The History of Tri Delta
Delta Delta Delta was founded in 1888 at Boston University. Sororities were already established at Boston University, but Sarah Ida Shaw and Eleanor Dorcus Pond wanted to form an organization that was different from the others. Sarah said "Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance." Along with Isabel Morgan Breed and Florence Isabelle Stewart, they formed the Alpha Chapter that initiated 18 new members within two months of the fraternity's inception. (The members of the Alpha chapter are pictured below.)
For a much more detailed history of Delta Delta Delta, please go to Tri
Delta's National Homepage.
Delta Delta Delta prides itself on maintaining the same ideals and standards that Sarah Ida Shaw strived for. Today, Tri Delta has over 130 chapters all across the United States and Canada! Tri Delta alumnae are in action all over the world, and some of Delta Delta Delta's distinguished alums include Katie Couric, Elizabeth Dole, Grace Kelly, Leeza Gibbons, Liz Claiborne, Dixie Carter, Farrah Fawcett, Deborah Norville, and Carol Burnett.
The inspirational force behind the founding of Tri Delta was Sarah Ida Shaw. Born in Missouri, Sally (her childhood name) moved to Boston at age six. There she was part of a large but close-knit family. A brilliant student, she was valedictorian of her class at the Girls' Latin School, and originally planned to attend Wellesley College. Her mother's serious illness coupled with her father's absence on business forced a change in plans and she enrolled in Boston University to which she commuted by horse-drawn car from her home in Roxbury.
Sarah was one of the best students in the class of 1889 at Boston University,
and her academic excellence was recognized by Phi Beta Kappa. All three of
the women's societies (sororities) on campus had invited her to join, but
she declined their invitations due to her family responsibilities and active
personal life, as well as a preconceived notion that secret societies were
foolish.
However, she came to realize that a fraternity could fill a great need for
young women living away from home and their network of family and friends.
This realization led her to start a fraternity - but one which would be different
from the type she had seen. After her graduation, Sarah taught classical languages
and German until her marriage in 1896. She continued her involvement with
Tri Delta, serving as Grand President from 1889-1893; Grand Commissioner of
Education from 1893-1897; and Grand Historian from 1897-1900. She attended
Conventions when possible and wrote articles for The Trident.
In 1907, Ida Shaw Martin (she dropped the Sarah after her marriage) published
and successfully marketed the first of 11 editions of The Sorority Handbook.
The book contained advice on the organization and operation of fraternities,
and this began her 30-year career as a professional Greek consultant.
Ida Shaw Martin maintained close contact with Tri Delta's leaders and her
Fraternity until her death in 1940. Her vision and idealism never wavered.
Tri Delta owes to her the beauty of the Rituals and the knowledge that commitment
to an ideal greater than ourselves can bring a new dimension into our lives.
She was elected to the Fraternity Hall of Fame in 1976.
Beta Phi History
In 1980, Centre College decided to begin sorority life on the college campus. Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Delta Delta Delta all sponsored chapters that are still thriving today. The Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Delta Phi was added to Centre's Greek community in the fall of 1999. The Beta Phi chapter of Delta Delta Delta has over 100 members and continues to grow. We are very proud of our past and look to the future with great anticipation!