History + Facts

Kappa Delta Sorority was founded on October 23, 1897 at State Female Normal School in Longwood Virginia (Now Longwood University). Kappa Delta was founded by four young women, Lenora Ashmore Blackiston, Julia Gardiner Tyler Wilson, Sara Turner White, and Mary Sommerville Sparks Hendrick.

	Lenora Ashmore Blackiston was unconventional. She was a dreamer and an idealist filled with enthusiasm for new ideas. Nicknamed "Nora," she was a writer and a poet, able to put her thoughts into action. She was the one who first suggested the idea of forming a sorority, but was unable to put her lasting personal marks on Kappa Delta's beginnings because, after Christmas holiday, she transferred to Randolph-Macon Women's College.
	Quiet and extremely intelligent, Julia Gardiner Tyler Wilson came from a distinguished and respected family; her grandfather was John Tyler, former U.S. president, and her father was the president of the College of William and Mary. She was characterized as capable, dependable and possessing considerable artistic talent. She illustrated most of the school's first yearbook and designed the Kappa Delta badge. After helping to found the sorority, Julia spent another year at State Female Normal before transferring to Dana Hall, a preparatory school for Wellesley College where she earned her AB degree in 1904. She joined her founding sister Sara at Kappa Delta's 50th anniversary celebration at the 1947 convention.
	Daughter of a Virginia senator, Sara Turner White was gracious and friendly, but known as being a bit more straight-laced than most students. She enjoyed her friends and social activities more than she did her studies. Sara did not return to college after that first year, but remained steadfastly involved with Kappa Delta throughout her long life.
	Mary Sommerville Sparks Hendrick was much loved and respected by all students at State Female Normal School. She was known for her fine character and gentle understanding. Mary had concern for others, perhaps because, at 23, she was more mature than the younger students. She was a Bible class leader. Mary stayed on and helped the fledging sorority through its early years.

With nearly 230,000 members, more than 200 chartered collegiate chapters and more than 500 alumnae associations across the country, Kappa Delta is still holding to the object established more than 100 years ago: The object of Kappa Delta Sorority is the formation and perpetuation of good fellowship, friendship, and sisterly love among it's members; the encouragement of literature and education; the promotion of social interest; and the furtherance of charitable and benevolent purposes. 

Kappa Delta is represented by the dagger, nautilus shell, teddy bear and katydid; our colors are olive green and pearl white, and Kappa Delta's jewels are the emerald, diamond and pearl.