When six young women came together in 1902 to form a social sorority, they had a vision of lifetime sisterhood fostered by ideals that they cherished. Delta Zeta was incorporated on October 24, 1902. The Founders then went on to lay the foundation for the Sorority which would have a national reach. Today, Delta Zeta has enriched the lives of over 220,000 alumnae and collegiate members in the Unite
d States and Canada. The Delta Zeta Foundation, a non-profit organization, makes possible gifts and support for scholarships, leadership, philanthropy, and education that continue to enrich our members and enables them to enrich the lives of those in need. Service to others enriches the world. The Delta Zeta Creed says, "To those whom my life may touch in slight measure, May I give graciously, Of what is mine." Our national philanthropies, supported by both collegiate and alumnae chapters, are speech and hearing and The Painted Turtle camp. Through Delta Zeta's philanthropy of speech and hearing, Delta Zeta has national partnerships with The Starkey Hearing Foundation, Gallaudet University and the House Research Institute. Chapters also support other local, the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, and national speech and hearing organizations as well as various other causes. All of these important programs provide additional volunteer and giving opportunities for collegiate and alumnae members. The Painted Turtle's mission is to provide a year-round, life-changing environment and authentic camp experience for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.