History

Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 in Oxford, Mississippi, at the Lewis School for Girls by three young women who were unable to go home for the Christmas break. Together, Anna Boyd, Mary Comfort and Eva Webb created a club of "mutual helpfulness."

They chose the Greek letters Delta and Gamma because of their desire to "Do Good." It remains Delta Gamma's motto today and a driving force in all we do. Delta Gamma is a sisterhood built on a commitment to making the world better through not only service, but also a deep appreciation for each individual.

What started with three women in Oxford, Mississippi, has since grown into an international Fraternity with 150 collegiate chapters and more than 215 alumnae groups. Delta Gamma's sisterhood continues to inspire women through the values that were built into our very first Constitution. Article II, written by our Founders in 1873, states:

"The objects of this Fraternity shall be to foster high ideals of friendship among women, to promote their educational and cultural interests, to create in them a true sense of social responsibility and to develop in them the best qualities of character."

While the Constitution spells out the values of a Delta Gamma woman in Article II, you can't tell the story of Delta Gamma without speaking of hope. The original pin of the Fraternity was the letter "H," which the Founders meant to stand for hope. A few years before she died, Founder Mary Comfort Leonard described the first pin:

"We went to a local jeweler and had our pin made-the letter 'H,' which stood for hope, for we hoped great results and have not been disappointed…" - The Shield

Delta Gamma Fraternity does not discriminate in its membership selection on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, physical disability or other characteristics protected by state, provincial or federal law. Membership is open to all individuals who identify as women. Those selected for membership in Delta Gamma must have good scholarship, be of good character and standing, have an interest in activities that will enhance the academic atmosphere at the college or university, and have a sincere desire to contribute to the work of Delta Gamma. 

All efforts are in place to guarantee those selected for membership in Delta Gamma have good scholarship, are of good character and standing, have an interest in activities which will enhance the academic atmosphere at the college, university or community, and have a sincere desire to contribute to the work of Delta Gamma. The Executive Offices will continue to work with the individual chapters to ensure that all policies and procedures are followed at all times. 

For a complete list of our policies, please visit our library.

 

Topeka Alumnae Chapter and the Alpha Kappa Chapter

The Topeka Alumnae Chapter's membership includes alumnae who were initiated at Delta Gamma chapters from all across the country.  However, our chapter is primarily made of up of alumnae who were initiated into the Alpha Kappa Chapter at Washburn University.  The first Topeka Alumnae Chapter president of record is Helen Quail, who served from 1939-1941.

How did the Alpha Kappa Chapter get its start?  In 1910, thirteen girls organized a local sorority on the Washburn campus, and called it “Kappa Kappa Chi.”  Their hope was to one day become a chapter of Delta Gamma. 

In 1920, their dream became a reality and the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Gamma was installed on the Washburn campus on June 9, 1920.  It was the first Delta Gamma chapter in the state of Kansas. 

In the fall of 1921, the Alpha Kappa Chapter bought a house at 1601 SW Boswell Ave.  It was the only Washburn sorority to own its own house.  All the other sororities rented their homes.

Fifteen years later in 1936, work began on construction of a new chapter house, which was built at the south end of sorority row at the corner of 19th and Jewell. 

In 1966, a tornado destroyed much of Washburn's campus, including the Delta Gamma house.  With the insurance money, and with the help of the newly formed Delta Gamma Educational Foundation of Topeka, the chapter bought a house at 1530 SW Boswell Ave. and occupied it for three years. 

The chapter used its house on Boswell as collateral in 1969 to buy its current house located at 1915 SW MacVicar Ave.  The house was remodeled and an addition was built on the north side before chapter members moved in to their new home.  In the 1970s, another addition was built on the south end.

At present, 23 women live in the 10 bedroom, six bathroom house.