History of the Foundation

On March 17, 1961, the Delta Zeta Foundation was certified by the Secretary of State for the state of Minnesota to be a legally organized corporation under the laws of that state. Founders Mary Collins Galbraith, Alfa Lloyd Hayes, with Helen Woodruff Nolop, Minnesota - Gamma, then National President and Past National Treasurer, were listed as incorporators of the Foundation. The purposes for which the Delta Zeta Foundation was formed are in general to promote educational and charitable purposes and to encourage, promote and contribute to the education and scholastic attainments of persons and groups of persons enrolled as students in any college or university in the United States or Canada. Originally the general plan of operation of the Foundation was that “there be a yearly award of $500 in the field of audiology, that two $100 scholarships be awarded to graduate students who were members of Delta Zeta in good standing; and that three $100 grants go to colleges or universities as may be determined from time to time.” Today the Foundation has many undergraduate and graduate scholarships awarded to students of different disciplines and interests. The Foundation encourages continued donations to increase the principal amounts of these scholarships and thus increase the amounts awarded to deserving women. In addition, new scholarships and endowments are actively sought which will continue to fulfill the Foundation’s mission. Under federal tax laws as amended by the Tax Reform Act of 1969, contributions and donations to the Foundation became tax deductible. On May 22, 1970, a motion was adopted unanimously that National Council transfer the philanthropic activities of the Sorority to the Foundation. It was with great pride in 1983 that Delta Zeta came home to Oxford, Ohio, with the establishment of the National Historic Museum and National Headquarters in a renovated Victorian house, becoming the center of activity for the Foundation and the Museum as well. It became obvious in the 1990s, however, that Delta Zeta was outgrowing her home, so in 1995 an addition was made to the original building. The Delta Zeta Foundation announced the creation of the Founders Walk, which contains the names of Delta Zetas who have purchased a brick as a tribute to our past and a promise to the future. In 1988, the Dr. John R. Andrisek Educational Fund was established, which enables the Foundation to provide educational materials for the Norma Minch Andrisek Leadership Conferences. In the 1990s, the Foundation also began sponsoring workshops and speakers at conferences and National Conventions. The year 1999 saw the establishment of the Carol Sharpe Harper Endowed Lecture Fund. Every donor has an important part in helping the Delta Zeta Foundation to continue to advance its mission with their gifts.