Last updated on Oct 5, 2016
By Marissa Hoffmann
The national sorority Sigma Delta Tau (SDT) has reestablished its Beta Theta chapter on campus this spring. SDT’s main goal is to encourage and empower women to reach their fullest potential in everything they do.
SDT was founded at Cornell University on March 25, 1917. Next year, the national sorority will celebrate its 100-year anniversary. It was founded by seven women, all of whom had previously been experiencing discrimination due to their religious backgrounds. That’s what lead them to form their own sorority. It became a place for all of them to bond, and encourage each other. Today SDT is partnered with Jewish Women International, Prevent Child Abuse America, and Women for Women International. All three of these organizations’ main focus is empowerment, which is exactly what SDT stands for.
SDT had a chapter on campus that was recognized in 1967. The sorority maintained recognition until the early 1990s. Michael Berthel, Director of Campus Life, said, “Our records do not indicate why they were removed, but we are so excited to partner with Sigma Delta Tau and welcome them back to LIU Post.”. Beth Gruber, SDT’s National Council Extension Chair, said, “We have wanted to return to the Brookville campus for many years and were thrilled when the campus was open for sorority expansion and SDT was selected.” SDT was selected by the Greek Council for LIU Post Greek organizations.
Courtney Kristan, who graduated from SUNY Geneseo, and Talya Laster, who graduated from University of Maryland, are SDT’s leadership consultants, living on campus to assist with the start up of SDT. They are currently living in Post Hall to make it more convenient for all of the new sisters of SDT. Kristan said, “It’s great being able to meet sisters from all around and forming relationships with each one of them.” Kristan and Laster are leadership consultants for SDT, which means they go to campuses to train and guide the new sisters of SDT.
The newly formed chapter has been selecting women to become a part of SDT. Selection of the founding class of 30 members took place on February 19. Initiation and installment of the chapter is set for the end of the spring semester. All of the new members will be considered a founder of the LIU Post chapter. “As founders, these women will get to leave a lasting legacy and make their mark at LIU Post. That is a tremendous opportunity,” said Gruber. These founding women have the opportunity to make it their own, and set up traditions in their chapter that will be passed on.
With the addition of SDT, there are now six sororities on campus.
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