HISTORY & SYMBOLS
"On March 25, 1917, seven young Jewish women who exemplified self-confidence and the willingness to take a chance, founded a new sorority at Cornell University. The choosen name was Sigma Delta Tau. Most of the seven had experiance the subtle, but very real, discrimination practiced against religious minorities by many Greek organizations at the time.
In response to the closed doors, and as a way to meet their own social needs, these young women established a sorority which would respect the individuality of its members. The personal growth and social development of each individual was the basis upon which the new organization would be built."
- Sigma Delta Tau National
LETTERS
The meaning and significance of the letters "Sigma Delta Tau" are revealed to sisters on the night of their initiation.
MOTTO
Patriae Multae Spes Una; One Hope of Many People
SYMBOL
The Torch
FLOWER
Golden Tea Rose
JEWEL
Lapis Lazuli
MASCOT
Teddy Bear
COLORS
Cafe Au Lait and Old Blue
CREST
The crest combines all elements of Sigma Delta Tau. It is shown in light blue and gold with a red flame on the Torch, flanked by seven drops to either side and the Greek translation of our motto in the ribbon along the bottom.
BADGE
Jeweled Torch. On the front of the torch are the letters ΣΔΤ, with six pearls and a diamond. The meaning of the badge is revealed to sisters during their New Member period.
