The Enduring Legacy of Sigma Delta Tau: A Sisterhood Rooted in Individuality and Growth

Sigma Delta Tau (ΣΔΤ) stands as a testament to the power of unity, individual growth, and leadership. Founded in 1917 at Cornell University by seven Jewish women, the sorority has blossomed into a national organization with over 70,000 initiates across 105 chapters in the United States. While its origins lie in a response to discrimination, Sigma Delta Tau welcomes members regardless of religious affiliation, embracing diversity and fostering a supportive environment for all.

The Genesis at Cornell University

On March 25, 1917, seven female Cornell University students founded Sigma Delta Tau. Sigma Delta Tau was founded on March 25, 1917, at Cornell University by Jewish women. These women had faced discrimination and religious persecution by other Greek Fraternities. As a result, they founded a new organization with the ideals of individualism, leadership, and personal growth. Most of the seven had experienced the subtle, but very real, discrimination practiced against religious minorities by many Greek organizations at the time. In response to the closed doors, and as a way to meet their own social and housing needs, these young women established a sorority which would respect the individuality of its members. The personal growth and social development of each individual was the basis upon which the new organization would be built.

Initially named Sigma Delta Phi, the name was soon changed to Sigma Delta Tau when the women discovered the letters belonged to another Greek organization. On June 16, 1917, the seven founders and their Ritualist were welcomed by Cornell administrators, faculty and representatives of the seven National sororities on campus They were the guests of honor at the Installation Banquet of Alpha Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau.

The Founders: A Tapestry of Talents and Ideals

Each of the seven founders brought unique qualities and aspirations to the sorority, shaping its core values and leaving an indelible mark on its history.

Dora Bloom: Known as "the leader," Dora served as the first chapter president, guiding the sorority through its formative year with calmness and composure. Dora married John Turteltaub and at the time of her death, in March 1970, lived in West Orange, New Jersey. She was a community-minded woman, an extensive world traveler, and a proud mother and grandmother. Dora served as President of the Theresa Grotta Home for many years and was Secretary of the Conference of Jewish Women's Organizations.

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Amy Apfel: Described as the "personality-plus coed," Amy married Alexander Tishman and made New York City her home for many years. Amy was a member of many worthy charity organizations and a devoted mother and grandmother. Upon her death, in 1982, the Tishman family bequeathed to the Sigma Delta Tau Foundation a scholarship in Amy's name to be awarded to deserving members of the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau.
Marian Gerber: Considered "the brain," Marian graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors in History. Marian married David B. Greenberg and they co-authored two books on travel: What to Buy in Europe and What to Buy in South America. Marian earned international recognition for her volunteer work as the first American Chairman of Hadassah's Youth Aliyah. Marian taught courses at the University of Massachusetts in the Judaic Studies Department.
Grace Srenco: The "campus queen," Grace helped found the Beta Chapter and met her future husband, J. Grossman, at their installation banquet. Grace devoted much of her time to the American Red Cross and to her hobby, painting. Grace had two sons and a daughter, Nancy, who joined SDT at the University of Pennsylvania. She was a freshman, assigned to a dormitory with a sophomore roommate. This roommate was Dora Bloom. Grace said, "This chance meeting led to many happy events in my life: the founding of Sigma Delta Tau and my marriage to a Philadelphia lawyer."
Inez Ross: Remembered as "the sophisticate," Inez helped Dora Bloom get the idea of Sigma Delta Tau rolling. Inez became a prominent social worker in New York City. During the Depression era of the 1930s, she was associated with several state and federal relief agencies where her outstanding efforts came to the attention of Eleanor Roosevelt, who honored her at the White House. It was Inez who designed our National crest and selected the colors of "cafe au lait and old blue."
Regene Freund: Called herself "the activity girl." She balanced her work in campus organizations and her pre-law studies very well. After graduating from law school, she married Louis Cohane. They maintained law offices in Detroit the entire period of their marriage. In 1924, they earned the distinction of being the first married couple to try a case before the United States Supreme Court. Regene served as Sigma Delta Tau's first National President from 1918-1922. She continued to serve as SDT's National Counselor, a volunteer position she held for 35 years. Regene has been honored many times over the years for her leadership roles in civic and social welfare organizations, as well as for her contributions to Sigma Delta Tau. Regene was chosen one of Detroit's "Women of Achievement" and her portrait has been placed in the Detroit Historical Museum. Sigma Delta Tau honored Regene in 1991 by establishing the Regene Freund Cohane Outstanding President Award.

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Lenore Rubinow: Known as "the idealist," Lenore studied dance during college and dreamed of a career on the stage. Lenore studied sociology in graduate school at Columbia University. She became a successful social worker in Newark, New Jersey. She organized and directed the Department of Social Service of the Neward Beth Israel Hospital. In connection with her profession, she spent three years in Germany after World War II as part of the displaced persons' program.

Nathan Caleb House: The Ritualist

There was also a male involved in the beginnings of Sigma Delta Tau. Bloom asked Nathan Caleb House to write the ritual. Nathan House was such a person and he wrote the ritual keeping in mind the personalities of the seven young women. After leaving Cornell, Brother Nat was "lost." In a chance look through the New York City phone book, Nat was "found" and brought as a surprise to the 1958 National Convention. From that time until his death, Brother Nat attended almost every Biennial Convention and maintained correspondence and visits with many alumnae and collegiate chapters.

Core Values and Symbolism

Sigma Delta Tau's motto, Patriae Multae Spes Una, meaning "One Hope of Many People," encapsulates its commitment to unity and shared aspirations. The sorority's colors, cafe au lait and old blue, and its symbol, the torch, represent enlightenment, knowledge, and the enduring bond of sisterhood.

National Philanthropy: Prevent Child Abuse America

Since 1982, Sigma Delta Tau has partnered with Prevent Child Abuse America as its national philanthropy. Each chapter actively participates in service projects, educational programs, and fundraising initiatives to support the organization's mission. This dedication to preventing child abuse underscores the sorority's commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Notable Alumnae: Leading with Distinction

Sigma Delta Tau boasts a diverse array of accomplished alumnae who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:

Remy Zaken: Broadway Actress.
Allee Willis: Grammy Winner.
Ginnie Sebastian Storage: President General, Daughters of the American Revolution.

These women exemplify the leadership, scholarship, and commitment to service that Sigma Delta Tau instills in its members.

A Sisterhood Across Generations: Stories of Impact

The impact of Sigma Delta Tau extends far beyond the college campus, shaping the lives of its members and inspiring them to make a difference in the world.

SuEllen Weissman Fried

SuEllen Weissman Fried attended University City High School in St. Louis, Missouri. During her senior year, she was president of the Student Council. From 1949 until 1951, she was a member of the St. She graduated in 1950 and enrolled at Washington University. There, she was a member of the Modern Dance Club and a maid of honor on the Homecoming court. In September 1950, she was one of 20 women who formed Kappa Chi which in February of 1951 became a pledge chapter of Sigma Delta Tau. It was chartered as the Alpha Eta chapter on April 29, 1951. St. She married Harvey Fried, a member of Zeta Beta Tau, on June 29, 1952 after she finished her sophomore year. They would share their lives for 65 years until his death in 2018. In 1975, Fried finished her Bachelor’s at Park University in Parkville, Missouri. Fried’s passion for dance shaped her life and helped her become an advocate for children, inmates and those suffering from mental illness . She was a dance therapist for two decades. President Richard Nixon appointed her to his Task Force on the Mentally Handicapped in 1971. Fried served as President of the Kansas Mental Health Association. In 1982, she founded STOP Violence, a program in which trained volunteers utilized Reaching Out From Within, a rehabilitation program, to teach prison inmates how to change their actions, thoughts and language. She is President Emeritus of Reaching Out From Within. She added bullying prevention to her repertoire and authored a number of books on the subject. In 2002, she founded BullySafeUSA. Fried served as President of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) and she has a lifetime appointment as a member of its Board of Directors. She also was a guiding force in the philanthropic partnership between PCAA and Sigma Delta Tau. She was included on George H.W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light list.

Michelle Renee Bratton

Twenty-three years ago today, Michelle Renee Bratton went to work in the World Trade Center. At 23 years old, she was loving life in New York City, and brightening the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her. In learning about Michelle “Shelly” Bratton, themes repeat. Shelly was bubbly, radiant, like sunshine. Her laugh was contagious; her personality magnetic. She loved to sing, dance, and chauffeur her friends around in her red ragtop Cabriolet. She seemingly did everything effortlessly. As a diver and member of the National Honor Society, she was accepted to a number of colleges. She chose SUNY Oswego to be with her biological sister, Erin, with whom she was inseparable. Monica Ruiz Lima (Gamma Kappa-SUNY Oswego) was in Michelle’s new member class. “We were sisters,” said Monica. “She was a very happy person, always talking, and always laughing. Shelly was a committed sorority sister, Monica said. “She loved our sorority. Monica’s younger biological sister, Leslie-Marie Ruiz (Gamma Kappa-SUNY Oswego) agreed that Shelly would have loved to be an advisor or a national volunteer. Leslie met Shelly when she was fifteen through visits to campus. Shelly convinced Leslie to attend Oswego, join the diving team, and Sigma Delta Tau. Shelly (middle) smiles with her best friends Monica Ruiz Lima and Leslie-Marie Ruiz Falabella, both chapter sisters at SUNY Oswego. Shelly was Leslie’s assistant new member educator. “Anytime she was able to put her letters on, she was the first one there,” said Leslie. Shelly and the Ruiz sisters were also extremely close to Laurie Barnett (Gamma Kappa-SUNY Oswego), and the Walters sisters, Jeanna (Gamma Kappa-SUNY Oswego) and her younger sister Andrea (Gamma Kappa-SUNY Oswego). “They were intertwined,” said Erin. “Their sisterhood was so close, and they were always together. Before graduation in May 2000, Shelly, Monica, and their Oswego friends visited Erin in Manhattan. Shelly was the associate new member educator for Sherri D’Alessandro (Gamma Kappa-SUNY Oswego). At senior sendoff, Shelly gifted Sherri her letters. Shelly moved home and commuted into the city right after graduation. When the economy dipped in late 2000, she started part time graduate work in pursuit of a teaching career. Her ultimate goal was to teach high school history and become a diving coach, but she wanted to work for a few years first. “I told her, ‘You’re so young, Shell. At the same time, Shelly and Erin’s parents were preparing to sell the family home in New York and move to North Carolina in retirement. They moved forward with the sale, so Shelly and Erin decided to get an apartment in Yonkers. In July 2001, Shelly got a job as a Marketing Executive Assistant at eSpeed, a subset of Cantor Fitzgerald, in the World Trade Center. Through all of the transitions, she easily maintained her friendships with her SDT sisters and spent as much time as she could with them. Shelly was over the moon to work in the World Trade Center. She shopped for new work clothes and told everyone she would be, “In the building with the hat,” said Leslie. “Someone would message, ‘Good morning!,” Monica said. On August 10, 2001, Shelly drove to DC with Monica and Laurie to visit Jeanna and go to a Madonna concert. Monica said their limited view seats were terrible, but they had a great time anyway. Afterward, they went to a club with floors dedicated to different decades, and danced all night. In late August, Mary Elizabeth and Bill Bratton were prepared to settle on a home in North Carolina when a freak accident resulted in irreparable water damage to the property. On August 20, 2001, rather than leaving the state, Shelly’s parents moved in with her paternal grandparents on Long Island. The weekend before September 11, the Brattons found a development in Orange County, NY and purchased a home under construction, solidifying their decision to remain in New York. That same weekend, Mary Elizabeth stayed with Shelly and Erin in Yonkers, helping them unpack their apartment. “There were those 2 towers, bright and shiny, like a diamond in the night,” Mary Elizabeth said. “I said, ‘Which building is your building?’ And [Shelly said], ‘Mom, you see the one with the spike on it? When they dropped Mary Elizabeth off, Shelly and Erin were hurrying because Shelly wanted to be at work early the next morning, “They jumped out with me, came in. Hello, hugs, kisses,” said Mary Elizabeth. “They’re running out the door, and I’m like, Hey, wait a minute! Mary Elizabeth tapped on Shelly’s window to remind her to buckle her seatbelt. “She looked back at me and [said], ‘Mom! Get a hobby!’” Mary Elizabeth remembered. “I said, ‘You are my hobby. On September 11, 2001, Erin and Shelly’s alarm didn’t go off. Erin said they hurried out, rushing toward the bus stop. “The weather was changing, and we could start wearing cardigan sweaters and closed-toe shoes,” Erin said. “Shelly picked out her outfit the night before, and she was so excited to wear these brand new shoes. They turned the corner and to their surprise, the express bus they thought they missed was there. “We should have missed that bus.” Erin said. “I remember…the wind was blowing, and the sky was so blue, and she was standing at the bus. When Shelly got on the bus, Erin continued on her own way. For Monica, the day ahead meant seeing Shelly’s fancy office for the first time. She was going on a recruiter visit in the business district and planned to meet Shelly afterward. “Shel said, ‘You have to come up to my office. I have to show you these views. Before the news spread, Shelly called her grandparents’ home on Long Island. in Midtown, Shelly called Erin’s office and told Erin the WTC was bombed. Shelly said she was okay, but got stuck in an elevator somewhere between the 103-105 floors. Word was beginning to spread around Erin about the crash. “I was so innocent. Nobody had any idea what was going on. I told her, ‘No, no, Shell, you didn’t get bombed. It was a plane. You just climb down the stairs and pull up to Midtown. Shelly asked Erin to transfer her call to their parents. Erin said she would have typically stayed on the line, but everyone around her was shouting. Erin told her friends she spoke to Shelly, who was en route to Midtown to get her nails done to repair the stress of the morning. Moments later, Erin’s boss called with instructions to evacuate the building. “I was so naive and thinking, ‘Am I in a dream?’ It was so surreal,” Erin said. She tried to connect with her parents so they could be on the same page about meeting up with Shelly, but calls were no longer connecting. She met some of their mutual SDT friends in the lobby of her work building, and hung a poster telling Shelly to meet her at the Plaza Hotel [where her company was convening]. On Long Island, Mary Elizabeth was marveling over the blue sky and beautiful breeze when she heard her husband say in the next room, “My daughter works in that building! “Bill [grabbed] my shoulders and he’s holding me, and looks me in the eye, ‘A plane just flew into the World Trade Center,’” Mary Elizabeth said. “I turned the TV on. And this black smoke is billowing out of her building. Just then, the phone rang again in the home on Long Island. “I was lucky in the sense that I got to talk to her,” Mary Elizabeth said. “So I got on the phone…and she was monotone, and I could tell she was overcome with smoke. Dying. Bill spoke to Shelly and encouraged his daughter to remember her life-saving training from being a lifeguard. Mary Elizabeth and Bill told Shelly they loved her, and they were on their way to get her. The call ended. Mary Elizabeth said she was overcome with both panic and prayer when she realized the towers would fall. “I was thinking there was not enough help on Earth to take care of that many people. The Brattons went to church. Mary Elizabeth said their immediate community was deeply impacted by loss, so the church was flooded with people. Back in Manhattan, Monica was walking uptown with coworkers. She said they walked a few blocks, stopped into churches to light candles, and continued walking. “We could see the smoke downtown. Monica finally connected with Laurie, who was in Times Square. Laurie confirmed no one had heard from Shelly since Erin’s call. With nothing else to do, Monica walked home to Queens. At the Plaza Hotel, Erin was surrounded by coworkers trying to help her find Shelly. “I was sitting in a conference room, not able to call my family, with no understanding of where my sister could be,” she said. When the Brattons finally connected, they told Erin to meet them on Long Island. “They told me their last words, and it was a drastic difference from when I spoke to her,” said Erin. “We were all in the prime of our lives. We just loved always being together. Every weekend, we were always together, whether it was celebrating people’s weddings, being together in [the city], or going on weekend trips,” Erin said, crying. “We were living the best life, loving each other and loving life. Leslie, who was a senior at Oswego, was in the second round of recruitment with SDT when she heard the news. “She lived her life as if she knew it would be cut short,” Leslie said. “She did everything. She loved everything. That joyful spirit and love for life inspired Mary Elizabeth too. Without confirmation about Shelly’s whereabouts in the days after September 11, she was numb. “I couldn’t sleep, but I would just lay in bed, thinking and running everything through my mind. Mary Elizabeth said helping Erin process her grief was especially hard. “There was not anything there that said people worked there or had been there,” Erin said. “It was like walking on the face of the moon. On October 20, family and friends gathered to celebrate Shelly’s life at a memorial service. That night, a small crowd was at the house on Long Island when police arrived to confirm identification of Shelly from Ground Zero. Mary Elizabeth called the local coroner about bringing Michelle home for burial. The next day, they learned the identification was made from a partial jawbone and dental records. “In the midst of the tears and the realization that this was real,” Monica said, “We were also laughing saying, ‘Of course they would find her teeth. “Twenty-three years have passed, but there’s still part of me that is living on September 10, 2001.” said Erin. “It took me five years to process that she wasn’t coming back. She never should have been there. “I definitely found solace in helping others, and working with kids. Mary Elizabeth and Bill Bratton moved into their new home on December 23, 2001. To their comfort and surprise, a large percentage of their neighbors suffered similar losses on September 11. Their street name is Dawn Drive. Mary Elizabeth said they have all embraced contributing “to the betterment of humanity” in Shelly’s memory. The Brattons started a community foundation in Shelly’s name to provide scholarships to students from Pine Bush High School, Shelly’s alma mater. “This is what it is, and we’re living it. We work hard to keep her legacy and her spirit alive,” said Mary Elizabeth. “Michelle never let the grass grow under her feet. She never stopped. Shelly’s name is on the panel N-34 at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan. For the Brattons, the tradition is to attend a memorial at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Orange County, NY where the victims’ names are read aloud. Bill is usually one of the volunteers to read the list. “It’s so crazy to think I only knew Shelly for five years,” Monica said. Shelly’s friendliness, joy, and love of life inspire everyone who knew her. “Life is short,” said Leslie. “Just live. Live generously. Have a good time. Be safe, but live. “Good came out of something so horrible,” said Erin. “My story became about the push to do better through pain.

Expansion and Evolution

Sigma Delta Tau has grown significantly since its founding, establishing chapters across the United States. The sorority has also adapted to changing times, embracing inclusivity and promoting diversity within its membership.

Chapter Formations

Sigma Delta Tau has expanded by absorbing several other organizations such as Sigma Lambda Sigma, Beta Tau Sigma, Emanon, Beta Chi Alpha, Delta Psi, and Phi Delta.

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