Tri Delta Sorority Celebrates 100 years on University of Arkansas Campus

This weekend the Delta Iota chapter of Delta Delta Delta Sorority will celebrate 100 years on the University of Arkansas. The Delta Iota chapter was the fourth sorority at the University of Arkansas and was established on Nov. 14, 1893. A centennial marker will be dedicated at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Delta Delta Delta Sorority house at 920 W. Maple St.

Delta Delta Delta has a rich and vibrant history that has withstood the test of time. Since its founding, a total of 3,582 Delta Iotas have been initiated; in addition Delta Iota is currently the largest Tri Delta chapter in the country with over 400 members. The Delta Iota chapter has made countless achievements and contributions both on campus and with their philanthropy. They have raised more money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital than any other Tri Delta Chapter in the country, raising almost $170,000 in 2012-2013.

"I am so excited to join almost a 1,000 Tri Delta collegiates and alumnae this weekend to celebrate our centennial at the University of Arkansas," said Kenny Padgett Van Patten, centennial chair and member of the Delta Iota House Corp. Board. "Almost 50 Tri Delta alumnae and collegiate members have worked hard to make this a very special weekend."

Current members are excited about the upcoming celebration. "We are so honored to be a part of Delta Iota's centennial celebration," said Caroline Fuller, senior nursing major from Pine Bluff, and president of the Delta Iota chapter. "I'm hoping that everyone can see how strong our sisterhood has been for 100 years. Many women have put their heart and soul into the Delta Iota chapter over the decades, and I'm hoping that they see that we are carrying on their legacy and striving daily to build a 'strong and more womanly character.'" 

"This weekend is going to be a great opportunity to celebrate our history as a sorority here on campus," said Hannah Merlo, a sophomore Tri Delta member. "It gives members and alumni a chance to celebrate, and gives students, staff and loved ones the opportunity to learn about us, our achievements, and where we plan to go in the future. We are very excited!"

Members, alumni, and their loved ones will join collegiate and sorority officers Friday as they dedicate a marker of commemoration for the 100^th anniversary of the Delta Iota Chapter at the University of Arkansas.

Following the dedication ceremony there will be a reception at the sorority house. A centennial dinner and dance will follow that evening at the Fayetteville Town Center. At the dinner several alumni and national Tri Delta members will be presenting about the countless history and traditions associated with the Delta Iota chapter.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, there will be house tours from 11 a.m. up to game time and a Tri Delta Tailgate at the house from 2-4 p.m. (priced at $15 per person). Finally, the centennial celebration ends on Sunday, Nov. 3, with the Centennial Walk to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The walk begins at 9 a.m. in front of Old Main. More than 900 people will be in attendance over the weekend to help pay tribute to 100 years of outstanding history and tradition for the Delta Iota chapter of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

In conjunction with the Delta Iota chapter celebration, University Libraries special collections department created an exhibit titled "Greek Life: Historical Perspectives on our Fraternities and Sororities." It is on display in the Helen Robson Walton Reading Room in Mullins Library through Jan. 31, 2014. The exhibit explores the long history and remarkable legacy of Greek fraternities and sororities at the University of Arkansas. Scrapbooks, numerous print volumes, and other materials illustrate the enduring influence of student social organizations on Arkansas's flagship university.