Ionic Column

The Ionic Column is an fundamental part of the sisterhood of the Delta Zeta Sorority as evidenced by its incorporation into our Badge and Ritual. Historically, the Ionic Column has been an integral element of ancient architecture. Graceful in design, it is structurally indispensable. The Ionic Column provides a stability to the design of Greek buildings that have lasted for centuries.

In recognition of the importance of the Ionic Column to our sorority, the significance of Delta Zeta in the lives of thousands of sisters throughout our one hundred year history, and the relevance of Delta Zeta to the thousands of women who will join our sisterhood in the next hundred years, Delta Chapter of Delta Zeta hereby establishes the Ionic Column of Delta.

This award is reserved for those alumnae who represent the true power and strength of the Ionic Column.

2005 - Julia Shumaker

On June 11, Julia Shumaker was awarded the Ionic Column for service to Delta Zeta at the Chapter House.

Julia was initiated in Delta chapter of Delta Zeta on March 8, 1930.

While living in Iowa where her husband Arthur was doing graduate work, she worked with the Delta Zeta chapter there. When they returned to DePauw Julia immediately began working with the Greencastle alumnae chapter and Delta chapter. She was the CCD and has served on the advisory board in most of the offices.

She has held practically every office of the Greencastle alumnae chapter and currently serves as secretary. Julia served as Province President (equivalent to today's Regional Collegiate Coordinator) working with all the Delta Zeta chapters in Indiana and she worked with the Alpha Beta chapter at the University of Louisville. She has also served on the Delta Zeta House Corporation.

Julia was recognized with the Acoth Award at Delta Zeta's Diamond Jubilee (75th Anniversary) Convention in Columbus, Ohio in 1977. She has done all this while being a wife and mother and while teaching both at DePauw and at Greencastle High School. She is a marvelous example of what Delta Zeta can mean for the rest of our lives.

We are honored to have you as part of our sisterhood, not just for the 75 years of being a member of Delta Zeta, but for your love and devotion to Delta Zeta. Congratulations Julia!

2004 - Mimi Breese

Although Mimi Cole Breese has been recognized nationally for her commitment to Delta Zeta, we felt it important to express at our local level our deep and sincere gratitude for her unending commitment to the purposes of Delta Zeta as she retires from House Corporation this summer.

Mimi was initiated into Delta Chapter of Delta Zeta in 1955. Throughout her almost five decades of sisterhood, she has served as a chapter advisor and member and officer of the House Corporation. She was an essential facilitator of the purchase and renovation of the current Chapter House. She has invested countless hours in ensuring that our collegiate sisters have a beautiful and safe home of which they can be proud.

This display will hang permanently in the chapter formal as a tribute to Mimi's service and sacrifice to Delta Zeta.

Congratulations Mimi, and many thanks from all of Delta Chapter!

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