Sigma Delta Tau (ΣΔΤ) is an American sorority and member of the National Panhellenic Conference. Sigma Delta Tau was founded on March 25, 1917 at Cornell University by Jewish women. However, there is no religious requirement for membership to the sorority, and it prides itself on being inclusive of all, as well as being historically Jewish.[1] Sigma Delta Tau has over 70,000 initiates from 105 chapters around the United States.[2]

Sigma Delta Tau
ΣΔΤ
FoundedMarch 25, 1917; 107 years ago (1917-03-25)
Cornell University
TypeSocial
AffiliationNPC
StatusActive
ScopeNational with International Affiliates
MottoPatriae Multae Spes Una
One Hope of Many People
Colors  Café_au Lait and   Old Blue
SymbolTorch
FlowerGolden Tea Rose
JewelLapis lazuli
PublicationThe Torch
PhilanthropyPrevent Child Abuse America, SDT Foundation, Jewish Women International
Chapters105
Members70,000+ lifetime
Headquarters714 Adams Street
Carmel, Indiana 46032
United States
Websitesigmadeltatau.org

History

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Sigma Delta Tau was founded on March 25, 1917 at Cornell University by seven Jewish women: Dora Bloom Turteltaub, Amy Apfel Tishman, Marian Gerber Greenberg, Grace Srenco Grossman, Inez Dane Ross, Regene Freund Cohane and Lenore Rubinow. The original name, Sigma Delta Phi, was changed after the women discovered a sorority with the same name already existed.

Symbols

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The sorority's official flower is the golden tea rose and its jewel is lapis lazuli. The colors of Sigma Delta Tau are cafe au lait and old blue. The sorority's symbol is the torch, which is also the name of its national publication.

The current badge is a jeweled gold torch. On the front of the torch are the Greek letters ΣΔΤ, with six pearls and a diamond. The badge is worn as an emblem of membership by initiated members. Uninitiated members wear a different badge, a gold torch enameled in old blue.

Philanthropy

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The current national philanthropies of Sigma Delta Tau are Prevent Child Abuse America, the Sigma Delta Tau Foundation, and Jewish Women International.[1]

Prevent Child Abuse America was selected as Sigma Delta Tau's National Philanthropy in 1982. Each Sigma Delta Tau chapter conducts an annual service project, educational program or major fund raiser for the benefit of Prevent Child Abuse America. Since 1982, Sigma Delta Tau has donated more than $3 million to PCAA.

The Sigma Delta Tau Foundation was chosen as an official philanthropic partner in 2017.

Chapters

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Sigma Delta Tau currently has a total of 64 active collegiate chapters across North America.[3][1]

Membership

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The national president of Sigma Delta Tau is voted on by the chapters and National Council Members every two years.

Notable members

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c William Raimond Baird; Carroll Lurding (eds.). "Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities (Baird's Manual Online Archive), section listing Sigma Delta Tau chapters". Student Life and Culture Archives. University of Illinois: University of Illinois Archives. Retrieved 30 December 2021. The main archive URL is The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage.
  2. ^ "Chapter List". Sigma Delta Tau. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
  3. ^ "Sigma Delta Tau". Sigma Delta Tau. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
  4. ^ a b "Sigma Delta Tau – Notable SDT Alumnae". Sigma Delta Tau. Retrieved 2012-08-11.
  5. ^ "College Lifestyles Interviews Broadway Actress, Remy Zaken!". College Lifestyles. January 2000. Retrieved 2012-08-11.