UT Austin Sigma Delta Tau
University of Texas Austin
About UT Austin Sigma Delta Tau
The Tau Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau at the University of Texas at Austin carries forward a powerful legacy that began in 1917 when seven young Jewish women founded the organization at Cornell University in response to discriminatory practices within Greek life. These pioneering women established Sigma Delta Tau on principles of respecting individuality, fostering personal growth, and creating genuine community—values that continue to guide the Austin, Texas chapter today. Formally established at UT in 1939, the Tau Chapter became a cornerstone of sisterhood on campus for decades before recently rechartering and returning with renewed energy and commitment.
Today's Texas Sigma Delta Tau is built on the foundation laid by its founding sisters and guided by core values of strength in individuality, connection through sisterhood, lifetime engagement, and community enrichment. The chapter serves as a home away from home for women navigating the challenges of university life, offering authentic friendships and meaningful support systems. Members consistently describe their experience as transformative, finding not just social connection but genuine belonging, personal development, and lasting bonds that extend well beyond their time at the university.
Located in Austin, the Tau Chapter actively engages with both the UT community and the broader Austin area through service initiatives, cultural events, and community building. The organization's 80+ year history at the University of Texas reflects a commitment to empowering women and creating spaces where individual voices are heard and celebrated. With a national membership exceeding 75,000 women across 64 chapters, Sigma Delta Tau represents a global sisterhood rooted in the same principles of authenticity, respect, and mutual support that motivated its founders over a century ago.