In 1898,
Nine young women at the Virginia State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) formalized their friendship by forming Zeta Tau Alpha. Away from home for the first time, these teenagers yearned for companionship as they pursued their studies to become teachers. Fearing their unique friendship would fade without a formal bond to sustain it, they met in secret by candlelight in the bathroom of their dormitory. Initially, they used only three question marks as their group name. The first book of regular meetings states Zeta Tau Alpha was organized on Oct. 15, 1898.Learn more about how Zeta was founded.
We now have more than 300,000 initiated members, 172 active collegiate chapters and more than 225 alumnae chapters across the country.The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation is the philanthropic and fundraising arm of the Fraternity. The Foundation leads our efforts in breast cancer education and awareness, provides around $1 million in scholarships annually, and sponsors educational and leadership opportunities for our members and others.The ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation is the largest in the Panhellenic world and provides safe, secure and competitive housing for all our collegiate members.Explore the national ZTA website to find additional information about our Nine Key Values, policies, dedication to inclusion, programming and more.
