Founding Date

Nov 8th, 1980

Tennessee Technological University was founded in 1915 as a public, higher education institution. "Golden Eagles," the nickname for Tech athletes, was adopted in 1925. Purple and gold were adopted as the University's colors in 1916, inspired by the ironweed, with its purple flowers, and the goldenrod, with its clusters of gold. Both plants are native to the region. The large gilded eagle which graces the bell tower of Derrybery Hall has become the most prominent campus landmark. The eagle began its career as an ornament mounted on top of a pile of stone in front of a Monteagle hotel. When a fire left the building in ruins in 1952, the unsigned bird was "liberated" from its perch by school-spirited Tech students. Later, the rightful owner officially donated the bird to the University. On April 2, 1980, 18 women of local sorority Kappa Pi Omega petitioned that Delta Gamma grant the university a charter. On April 16th, the members were notified that Council had accepted their petition, and that the Kappa Pi Omega women would be welcomed as a colony of Delta Gamma. On May 4, 1980, 17 young women became pledges of Epsilon Epsilon chapter in a formal ceremony conducted by collegians of Delta Beta-Kentucky. Fraternity President Betty Norris, Betta Kappa-Nebraska, NPC Conference Delegate Barbara Laederach, Lambda-Minnesota, Director of Colonies Lou Ann Less Joslyn, Rho-Syracuse, and Expansion Coordinator Christine Herklotz Huninghake, Delta Omicron-Morehead State were all present. On the weekend of November 1-9, 13 collegians and two alumnae initiates became charter members of Epsilon Epsilon chapter. Members of Gamma Alpha-Tennessee began the weekend with inspirational activities. The group surprised the colony by forming a human anchor in the courtyard below Epsilon Epsilon’s suite and serenaded the group with Delta Gamma songs. At a reception on Saturday afternoon, Fraternity President Norris presented the charter to chapter president Joy Beard. University President Arless Roaden spoke and welcomed Delta Gamma Fraternity to the campus In 1992, Epsilon Epsilon adopted a highway in an effort to keep the stretch clean. In September of 1993, the chapter held its first anchor splash. The following year, Epsilon Epsilon held its first annual Bowl for Blindness. Since first opening, Epsilon Epsilon has rented a suite on campus. In 2010, Epsilon Epsilon, along with the rest of the Panhellenic community, moved into a new suite of the New Hall North residence hall. The chapter is unable to hold chapter meetings in the space because they’ve outgrown the space, but it serves as a common area to which all sisters have access.