History and Symbols of Zeta Tau Alpha
Zeta Tau Alpha was founded October 15, 1898 at Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia by nine young women with a vision. At only 14-15 years of age, these women desired strong relationships and a bond of sisterhood that would last beyond their college days. They wanted to form an organization that could be recognized by its high moral standards and strong sisterhood. Since its founding, Zeta Tau Alpha has been chartered on more than 225 campuses and it is one of the three largest sororities nationally.
Our Nine Founders
Della Lewis Hundley
Alice Bland Coleman
Mary Jones Batte
Alice Grey Welsh
Ethel Coleman Van Name
Helen M. Crafford
Frances Yancey Smith
Ruby Leigh Orgain
The Creed
To realize that within our grasp, in
Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever
enrich and ennoble our lives; to be true to ourselves, to those within and
without our circle; to think in terms of all mankind and our service in the
world; to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind, remembering
that since the thought is father to the deed, only that which we would have
manifested in our experience should be entertained in thought; to find
satisfaction in being, rather than seeming, thus strengthening in us the
higher qualities of the spirit; to prepare for service and learn the
nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served; to seek
understanding that we might gain true wisdom; to look for the good in
everyone; to see beauty, with its enriching influence; to be humble in
success, and without bitterness in defeat; to have the welfare and harmony
of the Fraternity at heart, striving ever to make our lives a symphony of
high ideals, devotion to the right, the good, and the true, without a
discordant note; remembering always that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau
Alpha was love,
"the greatest of all things."
-Shirley Kreasan Strout
The Colors of Zeta Tau Alpha: Turquoise and Silver
The Motto of Zeta Tau
Alpha: "Seek
the noblest"
Our Symbols:
The
Crest of Zeta Tau Alpha.
The
five Point Crown.
Zeta
Tau Alpha Banner.
The
Strawberry, given as a gift by an admirer to a Founder.
The
white violet.
Gramma
Tau's mascot.