Delta Delta Delta
The Epsilon Chapter of Delta Delta Delta (ΔΔΔ) was founded at Knox on Thanksgiving of 1889, one year to the day after the Alpha chapter was founded at Boston University. Epsilon Chapter is third-longest running chapter. Knox is known in Tri Delta history as the host of the first ever Tri Delta National Convention in 1893. As a non-residential chapter, Epsilon uses their Lodge for ceremonies, meetings, recruitment events, alumni gatherings, and as a place to spend time with sisters.
It is one of four sororities on campus, the other three being Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Alpha Sigma Alpha (ATP).
Founding
On Thanksgiving Eve of 1888, Sarah Ida Shaw established Tri Delta so that there might be a woman's Fraternity devoted to the principles of truth, self-sacrifice, and friendship. It was originally formed as an alternative to the secret societies common to the times. Today, Tri Delta is one of the largest national sororities, embodied by over 200,000 women across the United States and Canada. The Founders of ΔΔΔ:
 Sarah Ida Shaw
|
 Eleanor Dorcas Pond
|
 Florence Isabelle Stewart
|
 Isabel Morgan Breed
|
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 to encourage them to assume, with integrity and devotion to moral and democratic principles, the highest responsibilities of college women.
Written in 1888 by Sarah Ida Shaw, Boston
Philanthropy
Tri Delta has a long history of commitment to raising funds for worthy causes. What started as war related and international service projects during WWI grew as the Fraternity did, and by 1970, the idea of a national philanthropy was expressed. The 1974 Convention recommended a program focusing on pediatric oncology and hematology, and Children's Cancer Charities was born. Since 1974, Tri Delta has raised over $16 million to fund children's cancer hospitals, research facilities, and camps. In 1999, Tri Delta partnered with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Individual chapters also volunteer for local hospitals, raising funds and spirits with their dedication, compassion, and hard work. In addition to raising funds, Tri Delta dedicated a 'Teen Room' at St. Jude's to give teen patients a place to hang out, and in September 2002 pledged to raise $1 million for the project. Instead, we raised $1.3 million in just 3 years! In 2005, Tri Delta took on the challenge to raise $10 million in 10 years and completed this task in only 4 years.
Tri Delta's current project is to raise $15 million in 5 years, and so far we are already half way to our goal! On a national level, in 2011 Tri Delta raised enough to run the entire hospital for 3 days out of the year. It takes $1.8 million per day to keep St. Jude running. Currently, The Epsilon Chapter at Knox College in the last 10 years has raised over $50,000 in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Past Events:
-Tri Delta annually sponsors the Greeks at Bat, also known as Triple Play, an event where teams fill out addresses asking for donations in exchange for entry into a Softball tournament.
-DHOP or Delta House of Pancakes is held annually in Fall
-Prom Dress Drive for St. Jude girls
-Annual "Sincerely yours" a letter writing campaign
-In 2012, six Tri Delta members ran in the St. Jude Half Marathon
Recruitment
There are two different types of Recruitment: Formal and Informal.
Formal Recruitment happens each Winter Term and is organized by The Panhellenic Council. Interested girls are invited to attend a mixer where they can mingle with Greek women of all affiliations in a fun and impartial environment. Each girl will then attend parties with each sorority separately. Each house hosts a social and a philanthropic event.
Informal Recruitment happens in the Fall for women who have been on campus for more than one term. Each organization runs their own Informal, and will invite girls to their house to participate in social and philanthropic events.
Firsts
- First women's fraternity to be founded as a national organization with complete plans for governmental structure and expansion.
- First to plan an alumnae system.
- First to publish a book-length history: A Detailed Record of Delta Delta Delta, 1888-1907.
- First women's fraternity to hold a national Leadership Conference.
- First to establish a central office (now called Executive Office).
- First women's fraternity to have a social networking tool online. (InCircle)
- Tri Delta was the first NPC group to adopt a central accounting system for its collegiate chapters.
- Tri Delta pioneered chapter visitation in 1905, appointing an officer to visit all chapters.
- In 2002, Tri Delta created a life member program (Life Loyal) to recognize members who want to support the continued growth and development of the Fraternity.
