Theta Delta Sigma

Theta Delta Sigma Society, Inc. (ΘΔΣ) is a national gender inclusive multicultural fraternal organization founded in 2001 at the University at Buffalo (SUNY).[1] Theta Delta Sigma is a non-partisan and non-sectarian organization that has been "a partner in the values-based fraternal movement".[2]

Theta Delta Sigma
ΘΔΣ
FoundedApril 15, 2001 (2001-04-15)
University at Buffalo, SUNY
TypeSocial, Service
EmphasisMulticultural
ScopeNational
MottoMake diversity the rule instead of the exception
Colors Light Blue  and  Night Blue 
SymbolPaw Print
FlowerOrchid
JewelMoonstone
MascotWolf
PhilanthropyDisadvantaged youth
Chapters9
Colonies5
NicknamesTDS, Thetas, The Pack
Headquarters421 Eighth Avenue
New York City, New York 10001
United States
Websitethetadeltasigma.org

History

Theta Delta Sigma Society was established at the State University of New York, Buffalo on April 15, 2001, and recognized by the university as an official and organizing group on campus the same semester.[3][4]

Theta Delta Sigma founders, 2001

The fourteen founders of That Delta Sigma Society are Jamel Catoe, Ritchie Chavez, Kimberly Cheng, Gilbert Chu, Yvonne Gong, Michael Liu, Cecilia Mejia, Brian Phillips, Naudeya Richards, Melissa Tang, Joey Tsao, Iris Wangpataravanich, Jim Wong, and Judy Wong:[4]

The society was formed as a mixed-gender group that celebrates multiculturalism.[1] Its members are referred to as the Transcendent Siblings, although some individuals may prefer brother or sister.[1]

On March 23, 2003, Theta Delta Sigma was recognized under the laws of the State of New York as a non-profit organization as Theta Delta Sigma Society, Incorporated.[5] The society has grown beyond the University at Buffalo to include entities across several states.[6]

Symbols

The society's motto is "Make diversity the rule instead of the exception."[2] Its colors are light blue and night blue.[7] Its symbols are the wolf and the paw print, giving it the nickname The Pack.[7] Other nicknames are TDS and Thetas.[7]

Initiatives and programs

Public service

Since its inception, the society has emphasized public service, including charity, advocacy, relief, education, and service.

The society's first service commitment was a volunteer babysitting program that provided low-income families with a free and dependable babysitter. This service has been discontinued; however, Theta Delta Sigma continues to be involved in the lives of youth through association with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, UNICEF, and Variety Club International

For one weekend each spring, all chapters and colonies hold concurrent service projects built around service to disadvantaged youth.

Educational development

The Collegiate Officer Leadership Academy focuses on the educational development of chapter officers and individuals looking to take on more responsibility in their chapter. Theta Delta Sigma partners with the Phi Mu Women’s Fraternity for National Ritual Celebration Week, an annual initiative to encourage members of fraternities and sororities to reflect on the ritual that makes each organization unique.[8]

Chapter programming

Held annually in the fall semester, Days of Diversity is a week of educational programs and service projects designed to increase diversity awareness and educate the community about multiculturalism.

Each chapter is responsible for organizing ThetaWeek events. ThetaWeek, typically held in conjunction with Founders' Day, events include leadership training, community service, diversity education, and social events designed to bring together the communities in which the chapters serve.

Chapters

Since its inception, Theta Delta Sigma has established chapters at the following locations:

Undergraduate chapters
Chapter Charter/Range Institution/Community Location Status Reference
Alpha April 15, 2001 University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York Inactive [6]
Beta April 11, 2004 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York Inactive [6]
Gamma May 1, 2005 Trinity College/Greater Hartford Hartford, Connecticut Inactive [6]
Delta April 27, 2008 Adelphi University Garden City, New York Inactive [6]
Epsilon February 28, 2010 City University of New York New York City, New York Inactive [6]
Zeta March 21, 2010 Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock Pennsylvania Inactive [6][9]
Eta April 25, 2010 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, Virginia Inactive [6]
Theta July 12, 2011 Chapter Eternal Memorial [6]
Iota April 21, 2013 Widener University Chester, Pennsylvania Inactive [6][10][lower-alpha 1]
Cohesion Associate March 28, 2015 University of Hartford West Hartford, Connecticut Inactive [6]
Aspire Associate November 14, 2015 University of Vermont Burlington, Vermont Inactive [6][11]
Vortex Associate November 14, 2015 University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut Inactive [6][12]
Plus Associate April 23, 2016 Montclair State University Montclair, New Jersey Inactive [6][13][14]
Beacon Associate June 17, 2017 Rhode Island College Providence, Rhode Island Inactive [6]

Notes
  1. Founded as the Pride Associate chapter.

Alumni and professional chapters
Chapter Charter/Range Location Status Reference
Alpha Theta December 8, 2016 New York Metropolitan Area Active [6]
Beta Theta June 4, 2017 Greater Philadelphia Active [6]

References
  1. "Diverse By Choice". Theta Delta Sigma. 2019-01-05. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
  2. "Purpose & Symbols". Theta Delta Sigma. 2019-01-05. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
  3. "Founders Days". Campuspeak, Inc. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  4. "History & Founders". Theta Delta Sigma. Archived from the original on 2019-02-24. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
  5. "New York State Department of State". NYS Department of State. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  6. "Chapter Directory". Theta Delta Sigma. 2018-05-19. Archived from the original on 2018-05-19. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
  7. Catoe, J. (2015-03-01). "Theta Delta Sigma, the Premier Multicultural Society | Center for Fraternity & Sorority Development". Retrieved 2023-01-04.
  8. "National Ritual Celebration Week". Phi Mu Women's Fraternity. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  9. "Challenging the Status Quo". Slippery Rock University, Greek Life. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  10. "Chapter Directory". Theta Delta Sigma. 2014-10-15. Archived from the original on 2014-10-15. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
  11. "UVM welcomes new all-inclusive chapter". The Vermont Cynic. 2015-12-11. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
  12. Armstrong, Kimberly (September 14, 2015). "UConn Welcomes Co-ed, Multicultural Fraternity Theta Delta Sigma". The Daily Campus. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  13. "Group of Trailblazers Takes Greek Community by Storm". The Montclarion. November 15, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  14. O'Donnell, Brooke (November 5, 2015). "Montclair State University Welcomes New Gender-Inclusive Greek Organization". Odyssey. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
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