History
Zeta Tau Alpha was founded October 15, 1898, by nine women at the State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia.
Only 14-15 years of age, these young women desired permanence to their friendships and hoped to perpetuate their sisterhood long after college. Though dedicated to the formation of a Greek-letter group, the band of nine delayed selecting a formal name.
A temporary name of "???" was taken when, as legend has it, a member of another group met with the Founders. Raising her eyebrows and forming her fingers in the shape of a question mark, she asked "Who are you?" In unison, the group answered "Yes, Who? Who? Who?" Thus, the group came to be known as "???" while they sought 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 the formal name, the patron goddess and the badge.
Crown - The five-pointed Crown is an official symbol of the Fraternity. The significance of the five points is revealed to each member upon her Initiation. Many examples of crown artwork can be found within ZTA, and all are acceptable as long as the crown contains exactly five points.
Flower - The flower of the Fraternity, chosen by Founder Ruby Leigh Orgain, is the white violet. Its symbolic meaning is explained in the Initiation Service.
Strawberry - In the late 1800s, an admirer of one of ZTA's Founders, Mary Campbell Jones (Batte), sent her a gift of strawberries. The scrumptious present prompted the group of nine friends to host their first purely social gathering and to become officially recognized as a campus organization.
Colors - The colors of Zeta Tau Alpha are turquoise blue and steel gray. The significance of these colors is explained in the Initiation Service.
Achievements
Zetas pride themselves on doing their best and are often recognized for their excellence. Along with awards for our chapter's involvement in activites such as homecoming, we have numerous sisters who have been tapped into honor societies and recognized for their involvement in the Greek and campus community.
- May A. Brunson Scholarship and the Highest Senior Scholarship Award, Laura Gillespe
- May A. Brunson Panhellenic-Wide New Member Award, Kimberly Klocek
- 2006 University of Miami Homecoming Queen, Megan Anderson
- 1st Place O-Cheer Champions for 2007 Greek Week, 2007 Homecoming, and 2008 Greek Week
- 2007 University of Miami Homecoming Champions
- 1st Place in the School of Medicine's Dr. McDreamy Contest
- 2006 Intramural Soccer Champions
- 2007 Intramural Volleyball Champions
- 2nd Place 2006-2007 Panhellenic Intramural Cup
- 100% Member involvement in other campus activities
- 3.84 Cumulative G.P.A. Fall 2008
- 3 Female Student Government Presidents
- Quota-Plus in Recruitment
- 3rd Place in Sigma Chi Derby Days
ZTA National Convention 2008:
- Silver Award
- Crown Chapter
- Scholastic Achievement
- Vallera Clough Ross Panhellenic Award
Our chapter was also recognized at Zeta Day 2009 for the Outstanding Scholastic Achievement!
