ΣΔΤ
SIGMA DELTA TAU
Shine As One
About us
Sigma Delta Tau was founded nationally in 1917 at Cornell University on the principle of creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all women. The Gamma Delta chapter at American University, established on December 12, 1987, carries forward that legacy by fostering a community grounded in academic excellence, service, and sisterhood. Being a Sig Delt means living our shared values of individuality, connection, engagement, and community each day. Through events such as movie nights, ice skating at the Wharf, and sisterhood retreats, our members build lasting bonds that extend beyond campus. Each of our sisters strives to enrich the American University and D.C. communities through involvement in more than 32 campus and local organizations from academic honor societies and student government to service and cultural groups. Every sister’s reason for joining Sigma Delta Tau is unique, and we honor those stories by cultivating an environment where everyone feels supported, celebrated, and empowered to grow. Together, we are a diverse group of individuals united by our love for one another and our commitment to lifelong sisterhood.
Philanthropy
At Sigma Delta Tau, we understand the true meaning of service and apply it to our daily lives by partnering with both national and local philanthropies each semester. Nationally, we support three organizations; Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA), Jewish Women International (JWI), and the Sigma Delta Tau Foundation. In the spring, we host a day of field-style events called Survivor to support PCAA, and this year, we raised over $8,000. PCAA is an organization that promotes services and advocates policies that improve the well-being of children and provides education about abuse in the U.S, especially how to prevent such abuse before it occurs. JWI's mission is to ensure that all girls and women have the fundamental right to live in a safe home, thrive in healthy relationships, and realize the full potential of their personal strength. We support JWI by tabling on the quad and raising awareness for JWI through service events such as reading to children. The SDT Foundation supports sisters across the country by providing scholarships, financial aid, and disaster relief. On a local level, we participate and fundraise for Blood Cancer United’s Light the Night walk each fall at the National Mall. We support this foundation in honor of our sister, Sabrina, who passed away from post-transplant, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in the fall of 2018. This year, we raised over $8,250 for Blood Cancer United.
A Letter from our President
My story joining Sig Delt is like many of our sisters – I went through recruitment with an open mind and not many expectations. However, I joined Sig Delt because the women here felt like home. At a time when I was nervous I would not be able to find a strong group of friends like everyone claims you do in college, Sig Delt taught me that family is not just by blood and that the women in Sig Delt would be there for me always.
I told myself I would never hold a leadership position as I was intimidated by the confidence and passion it takes to lead a chapter full of so many amazing women. It turned out that those amazing women were the ones who inspired me to take on the role of President. Congratulating me on the successes and holding my hand through the tough moments, there was always a shoulder to lean on and a vote of confidence that reminded me how much this sisterhood means to me.
My college experience was forever changed for the better when I decided to join Sig Delt, a choice I would make time and time again. From sisterhood events to days on the quad fundraising for our philanthropies, each moment spent with these women is cherished. While each Sig Delt is unique in their experiences and goals, we are all united by the support system that is our sisterhood. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Sig Delt and without the women in this sorority, and I hope each of them know the incredible impact they have made on my life!
SFAS,
Ava Ramsdale
A Letter from our Philanthropy Chair
Serving as Sig Delt’s philanthropy chair has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time in the chapter. Our sisterhood shows up for service with so much heart, and I loved getting to channel that energy into supporting all of our philanthropies: from Jewish Women International, to Prevent Child Abuse America, to the SDT Foundation. Each organization reflects what we value as a chapter: empowerment, protection, and the belief that small acts of care can create real change. One of the most special parts of the year for me was also getting to lead our partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As a cancer survivor it’s a cause that’s personally close to me, and seeing our sisters embrace it so wholeheartedly reminded me of the kind of support that defines Sigma Delta Tau. Together, we strengthened our events, expanded our outreach, and doubled our fundraising, not just for the numbers, but to honor the values we share. Watching our chapter show up with enthusiasm, compassion, and pride for every one of our philanthropies made me grateful every day to be part of this sisterhood.
Love, Sophia Ayala
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