Founders' Day Proclamation

Dear sisters,

The past several years have brought about unprecedented challenges and significant change within Tri Delta and the world at large. In times like this, the ability to access support from sisters and friends—to find a place to be seen, to be heard, to be supported and to belong—is critical to our overall well-being as women. It is my hope that Tri Delta is that place for you.

As Tri Delta celebrates 134 years as a society founded to be kind alike to all, one that values truth, self-sacrifice and friendship above all else, I think about our Founders and the challenges they endured in the years leading up to 1888. They, too, were searching for a place to belong— and a place to continue to learn and grow as students and women. What of their wisdom delineated in our Purpose might guide us as we navigate the challenges of today? And how might their call to steadfastly love one another continue to inspire us?

Tri Delta’s Ritual asks us to consider the influence of one life upon another and reminds us that no two Tri Deltas are the same. As individuals, we are encouraged to have perfect confidence in ourselves, to be considerate of others and to understand the power that one life has upon another. Anchored in our Purpose, rooted in our values and inspired by our Founders, Tri Delta is committed to educating, empowering and equipping our members as you face the challenges of today and prepare for those of the future. Thank you to Tri Delta’s Foundation and all of you who give so generously for making this support of our members possible.

EDUCATE |

As a partner in your lifelong journey of development and growth, Tri Delta continues to develop new ways to support you in your academic and professional endeavors. With programs designed to help our collegians navigate their first year of college and bridge the gap from college to career and community, Tri Delta is focused on your success from the very start of your membership.

For alumnae, Tri Delta has introduced exciting new opportunities for personal and professional development through our LEADDD programs. From virtual keynotes and compelling conversations to in-person conferences and networking events, LEADDD offers thoughtfully curated content and multi-modal learning opportunities (including online opportunities at LEADDDer.org).

In 2022, we launched a new opportunity for professional development. Our miniMBA program, offered in partnership with Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, is a 100% online graduate certificate available to all Tri Deltas. Visit tridelta.org/miniMBA for more information.

EMPOWER |

Tri Delta has a long history of women using their voices to create change and make the world a better place. Examples include the sisters who marched for women to have the right to vote during the Suffrage Movement, Tri Deltas who worked to raise money for those in need during World War II, and the Delta Upsilon members at Ohio Wesleyan who fought to welcome Tri Delta’s first Black member, Diane Petersen, in 1965 (see p. 26). More recently, Tri Deltas have stepped up to support families in Ukraine amidst war, secure venture capital funds for women of color-owned businesses, ensure that children with Down syndrome have a pre-school experience and support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (see p. 22).

One of the most empowering activities we have is to use our voices to vote. You’ll find an array of resources around voting and voter registration on tridelta.org/ engage.

EQUIP |

As women, we often have a multitude of items competing for our time and energy. Taking care of ourselves and equipping ourselves for challenge and change is critical to our overall well-being. Whether it's mental health resources, strategies to guard against burnout or guidance for having difficult conversations, Tri Delta offers an abundance of support for our members. Check out our online courses on LEADDDer.org or tune in to the Let’s Talk Tri Delta podcast for more on these subjects. You’ll also find plenty of practical advice and pro tips in the award-winning Trident magazine, in print and online at tridelta.org/trident.

This Founders' Day, I give thanks for 134 years of steadfast love, support and friendship. No matter what happens in life, you can always count on Tri Delta to be there for you—to see you, to hear you and to support you in the ways you choose to engage and leverage your influence in service and kindness to others, worldwide. Happy Founders' Day!

Delta Love,

Megan Shaw James, Millsaps Fraternity President