OUR STORY
On March 25, 1917, seven young, Jewish women—Dora, Amy, Marian, Grace, Inez, Regine, and Lenore—founded Sigma Delta Tau at Cornell University. Facing subtle yet significant discrimination from other Greek organizations due to their Jewish identities, they created a sorority that prioritized respecting the individuality of its members. Rooted in their self-confidence and willingness to take a chance, SDT was built on the values of personal growth, social development, and inclusion. Over a century later, these founding principles continue to guide Sigma Delta Tau.
The Gamma Tau chapter of Sigma Delta Tau at Columbia University was established in 1992, and we are proud to be an integral part of our college community. Sigma Delta Tau empowers each member to reach her fullest potential by enriching the experience of women with similar ideals, building lasting relationships, promoting civic responsibility, and fostering personal growth.
Letter from the president
Hello and welcome to SDT at Columbia University!
My name is Carolina Jordan, and I'm honored to serve as the President of Sigma Delta Tau's Gamma Tau chapter. One of the core mottos of Sig Delt is “Shine as One,” and I believe our chapter truly embodies that ideal. Our sisters are some of the most accomplished and impressive women I have ever met, each shining in her own unique way. As president, it is my privilege to help cultivate a community where those individual strengths come together, where we support one another, share experiences, advocate for one another, and make a meaningful impact both on campus and beyond.
What I value most about our chapter is the sense of consistency and community it brings to college life. At a place as fast-paced and overwhelming as Columbia, where students balance rigorous academics, internships, leadership roles, and countless other commitments, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of spending time with one another. Through our sisterhood events, traditions, leadership roles, and everyday moments together, SDT creates those opportunities for meaningful connection and friendship. I have made some of my closest friends working alongside incredible women to lead, serve, and strengthen our chapter.
Beyond the friendships we share, what makes SDT special is our commitment to making a difference. Our national philanthropies, Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) and Jewish Women International (JWI), are causes close to our hearts, which we support through fundraising, service, and advocacy. Knowing that we are part of a collective effort to create lasting change is a source of pride and purpose for every member of our chapter.
That commitment to supporting others extends to our own sisters as well. We were recently honored with Sigma Delta Tau's Empowering Women Award for our programming and fundraising efforts supporting the Gamma Tau Grant, our internal scholarship that helps sisters with membership dues and reduces financial barriers to participation in Greek life. This past semester, we raised enough funding to meet 100% of demonstrated need among our members.
Our chapter has also been recognized as both a Five Crown Chapter at Columbia and a Diamond Chapter by SDT National Headquarters, the highest distinction awarded to chapters. These honors reflect the standard our members set every day through their leadership, scholarship, service, engagement, and commitment to one another. They also reflect the culture we have built together, where every sister is encouraged to pursue excellence knowing she has a community to support her every step of the way.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Gamma Tau. This chapter has truly defined my college experience and helped me grow so much as a person, and I will forever be grateful for my sisters and their endless support.
Xoxo,
Carolina Jordan