OUR STORY
TRI DELTA HISTORY
"Never had a sorority been founded so completely and with such depth of meaning from the very beginning."- History of Delta Delta Delta 1888-1988
Although there were three women's groups represented at Boston University in 1888, seniors Sarah Ida Shaw and Eleanor Dorcas Pond saw a need for a different organization that would "be kind alike to all and think more of the girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance." Not only did these two young women create the framework of our organization, but they also created its Rituals and symbols, wrote its constitution and designed its emblems. All was finished on Thanksgiving Eve 1888 when the two embraced each other and declared "Tri Delta is founded." Their vision has grown into the dynamic women's organization we know today.
TRI DELTA SYMBOLS AND COLORS
Greek Letters
Tri Delta’s Greek letters signify special meanings to all Tri Delta members who are bound together by bonds of sisterhood.
Poseidon
The patron Greek divinity of Tri Delta is Poseidon, god of the sea and one of the three rulers of the universe.
The Pearl
The jewel of Tri Delta is pearl. Because it is the only jewel that grows, developing from a tiny grain of sand into a thing of great value and beauty, it is a symbol of Tri Delta's new members.
The Pine
The tree of Tri Delta is the pine tree. The pine is also a symbol of Tri Delta's collegiate members because it represents growth and lofty aspirations.
The Pansy
The pansy is Tri Delta's flower. It is also a symbol of alumnae membership and the third step in the lifetime development of Tri Delta's members.
The Dolphin
Recognized as a good omen by the ancient Greeks, the dolphin is a symbol of clear skies and smooth sailing. It symbolizes rebirth, friendship and leadership. In Tri Delta, the dolphin has a particular significance for Fraternity leaders.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms consists of a shield quartered. The first and fourth quarters are in blue with a silver trident, and the second and third quarters are in gold with a green pine tree. Above the shield is the crest, which consists of a torse with six folds alternating gold and blue, topped with white, gold and a blue pansy. Below the shield is a scroll with the Greek translation of the open motto, "Let us steadfastly love one another."
Colors
The colors are silver, gold and cerulean blue. Green is also a significant color since it represents the union of three colors.
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
As a member of Tri Delta, each sister is encouraged to develop her character and gain valuable experience by joining organizations on the University of Washington's campus, serving the community, and participating in intramural sports. Tri Delta sisters are involved in a variety of organizations on campus including: UW Spirit, Panhellenic Executive Council, UW Women in Business, Husky Sales Club, the Women's Network UW, and many more.
Aside from being involved on campus, Tri Deltas serve the community by participating in several service projects each quarter. Whether it’s making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for wounded soldiers, cleaning the streets of the Greek Community, helping out at local elementary schools, or participating in the Greek Blood Drive, Tri Deltas are committed to being active members of the local community.
Service projects are just one of the way sisters work together as a team. Sisters also form teams to participate in intramural basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, and tennis. Any sister is welcome to play, and Tri Deltas can frequently be found at the IMA practicing for games or working out together.
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ACADEMICS
As an organization at a prestigious university, Tri Delta values the academic development of each of its members. Sisters take advantage of Theta Alpha’s spacious study areas when libraries get crowded and use each other as resources when classes become difficult. Freshman and sophomores have the option of being paired with an upperclassmen who is majoring in the same subject as them at the beginning of each school year. The older sisters serve as academic mentors and help younger sisters with their classes in any way possible. We also have members offer to donate their time to edit other members papers to make sure they are well edited before submission.
Tri Deltas major in a variety of subjects including: accounting, anthropology, biology, biochemistry, biopsychology, business administration, chemistry, Chinese, communications, computer science, design, economics, engineering, ESRM, finance, HCDE, LSJ, marketing, math, nursing, political science, psychology, public health, sales, Spanish, and many more.
Many Theta Alpha alumnae choose to pursue their education in graduate school, law school or medical school, and many have continued on to careers working for Deloitte, Price Waterhouse and Cooper, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Facebook, and many other reputable companies, nonprofits and firms. Every year, Theta Alpha holds an alumnae career night so current members can learn about different career paths and gain career advice from alumnae.
Each year several of our sisters study abroad together in places like England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and other countries. Tri Deltas have no fear of taking their education abroad, but no one can deny how comforting it is to know your sister is by your side in a foreign place.
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Bianca Balsamo
Welcome to Tri Delta! I could not be more thankful and excited to lead such an incredible group of brave, bold, and kind women. Our membership is not only a space where we are encouraged to become the most genuine versions of ourselves, but also where valuable friendships are formed with love and authenticity. I feel so honored to be a part of something bigger than myself, growing with women who are committed to helping each other live, learn, and lead - with purpose - for a lifetime.