The future of Zeta Chapter at the University of Cincinnati, that is! Saturday, March 26, we celebrated a very special dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at the brand-new home of Zeta Chapter. Collegians, alumnae, university leaders and community members came together for the event, fondly remembering the more than 100 years of Tri Delta at UC and eagerly anticipating many more years ahead.
Fraternity President Megan Shaw James, Millsaps, remarked, “It’s amazing to think about this chapter being established in 1892, just a few short years after Tri Delta was founded. Tri Delta and this chapter have grown and evolved—changing over time to meet our members’ needs as an organization focused on enabling a lifelong journey of development and growth for our members.”
Collegiate members, volunteers and other Zeta alumnae were joined by members of Tri Delta’s Executive Board, Housing Board, Foundation Board, Tri Delta staff and university officials for the dedication on this springtime afternoon. And while the weather was chillier than we would have hoped, we were still able to celebrate and enjoy this beautiful new space.
Tours of the new home, a ceremonial ribbon cutting (complete with giant scissors!), a blessing of the house—read by Executive Board Director and Zeta alumna Lenora Oeters—and the presentation of a gift to the chapter made the afternoon complete.
Keeping Clifton Avenue Alive
Zeta Chapter, in continuous operation since 1892, is deeply rooted at UC with a strong and robust legacy. Having called their house on Clifton Avenue home since 1930s, it was important to take more than just memories to the new location at University Court. With the help of a generous donor, the stained-glass window that was a striking feature of the old chapter facility made its way into the new home, serving as a gorgeous focal point in the dining room and a piece of nostalgia for Zeta Chapter alumnae.
The house on University Court has been made a reality thanks to the support of dedicated Cincinnati alumnae who have generously contributed their time, talent and treasure to this home for their collegiate sisters. These women are paying it forward, ensuring future generations of Zeta members continue to receive, and benefit from, the same Tri Delta experience that has influenced and enhanced their lives. There is still time for you to be part of the chapter’s future with a financial donation to the Zeta/Cincinnati Housing Campaign.
Making New Zeta Memories
Since moving into their new home in January 2022, members of Zeta Chapter now look forward to the future and creating new memories. The beautiful house is currently home to 33 residents, up from 18 in the previous house.
The state of the art 15,500-square foot home has dramatically increased the size and space for the chapter, almost doubling its housing capacity while offering room for more sisters during meetings, meals and other activities.
The house not only upgraded Zeta’s living experience but is also a key step in ensuring their future growth with an expanded chapter room and dining room, ample individual and group study space, a new library, study rooms on the second and third floors, and office space for chapter officers.
“I love the way that friendships are cultivated in the house,” shared Collegiate Chapter President Ellen Walter. “I have always said that living in is the best way to get involved, know people, and become close with sisters that you would not have known well otherwise!”
Ellen added, “I was amazed when I first saw our new home! It was so much more than I could have imagined, and I felt so lucky to have the experience of leading the chapter in this historical transition.”
If you missed Saturday’s dedication and ribbon cutting, you can still experience the beauty of the chapter’s new home! Click here for a full virtual 3D tour of Zeta’s home. Don’t miss “visiting” the gorgeous blue library, the archival gallery and the basement, complete with our new chapter room and craft room!