Chapter History

In June of 1993, the Greek advisor at Furman University notified the Delta Gamma Fraternity of the university’s decision to change its charter to allow national sororities on campus. Delta Gamma, excited about the opportunity, immediately submitted information to the Furman Inter-club council. Each of the seven existing local groups on campus was asked to recommend three national sororities to make presentations on campus. Furman chose seven National Panhellenic Council groups to present to five of the seven local groups on January 8th of 1994. Two of the local groups had previously committed themselves to Alpha Delta Pi and Chi Omega. 

    After the presentations, a bid-matching system was used to pair the national sororities with the local groups. One local organization Nesedha chose Delta Gamma! Nesedha, founded by thirteen women on April 9, 1983, is a group of sister stars. The spirit of Nesedha is best described as the feeling created when you venture outdoors on a starry night: You feel at peace beneath these stars because your presence there rings rightly within your soul. This feeling of belonging in Delta Gamma enabled the sisters of Nesedha to merge from a local sorority into a national fraternity on January 10, 1994. 

    Zeta Upsilon was the first Delta Gamma chapter to receive its charter during the fraternities’ thirteenth decade. The colony members consistently ranked number one in scholarship on campus, and they exhibited an intense interest in community service. Ten additional recruits joined the original Nesedha members that spring, and by the fall of 1994, the group had fifty-one members. 

The chapter was active on campus by maintaining a commitment to academics, friendship, service, and sisterhood. Retreats, formals, Anchor Splash, and sisterhood events became the highlights of each year.

    With a great deal of preparation, dedication, and hard work during the 1998-1999 school year, the women of Zeta Upsilon aspired to extend their experiences of friendship to other women at Furman. Delta Gamma promoted “Get Hooked on Delta Gamma” in the spring of 1999. The successful revitalization resulted in the initiation of thirty-one new members and ensured the future of the chapter as a viable sorority on campus

    Delta Gamma’s success is recognized on the Furman campus: our sisterhood is known for its diversity, enthusiasm, and genuineness. In 2019, our chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary at Furman. The collective talents and energy of the women of Zeta Upsilon have made it an incredible place to call home for many women. And with the addition of your member class, it will be an incredible place for many more!