Founding Date

Feb 24th, 1968

The University of South Florida was the first independent state university conceived, planned, and built during the 20th century. Former U.S. Representative Samuel Gibbons was instrumental in the school's creation when he was a state representative and is considered by many to be the "Father of USF." Though founded in 1956, the university was not officially named until the following year, and courses did not begin until 1960. The university was built off Fowler Avenue on the site of Henderson Air Field, a World War II airstrip. In 1957, the Florida Cabinet approved the name "University of South Florida." At the time, USF was the southernmost university in the state university system. In November 1963, Delta Gamma was first contacted by the University of South Florida about the Fraternity’s interest on campus. In February 1966, the University was accredited and approved for expansion with national fraternities by the local groups. On September 27, 1966, a group of eight collegiate women gathered on the patio of the library building and chose the Greek letters Delta Phi Alpha. The women chose the daisy as its symbol and the colors blue and gold. The group was approved for provisional status on campus a month later on October 24, 1966. On November 6, 1966, 18 founders and 14 charter members were initiated into Delta Phi Alpha and became a local sorority on campus. On December 7, 1966, Delta Phi Alpha became an official local sorority on campus. On July 24, 1967, the President of the University of South Florida extended an invitation to Delta Gamma to organize a group on campus by acknowledging the desire of Delta Phi Alpha to affiliate. The Fraternity received a petition from Delta Phi Alpha for a charter on August 10, 1967. The petition was approved and a pledging ceremony for the colony was held by Gamma Theta-Florida on September 17, 1967. On February 24, 1968, Delta Phi Alpha colony was chartered as the Delta Kappa chapter of Delta Gamma Fraternity and initiation took place at the Bayshore Baptist Church. Because the spring Council meeting in 1968 was scheduled to meet in two locations for the installation of two chapters, all Council officers were present to welcome Delta Kappa chapter into the Fraternity at its installation. Thirty-six charter members were initiated into Delta Gamma’s 94th chapter. Frances Coryell Harris, Kappa-Nebraska, presented the ninety-year old president’s pin of Elsie Marie Dutcher, Chi-Cornell at the Installation to the new chapter president, Gayle Hardeman, so that future presidents may wear it throughout her term. An installation banquet was held that evening at the International Inn in the Crystal Room. Susanne Farley Sanders, Sigma-Northwestern, acted as the Installation Chairman, and Mildred Moyer Baynard, Kappa-Nebraska, served as toastmistress. The next day, on February 25, a reception was held at the University Center in honor of Delta Kappa.