Chapter History
Minneapolis-St Paul Alumnae Chapter
Chartered on May 18,1901 as Tri Delta Alliance, we are now known as the Minneapolis-St Paul Alumnae Chapter. The first members were alumnae of Theta Chapter, which was chartered at the University of Minnesota in 1894.
Early history includes participation in the fifteenth National Convention held in Minneapolis in July 1928 and hosted by Theta chapter at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Caroline Edgar Erdmann, a Theta charter member, was the guest of honor and banquet speaker.
Much of our history is intertwined with Theta chapter. Alumnae support included providing volunteers for the advisory board and house corporations throughout years. Many women were involved in the purchase and remodeling of the first Tri Delta House in 1948 to 1950, and the house next door in 1960. Then in 1980, House Corporation bought another adjacent lot to create a much needed and appreciated parking lot for the collegiate chapter.
Celebrations have also brought the alumnae and collegians together. Founders' Day was always a combined event, as was Pansy Picnic in the spring, when graduating seniors were honored. Tri Delta's Centennial Celebration was celebrated at the Sheraton Park Plaza Hotel in November of 1988 with a full day of fun including a style show through the decades, workshops, dinner and a dance. Theta chapter's Centennial celebration was held in 1994. Memorabilia from every decade was shared.
Sadly, in 2004 Theta chapter was closed. Once again, members from the alumnae and collegiate chapters gathered at the chapter house, this time for a moving farewell ceremony. We now look forward to the possibility that Theta can return to the University of Minnesota. We are learning the necessary steps for potential recolonization.
Though an important part of alumnae chapter activities, collegiate support was never all we did in our alumnae chapter. We have participated in numerous philanthropy activities to support children's hospitals and cancer research as well as other community service initiatives. Our calendar is packed with fun, engaging activities all around town. Because our chapter encompasses a large metropolitan area, we also have several small groups that meet for additional activities. These include a Young Alum group, geographical area groups, age and interest groups. One bridge group met for 60 years!
This chapter is blessed with vibrant, energetic, dynamic women from every age group and every corner of the country. It has produced national Executive Board Members, many National workers, a number of Ernestine Block Grigsby honorees and has won several Convention awards over the years. We are proud of this heritage and we welcome new members to join the fun, find new friends and make new history.