From philanthropy events to campus leadership roles, Panhellenic sororities are a significant part of student life at Clemson University. This year, Delta Delta Delta has been voted Best Panhellenic Sorority by the Clemson community, a title that reflects the chapter’s commitment to sisterhood and service.
Originally founded in 1888 at Boston University, Tri Delta has a long-standing national history. The Clemson chapter was established in 1970 and was one of the first three sororities on campus, helping lay the foundation for Panhellenic life at Clemson.
Chapter president Georgia Summerford, a junior nursing major, shared her thoughts with The Tiger in response to the recognition.
When asked what being named Best Sorority at Clemson means to Tri Delta, Summerford said, “We’re super excited about this. I think it really shows how strong our system is and the impact we have on campus.”
Summerford emphasized the chapter’s widespread involvement across Clemson. “Our girls are everywhere on campus,” she said. “We have so many tour guides, members in Student Alumni Council, Panhellenic, student organizations and campus ministries.”
She added that this year, in particular, has seen increased leadership representation.
“Especially this past year, we’ve had so many girls step into leadership roles,” Summerford told The Tiger. “We had almost five or six new tour guides selected, and one of our members was just named vice president of recruitment for Panhellenic.”
Tri Delta’s motto, “Be Brave, Be Bold, and Be Kind,” reflects the chapter’s commitment to living out its core values of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship. According to Summerford, those principles are not just words; they are woven into the chapter’s daily culture.
She explained that the chapter places a strong emphasis on cross-generational connection, ensuring that members feel supported from the moment they join. “I feel like freshmen are very comfortable with the seniors, and they feel included by them,” she said. “That kind of environment makes our chapter really supportive.”
Summerford also highlighted the way members consistently uplift one another despite their busy schedules.
“We’re really encouraging of each other and very understanding,” she said. “All of us are very involved across campus, and everyone has different commitments, but we always make time to support one another.”
While Tri Delta makes a strong impact within the Clemson community, the chapter is equally dedicated to its national philanthropy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Clemson’s Beta Theta chapter is currently ranked No. 5 nationally in fundraising among Tri Delta chapters, reflecting the members’ deep commitment to the cause.
Summerford emphasized that St. Jude holds a particularly meaningful place within the chapter.
“We all work really hard, especially for St. Jude,” she said. “I feel like sometimes in sororities, philanthropy can get lost in translation, but St. Jude means so much to all of our members.”
She pointed to a recent social media fundraising challenge as an example of that dedication. The sorority raised over $20,000 in 24 hours, which Summerford said shows how much members care about the cause.
Through consistent fundraising efforts and strong member involvement, Tri Delta continues to support St. Jude in meaningful ways, demonstrating that its commitment to service extends far beyond campus. On April 12, Tri Delta will host one of its largest philanthropy events with baseball tournament fundraiser Triple Play.
With a legacy dating back over 50 years at Clemson and a commitment to leadership and philanthropy, Tri Delta has earned this award. As members remain deeply involved across campus and passionate about their cause, the chapter’s influence continues to grow while proving that its recognition as Best Sorority is well deserved.
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