Founding Date

Feb 1st, 1989

Columbia University in the City of New York, commonly referred to as Columbia University, is an American private Ivy League research university located in New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges. The university was founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of George II of Great Britain. After the American Revolutionary War, King's College briefly became a state entity, and was renamed Columbia College in 1784. In 1896, the trustees officially authorized the use of yet another new name, Columbia University. Columbia University first admitted women in the fall of 1983. It is home to many fraternities, sororities, and co-educational Greek organizations. Approximately 10–15% of undergraduate students are associated with Greek life. In March 1988, 25 Columbia women joined together with the goal of founding a new sorority on campus. With only two sororities, they felt there was a need and interest for more Greek options at Columbia. Delta Gamma’s philosophy on friendship, integrity and honesty most closely matched the character of their group. In April 1988 Delta Gamma Fraternity received a petition from the group of 25 women. Expansion visits took place and both groups committed to forming a colony when invited by the university Panhellenic organization. October 1988 was the first pledging of 29 new members, and was documented as the most successful of all sororities on campus. The creation of a panhellenic group at this time also proved to be a prime benefactor of the leadership and initiative present in the group. A spring semester informal rush again proved successful for Zeta Theta colony and more women were added to membership of the colony. February 1, 1989 was the beginning of the formal Installation ceremony weekend took place with the initiation of 41 collegiate members plus two Patronesses. An Installation Luncheon was held in the Faculty House dining room for Delta Gamma officers, alumnae, University guests and parents. Fraternity President Maureen Syring presented the Zeta Theta Charter to chapter president Kristen Mellor. The fall of 1992 was the beginning of Zeta Theta housing. On-campus housing is guaranteed by the university for all four years as an undergraduate and the university assigned a suite in East Campus H804. House Corporation helped furnish the suite with a house-warming party. In the fall of 1995 Columbia University allowed the chapter to move into 552 West 113th Street, while House Corporation tackled the renovation of the entire house during the summer months. The chapter is very proud of its philanthropic work and has established a continuing relationship with the Lavelle School for the Blind. They were excited to help with the Art of the Eye exhibit when it came for its NYC tour in October 1992. Mixers, sisterhood dinners, philanthropic events all keep chapter members busy as they continue to grow.