Founding Date

Apr 29th, 1989

Founded as Hesperian College, in Woodland, California, the school began classes on March 4, 1861. Its opening was timed to coincide with the hour of Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration. Hesperian was coeducational and admitted students of all races. In 1920, the assets of Hesperian College were absorbed by California Christian College, which held classes in downtown Los Angeles. In 1934, the school was renamed Chapman College, after the chairman of its board of trustees (and primary benefactor), C.C. Chapman. Chapman was a pioneer Orange County church leader, real estate investor and rancher. In 1954, Chapman College moved to its present campus in the city of Orange. Chapman College became Chapman University in 1991. Delta Gamma was contacted in 1981 by a student at Chapman who was a member of a group of women that wanted to start a Panhellenic system on campus. When asked why Delta Gamma was contacted, she said that the group had visited USC and UCLA and found Delta Gamma was one of the best sororities on both campuses. On May 16, 1983, five women decided to start their own sorority on the Chapman campus. These women became the founding members of Gamma Delta Kappa: Mindy Cohen, Christina Tasulas, Tricia Herbert, Camie Marshall and Christy Burton. Hoping that someday they would affiliate with a national sorority, the name of Gamma Delta Kappa was derived from one of the names of the sororities with which they hoped to affiliate. Delta Gamma was the first name on this list. Their motto, “Girls Dedicated to Kindness,” was taken from the first three letters of their name. The Gamma represented the upward and outward movement that was the direction of the sorority. The Delta symbolized unity. The three legs represented the mind, body and spirit (religious or school) of the ladies. Finally, the Kappa symbolized the four paths and functions of the sorority. Indeed, these ladies were dedicated to kindness as they strived to excel themselves and other Greeks in community service, academics, and social endeavors. In 1984 Carole Weinger, Advisory Board Chairman at Gamma Chi-Cal State, Long Beach, wrote to the Expansion Coordinator about the interest of Gamma Delta Kappa at Chapman wanting to become a Delta Gamma chapter. Delta Gamma declined the invitation in June 1986 to visit Chapman because of a full expansion schedule. In fact, Executive Offices informed the members of Gamma Delta Kappa that Delta Gamma would not be making any additional expansion commitments for the next two years. In 1988, Gamma Delta Kappa again invited Delta Gamma representatives to visit campus. A formal presentation was made on September 18, and the Fraternity accepted the invitation to establish at Chapman on September 25. When Terri D’Alessandro, Gamma Delta Kappa’s president, received the news, she is quoted as saying, “I think my heart has stopped beating.” At the time, the group had a GPA of 3.18, the Associated Student Body first and second vice-presidents, the secretary, and several senators. The 26 members had participated heavily in philanthropic work and were well-known leaders on campus. They had been named “Sorority of the Year” for two consecutive years. Formal pledging took place on Sunday, November 6, 1988, with the assistance of Gamma Chi-Cal State, Long Beach; the CAC in charge of the new colony was Peggy Van Herpen, Gamma Chi-Cal State, Long Beach. Inspiration was held on Friday evening, April 28, 1989 at the Gamma Chi chapter house. Banners welcomed the visiting Fraternity dignitaries, new members and patronesses. Gamma Chi members had made small pin cushions for each initiate – each different from the next. Initiation was held on April 29 at the Masonic Temple for forty collegians and alumnae initiates. Gamma Chi members were responsible for robing, bringing each candidate in, and for singing. The Tucson alumnae gave Zeta Iota a pink velvet Fourth Degree curtain stitched with satin ZI letters. An Installation brunch followed at the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel with Karel Kavanaugh Lambell, Delta Alpha-New Mexico as toastmistress. Zeta Iota’s Anchor Splash® event was deemed the Best Spring Term Event for the 1992-1993 academic year, and the Most Original Event by a Greek System for the 1993-1994 year. Yet, all this happiness could not pause the death of a beloved Zeta Iota sister. Angie Foust passed away March 4, 1993 from cancer, and her memory brought the Chapman community together teaching students the value of life. Angie is in a happy place looking on and guiding Zeta Iota through their obstacles and their joy. In Angie’s name, a scholarship fund endowed by Zeta Iota was established for DG’s across the nation. The 1993-1994 school year brought other natural events that disrupted the member’s lives of Zeta Iota. In October 1993, the Southland’s fires raged past several members’ homes. Thankfully, no damage was done to the homes, but sisterhood again shined in loving support. In mid-January, the Northridge Quake occurred in the early hours of the morning. Though many nerves were rattled, again little permanent damage was done. Spring of 1994 was also a time for celebration to the members of Zeta Iota. Delta Gamma on the Chapman campus had successfully completed its first five years as a chapter. An anniversary tea was scheduled to commemorate the past and present Zeta Iota natives on Saturday, April 30, 1994. The day was definitely joyous as Delta Gamma members renewed their pride in membership and continue to grow.