta’s first Convention was convened at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, in May 1893. Although only four of the eight collegiate chapter delegates attended, more than 40 members attended the meetings, due to Epsilon Chapter’s enthusiastic presence.
1906 Convention: Secret Magazine
Tri Delta’s seventh Convention was held at Syracuse University in June 1906, hosted by Omicron Chapter, with 175 members in attendance. Meetings took place in the Crouse College chapel. Due to illness, Grand President Elizabeth Leutscher, Goucher, was unable to attend, and Grand Vice President Carolyn Spencer Eggleston, Syracuse, presided in her place.
During this Convention, members heard the report from Louise Fitch, Knox, on her inaugural travels as a visiting delegate—the role now known as a chapter development consultant (CDC). Delegates also established Tri Delta’s first endowment fund, laying the groundwork for the Fraternity’s future financial stability. Additional milestones included plans to publish Tri Delta’s first history book and The Triton, a “secret” magazine created exclusively for members, featuring organizational updates and Council reports.
One memorable attendee was 3-month-old Frances Priddy (daughter of Bessie Leach Priddy, Adrian), who became Convention’s youngest non-voting attendee. After delighting members with a spoon gifted by alumnae living in Winchell Hall, the spoon was engraved with her name in hopes she would one day attend Convention as a Tri Delta herself. Eighteen years later, Frances joined Delta Xi Chapter at the University of Missouri and eventually followed in her mother’s footsteps to serve as Fraternity President.
Convention festivities included trolley rides through Syracuse, a dance at the clubhouse and a banquet at the Yates Hotel. Attendees also enjoyed remarks from Founder Dr. Eleanor Dorcas Pond, Boston, who shared stories from Tri Delta’s earliest years.
1925 Convention: Adventures on the Way
Tri Delta’s 14th Convention was held June 28 through July 3, 1925, at the Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park, Montana. Built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railroad along Swiftcurrent Lake, the hotel welcomed 263 members—but the journey there became one of Convention’s most memorable stories.
Members traveled west aboard another “Delta Special” Burlington train, led by the same conductor who had assisted Tri Delta groups on previous journeys. Along the route, alumnae hosted members at train stops, while townspeople gathered to wave and welcome the passing train. In one town, attendees were even invited to join a parade led by cowboys and a stagecoach.
Near Billings, Montana, members dining on the train were startled when water glasses suddenly spilled over. What they first assumed was another train passing turned out to be a small earthquake. Afterward, the train slowed significantly while crews inspected the tracks for damage.
For the final leg of the trip, members boarded buses for a long but scenic ride through Glacier National Park to the hotel.
Convention formally opened the next day, and members spent their days working through Fraternity business, networking with fellow members at roundtables and workshops and making decisions to streamline chapter operations. Evenings offered a chance to relax with concerts, a dance and a trip across the lake for a steak fry. And thankfully, it was a quiet and uneventful trip home.
1942 Convention: No Frills, All Business
Tri Delta’s 1942 Convention was intentionally scaled back due to World War II and focused solely on essential Fraternity business. Nicknamed “Back to Basics,” this Convention centered on planning Tri Delta’s wartime operations and determining how the Fraternity could best support the war effort while continuing its mission.
As shared in the October 1942 issue of The Trident, “No social or recreational program was arranged. The only social event was the formal dinner on the closing night.”
Delegates focused on two major priorities—establishing procedures in case the next Convention in 1944 needed to be postponed or canceled and selecting a war project. Their planning proved timely, as Convention 1944 was ultimately canceled due to the war.
The original location for the event was Sun Valley, Idaho, but it was moved to Chicago, where its more central location aligned with restrictions on civilian travel. The event was held June 10-13 at the Medinah Club, drawing 281 members.
In addition to amendments to keep the organization functioning, members reviewed Tri Delta’s financial position, potential partner war work agencies and other topics of concern. Collegiate chapter meetings discussed how to address changes on campus and within the chapters resulting from war conditions.
As it considered various war projects, the Fraternity leaned toward those that would particularly assist upperclassmen who might be unable to complete their education because of the war.
1948 Convention: Emerald-Set Badges
Tri Delta celebrated its 60th anniversary surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada. Members traveling by special train enjoyed sweeping mountain views from the train’s Vista Dome car.
In her welcome address, Dr. Doris Saunders, Manitoba—a distinguished Canadian scholar and educator—reflected on the significance of the gathering, sharing, “It is a heartwarming thing the women of the North American continent should come together in a place of beauty such as this to glory in one another’s friendship and to take stock of our responsibilities for the future.”
Convention business included important discussions about procedures for establishing new chapters. Members also addressed the need for financial support for sisters facing hardship after the prolonged illness of a past officer brought attention to the issue. The recommendation approved at this Convention led to the creation of the Crescent Fund, which serves Tri Deltas to this day.
Alongside Fraternity business, attendees enjoyed Banff’s scenery and hospitality. Social events included a visit to Lake Louise and a luncheon at the Chateau Lake Louise. One especially memorable moment came during the Delta Club party, when members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police escorted Canadian attendees into the dining room and stayed as dinner guests.
Former Fraternity President Louise Fitch, Knox, delivered the final banquet address, sharing stories from Tri Delta’s early years and her travels as the Fraternity’s first visiting delegate.
This Convention also introduced a tradition that continues today—Executive Board members completing a full term of service received emerald-set badges in recognition of their leadership and dedication.
Convention has always reflected the times in which Tri Deltas gathered—from wartime meetings focused solely on essential business to celebrations marking milestones, growth and new opportunities for the Fraternity. Agendas, locations and traditions may have changed over the decades, but Convention’s purpose has remained steadfast, bringing sisters together to strengthen Tri Delta and shape its future.
No matter the decade or destination, Convention remains where Tri Delta’s past, present and future come together.
Convention 2026: Beneath the Pines
As hundreds of Tri Deltas gather beneath the pines the weekend of June 25-29 in Denver, they’ll experience an unforgettable weekend filled with connection, inspiration and sisterhood. Attendees will enjoy an exciting lineup of events, including a Women of Achievement panel and keynote speakers Cathy Guisewite, Michigan (cartoonist, author and creator of the iconic comic strip “Cathy”), and Loretta Soffe, California/Berkeley (author, speaker and executive coach), discussing career growth, life transitions and redefining success. Loretta’s keynote is graciously sponsored by BNY Wealth.
The weekend will also feature excursions, lawn parties, networking opportunities and time to relax and reconnect. Alongside the celebration, delegates will continue the important work of shaping Tri Delta’s future through conducting Fraternity business and making important updates to our Governing Documents.
Stay tuned for a full Convention recap to come!
