Our founders in their first official photograph in 1899.

Zeta Tau Alpha was founded October 15, 1898, by nine women at the State Female Normal School(now Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia. Zeta Tau Alpha is known as a fraternity, not as a sorority. The nine Founders intended Zeta Tau Alpha to be designated a "fraternity" to distinquish the organization from the sisterhoods organized in connection with men's fraternities, called "sororities."

Our founders were only 14-15 years of age, and these young women desired permanence to their friendships and hoped to perpetuate their sisterhood long after college. A year after founding, the group chose the formal name of Zeta Tau Alpha, their patron goddess and designed the badge.

The mission of Zeta Tau Alpha is to make a difference in the lives of our membership by developing the potential of each individual through visionary programming which emphasizes leadership development, service to others, academic success and continued personal growth for women with a committment to friendship and the future based on the values and traditions of the past.

Not only do Zeta Tau Alphas share college experiences, but they continue as friends through families, careers, adventures, even retirement. Alumnae chapters have programs including social events, parties and philanthropic projects. In addition, alumnae groups offer career networking and relevant educational programs. Although each alumnae club or chapter may consist of ZTAs from all over the country, their collegiate backgrounds blend together as one family. You will never outgrow being a ZTA!

Click here for more information at the Zeta Tau Alpha website.