History

Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 in Oxford, Mississippi, at the Lewis School for Girls near the University of Mississippi. The early growth for Delta Gamma was confined to women's colleges in the South. Within a few years, Delta Gamma was established in the North and then later expanded to the East. In 1891, Delta Gamma was one of the seven charter members of the National Panhellenic Conference when the first inter-sorority meeting was held in Boston.
    As the population moved West, so did Delta Gamma. What began as a club in the South soon became an international fraternity in both scope and thinking as Delta Gamma established itself not only in the United States, but also in Canada. Through the years, goals and achievements have grown as Delta Gammas continue to live by the motto set forth by the Founders, "Do Good."

The Anchor

In the world of symbols, the anchor, the age-old symbol of hope, has occupied a position of strength and prestige. It was the mark of hope for the early Christians, and it is embroidered on navy uniforms around the world. It represents not only hope but also the useful act of holding fast.

Earliest Delta Gammas wore the gold letter "H" to stand for hope and then in 1877 adopted the anchor, the symbol of hope. They wore large, often multi-jeweled anchors on their collars. Standardization of a smaller badge was adopted in 1905, along with the practice of wearing one's pin over the heart. In the 1940s alumnae were beginning to add their badges to gold charm bracelets which led to a reevaluation of the where-it-could-be-worn policy. In 1972 it was agreed that the badge could be worn anywhere a pin would be suitably placed.

Through the years, many campuses were golden galaxies of a variety of fraternity symbols, worn proudly by each group. For example, a sorority pin might be chained to a fraternity pin, a symbol of office, chapter letter or even to the badge of an honorary. All badges were a means of identity. Then, again later years came the T-shirt and sweatshirt, loudly proclaiming those same identities, and badges all but disappeared.

The Delta Gamma anchor is a beautiful design, a badge to be worn with pride. Members who used to travel by train would scan the coach to find another Delta Gamma anchor. Friendships sprouted and grew from "anchor encounters."

The golden anchor of Delta Gamma should be worn with pride. It makes a statement not only in its beauty but also in its symbolism -- and it could be the beginning of an adventure for anyone.