History of Pi Delta Chi Sorority
Pi Delta Chi became a sorority on Oneonta's campus on October 6, 1960. It was founded on the basis of unity and eternal friendship. The purpose of Pi Delta Chi is to foster among its sisters honor, scholarship, integrity, loyalty, tolerance, cooperation, personal improvement, school spirit, and charity.
There were 26 members who established the traditions and principles by which the sorority would abide. The sisters chose brown, white, and gold as the official colors, and a pin consisting of three diamonds was selected which the girls began to wear on February 4, 1961. Mums were chosen as the sorority flower. The first money making project was the sale of "Pi Chi's Precious Pretzels."
We Held our first Christmas party in the American Legion Hall. We helped Sigma Tau Alpha sell tickets for the George Van Detta Benefit Dance. We attended several coffee hours with Delta Phi Kappa, Lambda Nu Omega, Alpha Kappa Phi, Arethusa, Alpha Sigma Beta, and Theta Phi. Our candidate for D.K.'s Valentine Ball was Lynne Bahnson. We also entered the snow sculpture contest.
All our rush parties were held at the Delta Phi Kappa house. The sorority's first award was won by having perfect attendance at D.K.'s Jazz Contest. We were awarded the traditional Pickey Plaque. The first pledge class entered Feb 28, 1961. Our first officers were President: Jean D'Anna, Vice President: Joan Pitches, Treasurer: Lynne Bahnson, Recording Secretary: Ann Toscano, and Pledge Mistress: Elisabeth Corbett. All our meetings for the first year were held in the lounge of Old Main.