The history of our local chapter - Iota Upsilon

Delta Zeta was established at Cal State Fullerton April 24th, 1968. After almost 40 years, the chapter has remained strong with frequent recognition by CSUF panehellenic and a very supportive local alumnae group.

The story of our founders!

In 1902, Dr. Guy Potter Benton was elected as the new President of an all male university, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. A progressive man, the new president immediately opended the university to women, and immediately, 6 brave women expressed their interest in forming a sorority.

A century ago, women were heavily criticized for just desiring an education, so one can only imagine the criticism and harassment that these women endured to establish the first Delta Zeta chapter.

It was on October 24, 1902, that the Department of the State of Ohio issued formal Articles of Incorporation establishing the Delta Zeta Sorority. The founding members were stated as follows; Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Louise Keen, Julia Lawrence Bishop, Mabelle Minton, and Anne Dial Simmons.

We are very proud of these women whose ambition and persistence make us proud to bear the Delta Zeta letters.

Dr. Benton's help was instrumental to the establishment of our house!

Dr. Benton, a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, was sympathetic to the goals of the women and went to great lengths to facilitate the bold founders. Dr. Benton allegedly helped recover the stolen constitution and also assisted in the creation of the house rituals, badge and colors. Four pledges soon became part of the sisterhood, Elizabeth Coulter being the first. Dr. Benton was named as Grand Patron, and became the first and only man to ever wear the Delta Zeta badge.

The year 2002 marked the 100th year and Centennial Celebration for Delta Zeta. Chapters nationwide celebrated the event as well as a special convocation during the summer at the Delta Zeta National Convention.