Tri Delta History

Delta Delta Delta was founded on Thanksgiving Eve in 1888 at Boston University. The founders, Sarah Ida Shaw, Eleanor Dorcas Ponds, Florence Isabelle Stewart, and Isabel Morgan Breed were young women of great vision and accomplishment. Tri Delta has been national in concept since its inception and its accomplishments and those of its members through the years have placed it among the leaders of fraternal movements.

• Motto:
  • Let us steadfastly love one another.
• Purpose
  • The purpose of Delta Delta Delta shall be to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way.
  • It shall also be the purpose of Delta Delta Delta to promote and develop mutually beneficial relationships between the Fraternity and the colleges and universities where the Fraternity has established chapters, to develop qualities of unselfish leadership among its members, and encourage them to assume, with integrity and devotion to moral and democratic principles, the highest responsibilities of college women.
• Symbols
  • The Pearl symbolizes the new member as it is a jewel that grows, developing from a tiny grain of sand into a thing of great value and beauty.
  • The Pine tree symbolizes the collegiate member because it represents growth and lofty aspirations.
  • The Pansy is the Tri Delta flower. It is a symbol of the alumnae membership and the third step in the lifetime development of Tri Delta's members.
  • The Dolphin is also a symbol of Tri Delta. To the ancient Greeks, the dolphin was considered a good omen and symbolizes rebirth, friendship and leadership.
• Greek Divinity
  • Poseidon is the patron Greek Divinity of Tri Delta, god of the sea and one of the three rulers of the universe.
• Colors
  • Silver, Gold, and Blue
  • Green is also significant as it represents the union of the three colors.