Theta Delta Sigma
{{Short description|American gender-inclusive multicultural collegiate fraternity}}
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{{Infobox fraternity
| letters = {{lang|grc|ΘΔΣ}}
| name = Theta Delta Sigma
| colors = {{color box|#6CA0DC}} Light Blue and {{color box|#191970}} Night Blue
| motto = "Make diversity the rule instead of the exception"
| mascot = Wolf
| symbol = Paw Print
| flower = Orchid
| crest = Theta Delta Sigma Crest.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| jewel = Moonstone
| founded = {{start date and age|2001|4|15|paren=yes}}
| birthplace = University at Buffalo, SUNY
|affiliation = Independent
| type = Social sorority
| emphasis = Multicultural
| scope = National
| philanthropy = Disadvantaged youth
| address = 421 Eighth Avenue
| city = New York City
| state = New York
| country = United States
| nicknames = TDS, Thetas, The Pack
| chapters = 9
| homepage = {{URL|http://thetadeltasigma.org/}}
| ZIP code = 10001
| colonies = 5
| status = Active
}}
Theta Delta Sigma Society, Inc. ({{lang|grc|ΘΔΣ}}) is a national gender inclusive multicultural fraternal organization founded in 2001 at the University at Buffalo (SUNY).{{Cite web |date=2019-01-05 |title=Diverse By Choice |url=http://www.thetas.org/index.php/about/diverse-by-choice |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105042528/http://www.thetas.org/index.php/about/diverse-by-choice |archive-date=2019-01-05 |access-date=2023-01-04 |publisher=Theta Delta Sigma}} Theta Delta Sigma is a non-partisan and non-sectarian organization that has been "a partner in the values-based fraternal movement".{{Cite web |date=2019-01-05 |title=Purpose & Symbols |url=http://www.thetas.org/index.php/about/purpose-symbols |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105042804/http://www.thetas.org/index.php/about/purpose-symbols |archive-date=2019-01-05 |access-date=2023-01-04 |publisher=Theta Delta Sigma}}
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.{{cite news | url=http://www.campuspeak.com/founders-days/ | title=Founders Days | publisher=Campuspeak, Inc.| accessdate=June 6, 2013}}{{Cite web |date= |title=History & Founders |url=http://www.thetas.org/index.php/about/overview |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224001205/http://www.thetas.org/index.php/about/overview |archive-date=2019-02-24 |access-date=2023-01-04 |publisher=Theta Delta Sigma}} File:Theta Delta Sigma Founders.jpgThe fourteen founders of That Delta Sigma Society were:
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
- 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. Its members are referred to as the Transcendent Siblings, although some individuals may prefer brother or sister.
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.{{cite news |title=New York State Department of State |publisher=NYS Department of State |url=http://appext20.dos.ny.gov/corp_public/CORPSEARCH.ENTITY_INFORMATION?p_nameid=2906682&p_corpid=2885638&p_entity_name=theta%20delta%20sigma&p_name_type=A&p_search_type=BEGINS&p_srch_results_page=0 |accessdate=August 6, 2013}} The society has grown beyond the University at Buffalo to include entities across several states.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-19 |title=Chapter Directory |url=http://www.thetas.org/index.php/about/chapters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519120525/http://www.thetas.org/index.php/about/chapters |archive-date=2018-05-19 |access-date=2023-01-04 |publisher=Theta Delta Sigma}}
Symbols
The society's motto is "Make diversity the rule instead of the exception." Its colors are light blue and night blue.{{Cite web |last=Catoe |first=J. |date=2015-03-01 |title=Theta Delta Sigma, the Premier Multicultural Society {{!}} Center for Fraternity & Sorority Development |url=https://greeklife.uconn.edu/theta-delta-sigma/ |access-date=2023-01-04 |language=en-US}} Its symbols are the wolf and the paw print, giving it the nickname The Pack. Other nicknames are TDS and Thetas.
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.{{cite news |title=National Ritual Celebration Week |publisher=Phi Mu Women's Fraternity |url=http://www.phimu.org/nationalritualweek |accessdate=June 6, 2013}}
=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 =
= Alumni and professional chapters =
| class="wikitable sortable"
!Chapter !Charter date and range !Location !Status !Reference |
| Alpha Theta
|{{dts|2016|12|8}} |Active |
| Beta Theta
|{{dts|2017|6|4}} |Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |Active |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Fraternities and Sororities |collapsed}}{{Authority control}}
Category:Student organizations established in 2001
Category:University at Buffalo
Category:Multiculturalism in the United States
Category:Ethnic student organizations