OUR HISTORY

On March 25, 1917, seven young women who exemplified self-confidence and the willingness to take a chance founded a new sorority at Cornell University. Most of the seven women had experienced the subtle but very real discrimination practiced against religious minorities by many Greek organizations at the time. In repsonse, these young women established a sorority that would respect the individuality of its members. The personal growth and social development of each individual was the basis upon which the new organiztion would be built. 

Dora Bloom, “the leader” and the first chapter president, was “calm and placid” throughout the hectic first year of Sigma Delta Tau. She was a community-minded women, extensive world traveler, and a proud mother and grandmother. 

Amy Apfel, the “personality-plus coed,” with her husband, Alexander Tishman, made New York City their home for many years. She became a devoted mother, grandmother, and member of many worthy charity organizations. 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, “the brain,” was more interested in her studies than campus activities. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors in History. With her late husband, David B. Greenberg of New York, she co-authored two books on travel: What to Buy in Europe and What to Buy in South America. She also taught courses at the University of Massachusetts in the Judaic Studies Department. 

Grace Srenco was the “campus queen.” She was a freshman, assigned to a dormitory with a sophomore roommate: 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 the Philadelphia lawyer.” Grace devoted much of her time to the American Red Cross and to her hobby, painting. She had two sons and a daughter, Nancy, who joined Sigma Delta Tau at the University of Pennsylvania.

Inez Ross was considered “the sophisticate” and 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 Cohane called herself “the activity girl.” She balanced her work in campus organizations and her pre-law studies very well. Regene served as Sigma Delta Tau’s first National President from 1918-1922. She continued to serve as Sigma Delta Tau’s National Counselor, a volunteer position she held for 35 years. 

Lenore Rubinow was known as “the idealist.” She 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. 

Through Dora Bloom, the services of an idealist and poet were sought to write a ritual worthy of the philosophy of Sigma Delta Tau. 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. Brother Nat was the only man to wear the Sigma Delta Tau gold Torch pin.