Theta Delta Sigma

Theta Delta Sigma Society, Inc. (ΘΔΣ) is a national gender inclusive multicultural fraternal organization founded in 2001 at the University at Buffalo (SUNY).^[1] Theta Delta Sigma is a non-partisan and non-sectarian organization that has been "a partner in the values-based fraternal movement".^[2]

Theta Delta Sigma
ΘΔΣ
Founded	April 15, 2001 (24 years ago) (2001-04-15) University at Buffalo, SUNY
Type	Social
Affiliation	Independent
Status	Active
Emphasis	Multicultural
Scope	National
Motto	"Make diversity the rule instead of the exception"
Colors	Light Blue and   Night Blue
Symbol	Paw Print
Flower	Orchid
Jewel	Moonstone
Mascot	Wolf
Philanthropy	Disadvantaged youth
Chapters	9
Colonies	5
Nicknames	TDS, Thetas, The Pack
Headquarters	421 Eighth Avenue New York City, New York 10001 United States
Website	thetadeltasigma.org

History

Theta Delta Sigma Society was established at the State University of New York, Buffalo on April 15, 2001, and recognized by the university as an official and organizing group on campus the same semester.^[3][4]

Theta Delta Sigma founders, 2001

The fourteen founders of That Delta Sigma Society were:^[4]

• Jamel Catoe
• Ritchie Chavez
• Kimberly Cheng
• Gilbert Chu
• Yvonne Gong
• Michael Liu
• Cecilia Mejia
• Brian Phillips
• Naudeya Richards
• Melissa Tang
• Joey Tsao
• Iris Wangpataravanich
• Jim Wong
• Judy Wong

The society was formed as a mixed-gender group that celebrates multiculturalism.^[1] Its members are referred to as the Transcendent Siblings, although some individuals may prefer brother or sister.^[1]

On March 23, 2003, Theta Delta Sigma was recognized under the laws of the State of New York as a non-profit organization as Theta Delta Sigma Society, Incorporated.^[5] The society has grown beyond the University at Buffalo to include entities across several states.^[6]

Symbols

The society's motto is "Make diversity the rule instead of the exception."^[2] Its colors are light blue and night blue.^[7] Its symbols are the wolf and the paw print, giving it the nickname The Pack.^[7] Other nicknames are TDS and Thetas.^[7]

Activities

Public service

Since its inception, the society has emphasized public service, including charity, advocacy, relief, education, and service.

The society's first service commitment was a volunteer babysitting program that provided low-income families with a free and dependable babysitter. This service has been discontinued; however, Theta Delta Sigma continues to be involved in the lives of youth through association with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, UNICEF, and Variety Club International

For one weekend each spring, all chapters and colonies hold concurrent service projects built around service to disadvantaged youth.

Educational development

The Collegiate Officer Leadership Academy focuses on the educational development of chapter officers and individuals looking to take on more responsibility in their chapter. Theta Delta Sigma partners with the Phi Mu Women’s Fraternity for National Ritual Celebration Week, an annual initiative to encourage members of fraternities and sororities to reflect on the ritual that makes each organization unique.^[8]

Chapter programming

Held annually in the fall semester, Days of Diversity is a week of educational programs and service projects designed to increase diversity awareness and educate the community about multiculturalism.

Each chapter is responsible for organizing ThetaWeek events. ThetaWeek, typically held in conjunction with Founders' Day, events include leadership training, community service, diversity education, and social events designed to bring together the communities in which the chapters serve.

Chapters

Undergraduate chapters

Chapter	Charter date and range	Institution	Location	Status	Reference
Alpha	April 15, 2001	University at Buffalo	Buffalo, New York	Inactive	[6]
Beta	April 11, 2004	Stony Brook University	Stony Brook, New York	Inactive	[6]
Gamma	May 1, 2005	Trinity College	Hartford, Connecticut	Inactive	[6]
Delta	April 27, 2008	Adelphi University	Garden City, New York	Inactive	[6]
Epsilon	February 28, 2010	City University of New York	New York City, New York	Inactive	[6]
Zeta	March 21, 2010	Slippery Rock University	Slippery Rock Pennsylvania	Inactive	[6][9]
Eta	April 25, 2010	Virginia Tech	Blacksburg, Virginia	Inactive	[6]
Theta	July 12, 2011			Memorial	[6]
Iota	April 21, 2013	Widener University	Chester, Pennsylvania	Inactive	[6][10][a]
Cohesion Associate	March 28, 2015	University of Hartford	West Hartford, Connecticut	Inactive	[6]
Aspire Associate	November 14, 2015	University of Vermont	Burlington, Vermont	Inactive	[6][11]
Vortex Associate	November 14, 2015	University of Connecticut	Storrs, Connecticut	Inactive	[6][12]
Plus Associate	April 23, 2016	Montclair State University	Montclair, New Jersey	Inactive	[6][13]
Beacon Associate	June 17, 2017	Rhode Island College	Providence, Rhode Island	Inactive	[6]

1. Founded as the Pride Associate chapter.

Alumni and professional chapters

Chapter	Charter date and range	Location	Status	Reference
Alpha Theta	December 8, 2016	New York Metropolitan Area	Active	[6]
Beta Theta	June 4, 2017	Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	Active	[6]

See also

• Cultural interest fraternities and sororities