Legacy Amazing 19, Inc., hosted a grand celebration September 27-30 at The Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton Denton Convention Center in recognition of the UNT “Amazin” Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the first African-American Greek-Letter organization to be chartered at the University of North Texas.

According to Gloria F. Evans, president of Legacy Amazing 19, Inc., “It was a weekend of rekindling memories and fellowship to recognize the members who chartered the Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on September 29, 1968. There were 19 charter members, and 16 are still alive and 10 were present at the 50th Reunion. I am a charter member.”

“I selected Ella Goode Johnson to chair this monumental occasion as she was the tenured collegiate advisor and resident historian as well as a past Delta Sigma Theta Sorority National Heritage and Archives Chair.”

Joining in the celebration were more than 150 Deltas, family members and friends who came to Denton, Texas, from far and near. This was the first return trip for many alumnae since their graduation from UNT.

“When I think about the opportunity to celebrate with all the brilliant young women who have pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Eta Chapter, I feel blessed and humbled to be one of the 19 young women who dared to make a difference,” said Sheila Wheatley-Clark, the Charter President of Houston, Texas. “The celebration was historic, as was our founding at UNT.”

Since it’s chartering, the Zeta Eta Chapter has brazed trails as focused UNT students on a mission to develop into engaged and knowledgeable people ready to make a difference in the communities served.

The extended weekend celebration included a UNT campus tour, a Meet-n-Greet Soiree, a song-step competition, a “Women with Words” Issues Forum, a comprehensive 50-year Down Memory Lane photographic gallery and a festive Wakanda Experience Gala. The culminating activity was the Sunday morning Ecumenical Service, which featured clergy members who are alumnae of the Zeta Eta Chapter.

“In Greek Life, we use words like legacy, we refer to one another using familial words like brother or sister and we talk about a lifelong commitment to a shared bond,” said Jason Biggs, assistant dean of students and director of Greek Life. “Witnessing this event reminded me that these are so much more than words, these bonds are our legacy. This amazing connection to UNT and to each other fully demonstrates the lifelong commitment of each member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.”

Celebration Video

 

For more information on UNT Greek Life, visit http://studentaffairs.unt.edu/greek-life.

Visit DSA News for the latest happenings and successes in the Division of Student Affairs.
Contact: Ray Willhoft, 940-565-2464, raymond.willhoft@unt.edu