National History
On March 25, 1917, seven young Jewish women who exemplified self-confidence and the willingness to take a chance founded a new sorority at Cornell University. Most of the seven had experienced the subtle but very real discrimination practiced against religious minorities by many Greek organizations at the time.
In response to the closed doors and as a way to meet their own social and housing needs, these young women established a sorority which would respect the individuality of its members. The personal growth and social development of each individual was the basis upon which the new organization would be built.
In response to the closed doors and as a way to meet their own social and housing needs, these young women established a sorority which would respect the individuality of its members. The personal growth and social development of each individual was the basis upon which the new organization would be built.
National Symbols
Sigma Delta Tau has several special symbols. One of them is the organization's motto, "Patriae Multae Spes Una," or, "One Hope of Many People."
Local History
The Beta Pi chapter of Sigma Delta Tau was founded April 1st, 1978, making it the University of Rochester's oldest sorority.