History and Significance of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Graduation Stoles

The History and Significance of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Stoles

Graduation is an exciting and momentous occasion for any college student. It marks the completion of years of hard work and dedication and opens the door to new opportunities. For members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, graduation holds special meaning. Wearing the symbolic Delta sigma theta graduation stole connects them to the sisterhood's history and represents their lifelong membership.

Delta Sigma Theta was founded in 1913 by 22 pioneering African American women at Howard University. Their goal was to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. Over 100 years later, the sorority has grown to over 300,000 members with a mission focused on sisterhood, scholarship and service.

The royal blue and gold colors of the Delta sigma theta graduation stole hold deep meaning. Royal blue represents the sorority's allegiance to truth and loyalty. Gold symbolizes the light of wisdom, candle of knowledge and flame of love. Together, the colors represent enlightenment, spirituality and a collective pursuit of high ideals.

Traditions and Customs of the Delta Stole

It is customary for graduating Delta Sigma Theta members to wear a traditional stole during commencement to represent their lifelong connection to the sisterhood. These stoles feature the sorority's Greek letters, name, colors and symbols.

Some common Delta sigma theta graduation stole traditions include:

• New sorority members receive a stole after initiation.
• Graduating seniors wear their stole over their gown during the graduation ceremony.
• Sorority sisters sign each other's stoles with inspirational messages.
• Stoles are pressed and preserved after graduation as a memento.
• Sorority alumnae wear stoles during Delta Sigma Theta events and reunions.

Wearing the Delta sigma theta graduation stole symbolizes a sisterhood that continues beyond college. It connects sorority members from across generations through their shared history and values.

Custom Stole Designs

While most Delta sigma theta graduation stoles feature the standard blue and gold colors, some members opt for custom stoles that showcase their individual style.

Some popular custom Delta stole designs include:

• Stoles featuring unique patterns, colors, or textures
• Stoles with Swarovski crystals or sequins sewn in
• Stoles with the sorority crest, graduation year, or school name/colors
• Stoles made from premium fabrics like satin or velvet
• Extra-long and oversized stoles

Custom Delta sigma theta graduation stoles allow graduates to stand out while representing their sorority membership. They also make wonderful keepsakes to display proudly at home after graduation.

How to Get a Custom Delta Stole

If you want a one-of-a-kind Delta stole for your graduation, here are some tips:

1. Look at stole styles online or in sorority stores for inspiration.
2. Decide on colors, fabric, length, and any customizations like crystals or embroidery.
3. Order your custom stole at least 2-3 months in advance of your graduation date.
4. Provide the stole maker with your design ideas and specifications.
5. Approve the final design before it goes into production.
6. Confirm your stole order and arrange rush delivery if needed.

Reputable online stores like Custom Rhodes allow you to easily design your perfect custom Delta sigma theta graduation stole. With the right planning, you can make your graduation outfit complete with a stole that shows your sorority pride.

The Significance of Passing Down Delta Stoles

Delta Sigma Theta sorority stoles often become treasured keepsakes that are passed down to honor the sisterhood across generations. Many sorority members who have graduated choose to gift their stole to a current student embarking on her own commencement.

There are many reasons why passing down a stole holds special meaning:

• It represents the passing of knowledge from one Delta generation to the next.
• It creates a tangible connection to the history and principles of the sisterhood.
• It allows older members to help lift up and guide younger generations.
• It helps teach tradition and perseverance to new members.
• It bonds sorority sisters through a shared lifelong experience.

When preparing to gift your Delta sigma theta graduation stole, consider choosing a younger sister who:

• Has demonstrated commitment to the sorority's ideals
• Is becoming a leader within the chapter
• Plans to remain active with the sorority after graduation
• Does not have the means to buy her own stole
• Would treasure the stole and what it represents

Passing down your Delta stole helps strengthen the threads of sisterhood that connect Delta women across the miles and years. It represents faith in the future of the sorority and all they still seek to accomplish.

Celebrating Your Graduation as a Delta Sigma Theta Member

Graduation is a time for celebration and reflection. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta, there are many ways to incorporate your sorority membership into your commencement celebrations.

Graduation Party Ideas

At your graduation party, showcase your Delta pride with:

• Royal blue and gold balloons, streamers and decorations
• A sorority sisterhood banner or photo collage
• A photo booth prop table with Delta symbols
• Custom Delta cookies, cupcakes or other treats
• A Delta Sigma Theta guestbook or picture frame

Playing songs by Delta artists like Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne and Natalie Cole is another great way to represent at your soiree.

Capturing Memories

Document your Delta graduation memories with:

• Portraits wearing your stole, letters and other sorority symbols
• Group photos with your fellow graduating sisters
• Lifestyle photos around campus representing your chapter
• A short video highlighting your Delta experiences

Looking back on photos and videos will remind you of all you accomplished during your college years.

Giving Back

Make your grad party give back by:

• Asking for charity donations in lieu of gifts
• Supporting one of Delta Sigma Theta's philanthropic partners
• Volunteering time to a cause important to you
• Using graduation as a platform to launch a service project

Sisterhood and service are core tenets of Delta Sigma Theta. Integrating charitable work into your celebrations allows you to live out these values.

Graduation is the perfect time to reflect on your growth as both a student and a Delta Sigma Theta sister. Wear your stole proudly and take time to appreciate all you have accomplished thus far, while looking ahead to future endeavors.

FAQs

What are the traditional colors and symbols on a Delta Sigma Theta graduation stole?

The traditional Delta stole colors are royal blue and gold. They typically feature the Greek letters ΔΣΘ, the sorority name, crest, and/or other symbols. Blue represents truth and loyalty, while gold symbolizes enlightenment and higher ideals.

Who is eligible to wear a Delta Sigma Theta stole?

Active sorority members who are graduating are entitled to wear the official Delta stole. Some chapters may allow pledges who will be initiated before graduation to purchase or borrow a stole. Non-members, even those related to Deltas, cannot properly wear the stole.

How can I personalize my Delta graduation stole?

Some popular customizations include adding crystals, changing colors/fabric, enlarging size, or embroidering your name or graduation year. Consult with your sorority's protocol to ensure your designs meet branding guidelines.

When should I order my Delta Sigma Theta graduation stole?

It's recommended to purchase your stole 2-3 months prior to graduation. This ensures enough time for delivery and any needed alterations. Some chapters provide stoles, so check before ordering yours.

Can I wear my stole again after graduation?

Yes! Many sorority members display their stoles at home, wear them to Delta events, or even pass them down. Your stole represents your lifelong membership, so feel free to proudly wear it again.