F A C T S____a n d___H I S T O R Y

National History + Chapter History + Fraternity Symbols

National History Delta Gamma is among the oldest of women's fraternities. Since its founding, Delta Gamma has nurtured a fraternal pride which ensures the strength and progress of the Fraternity for the present generation of members and for those to come. More than 150,000 members have been initiated at a rate of about 5,000 each year. Delta Gamma is established on nearly 140 campuses across the United States and Canada. Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 in Oxford, Mississippi, at the Lewis School for Girls (near the University of Mississippi). Unable to travel home for Christmas because of a snow storm, three women started the first chapter of Delta Gamma. The three founders were: Eva Webb Dodd, Mary Comfort Leonard, and Anna Boyd Ellington. On that winter night in 1873, they started their "club of mutual helpfulness": Delta Gamma. DG spread to other College's and Universities in the South very quickly. After a few years, Delta Gamma was established in the North and then later expanded to the East. In 1891, Delta Gamma was one of the seven charter members of the National Panhellenic Conference when the first inter-sorority meeting was held in Boston. Since then, DG has grown into one of the 3 largest fraternities in the United States. Through the years, goals and achievements have grown as Delta Gammas continue to live by the motto set forth by our Founders: "Do Good." Back to Top

Our Chapter Pi Chapter of Missoula was founded 1911. Pi Chapter is the 16th oldest Delta Gamma Chapter in the country. Our first house was on University Avenue and was occupied from 1919 to 1925. In 1925 Pi Chapter built a new home on University Avenue, and is still occupied by Delta Gamma today. In the year 2001, Pi Chapter had its 90th birthday with visiting alumni across the United States. We will celebrate our 100th in 2011! Back to Top

S Y M B O L S

			++The crest of Delta Gamma has special meaning to its members.
	++The original member pin was a H.
			++Only initiated members wear the official badge of the Fraternity. In 1877 the “H” badge changed to an anchor, which is the traditional symbol for hope.
	++The Lewis School for Girls: Delta Gamma was founded by Eva, Mary, and Anna, at this school in Oxford, Mississippi, in 1873.
			++A land marker denotes the location of the first Delta Gamma Chapter.
	++The Anchor is Delta Gamma's symbol. Our founders originally chose the letter "H" as the symbol, and an "H" was shown on our member badge. Years later Delta Gamma adopted the anchor: the age old symbol for hope. In front of every Delta Gamma Chapter house you will find an anchor. The anchor outside of Pi Chapter-Missoula is on loan from the Navy. It is the largest Anchor on land west of the Mississippi.
			++The Fraternity flower is the Cream Colored Rose. Delta Gamma was the first Fraternity to have its flower recognized by the American Rose Society It is also known as the "Delta Gamma rose".
	+++Hannah Doll is our Fraternity mascot. She is a good friend to all Delta Gamma's and is depicted today as a Raggedy Ann doll. Originally, Hannah was a pigtailed blond wearing a short skirt and a sailor blouse. No one knows when the Raggedy Ann doll became the symbol for Hannah.
			+++Delta Gamma was founded by Anna Boyd Ellington, Eva Webb Dodd and Mary Comfort Leonard in 1873 in Oxford, Mississippi, at the Lewis School for Girls near the University of Mississippi. The Founders sought to maintain high ideals and standards and to encourage intellectual growth and service in order to exemplify college women at their best.
	++George Banta was the only man ever to be initiated into the Fraternity. Delta Gamma does not have a brother fraternity although we do have close historical ties with Phi Delta Theta, since George Banta was a former national president of that fraternity. The first Delta Gamma to be initiated north of the Ohio River was Lillian Vawter, fiancée of George Banta. She was initiated by George Banta.
	"Do Good"		++ In 1873 our Founders chose the motto "Do Good". It encourages and reminds all members of the responsibilities we have to the world.
	+++Our Fraternity colors are Bronze, Pink, and Blue.		Bronze, Pink, & Blue

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