Delta Zeta Sorority was founded on October 24, 1902 by these six women: Julia Bishop, Anne Simmons, Anna Keen, Alfa Lloyd, Mabelle Minton, and Mary Collins. It was the first national sorority formed at Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio.

The purpose of this sorority shall be to unite its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action.

• Delta Zeta is one of the sororities with the largest number of college chapters.
• Delta Zeta is one of the few "true" sororities currently in existence, having been founded by women. Most other sororities were actually founded by men, and were later converted to have women-only memberships.
• Delta Zeta's national philanthropy is fulfilled through the sorority's Foundation, which supports national organizations and local projects designated to help the speech and hearing impaired.
• Delta Zeta has a National loan fund and many scholarships to aid members who may need financial assistance to finish their education.
• Delta Zeta's quarterly magazine, "The Lamp of Delta Zeta", is sent to all members.
• Delta Zeta college chapters receive supervision from national officers, regional directors and local alumnae advisory boards.