History

Zeta Tau Alpha was founded on October 15, 1898 by nine women at the State Female 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, this band of nine delayed selecting a formal name. A temporary names “???” was taken while they sought an appropriate Greek name and symbols. During this time, the group received valuable assistance from two of the members’ brothers, Maud Jones’ brother, Plummer Jones, and Frances Yancey Smith’s brother, Giles Membane 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. Today Zeta Tau Alpha is one of the largest and most distinguished of women’s fraternities with over 235 links in our chain of chapters.

ZTA Facts

Chartered at Northwestern: 1923
Recolonized at Northwestern: May 5, 2007
Colors: Turquoise Blue and Steel Gray
Flower: White Violet
Symbols: Five Pointed Crown and Strawberry

Sisterhood

Today, belonging to Zeta Tau Alpha provides members with a variety of valuable opportunities from academic to community service. However, the most important aspect of membership in ZTA remains unchanged since 1989: the strong bond of friendship formed between sisters remains our most cherished legacy. From sisterhood events, socials and philanthropy events, to meeting on Thursday nights for Grey’s Anatomy, Zetas celebrate our sisterhood on a daily basis. When you become a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, you are truly expanding your family and welcoming a whole new group of sisters who truly care about you. Beginning with your first day as a new member, you will experience these special bonds of sisterhood and true friendship. Your Zeta sisters are there for you in the good and bad times; to share your successes and support you in the hard times. Zeta Tau Alpha is a place of love, laughter, support and appreciation. We want you to feel at home and at the same time, be yourself. Your years as a Zeta Tau Alpha will create lifelong memories and forge friendships that will stretch far beyond Evanston and Northwestern University.

Scholarship

As a student at Northwestern University, you share a strong appreciation for top-tier education and scholarship. Zeta Tau Alpha also recognizes the importance of scholarship and endeavors to support and continually drive its members to do better and push themselves both inside and outside the classroom. In an effort to help every Zeta achieve her personal academic best, we provide scholarship services and programs to help encourage and reward our members. We have a scholarship chair dedicated to motivating academic success through incentive programs and timely study tips. As Zetas, we pride ourselves on supporting each other in our educational pursuits and interests. In Alpha Phi chapter, you will find a large and diverse membership with sisters majoring in practically every major field of study Northwestern offers. From McCormick to the School of Music, you’re sure to find someone to offer advice on every course or field of study. Also, should you be interested in studying abroad during your four years at Northwestern, numerous Zetas have had international experiences and are always eager to share their experiences and thoughts about studying abroad.

Leadership

Being involved in campus life has always been an integral part of what makes Zeta Tau Alpha stand out at Northwestern University. You can find Zetas all over campus actively participating and taking leadership roles in every kind of campus organization from the Associated Student Government, Dance Marathon, Society of Women Engineers, Hillel Jewish Center and many others. Within Alpha Phi chapter, Zetas can find numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills that will prove invaluable in their lives after graduation. Officers and event coordinators gain valuable exposure to the daily operational aspects of Zeta Tau Alpha, and serving on any one of the many in-house chapter committees playing an important role in the overall success of our chapter. No matter how you choose to get involved at Northwestern, the connections and leadership skills learned through being a member of Zeta Tau Alpha will lead to both personal and professional success.