May 14, 2009

Our new site is now launched

By viewing this website, you will be introduced to our history, services, programs, sisterhood, philanthropy, mixers, socials and much more! We welcome you to learn more about our chapter, our accomplishments, and our decision of becoming sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha.

May 15, 2009

Summer break is upon us. Please be careful while on vacation or still here at school

ZETA TAU ALPHA HISTORY

Coming Soon

Zeta Tau Alpha was founded on October 15th, 1898, by nine women at the Virginia State Female Normal School (now known as Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia. At just fifteen to sixteen years of age, these young women desired the companionship of close friends and the bond of sisterhood that lasts long after college. Though dedicated to the formation of a Greek-letter group, the band of nine girls delayed the selection of a formal name.

A temporary name of "???" was taken as inspiration from a member of another campus organization. As the girls crossed paths one day, she raised her eyebrows and formed a question mark with her fingers. "Who are you?" she asked. In unison the girls responded, "Yes, who? who? who?". Thus the group adopted the name of "???" until they sought out an appropriate Greek name and symbols. During this time, the group received valuable assistance from two of the members' brothers - Maud's brother, Plummer Jones, and Frances Yancey Smith's brother Giles Mebane Smith. Both were students at the college of William and Mary, members of men's Greek-letter organizations, and knowledgeable of Greek lore. After a year of careful contemplation, the group chose their formal name, patrion goddess, and badge.

Symbols

Crown: Known as the official symbol of the Fraternity, the significance of the 5 points on the crown is revealed to each member upon her Initiation.

Flower: Chosen by Founder Ruby Leigh Orgain, the meaning of the white violet is explained to each member upon her Initation.

Strawberry: In the late 1800s, an admirer of one of ZTA's Founders, Mary Jones Batte, sent her a gift of strawberries. It was this delicious present that prompted the group of nine friends to host their first social gathering, thus being officially recognized as a campus organization.

Colors: Explained more in depth in the Initation Service, the colors of Zeta Tau Alpha are turquoise blue and steel gray.

Founders.

Frances Yancey Smith (Died April 1977)
Ruby Leigh Orgain (Died October 1984)
Alice Bland Coleman (Died June 1956)
Maud Jones Horner (Died August 1920)
Ethel Coleman Van Name (Died January 1964)
Della Lewis Hundley (Died July 1951)
Helen M. Crafford (Died September 1964)
Alice Grey Welsh (Died June 1960)
Mary Jones Batte (Died December 1957)

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Symbols

Founders.