History
Our National History
The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. (NSPDK) is a nonprofit, educational sorority founded by eight educators desiring to establish a sisterhood among teachers and promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession. NSPDK was the idea of Gladys Merritt Ross, who, on Good Friday, March 30, 1923, convened a group of young teachers from Jersey City Normal School in Jersey City, New Jersey to discuss the idea of forming a sorority.
Eight members of those present concurred, and Newark attorney, J. Mercer Burrell, incorporated the new organization on May 23, 1923 - which is now recognized as the official Founders Day. Because the original members were all minors, their parents or guardians, Dr. G.E. Cannon, Mr. J.L. Merritt, Mrs. Lottie Cooper and Mrs. Estelle Morris became trustees.
Tau Chapter History
Tau chapter was chartered in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 8,1935. These seven sorors are the charter members: Myrtle Bibbitt, Jacqueline Davis, Sally R. Davis, Ethel Lambert, Elizabeth Lambert, Ora Lee Thomas and Clarissa Wadsworth. The Midwest Regional Director was Oneida Cockerell. The purpose of our sorority is to stimulate personal growth among teachers, to foster a true spirit of sisterhood, to promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession and to encourage the development of the potential of our youth.
The chapter currently has approximately 65 active members. Members participate in, sponsor and support various community events not limited to but including: Indiana Black Expo Education Conference, The Municipal School District of Warren Township, Indianapolis Public School and their annual event Teach-A-Rama.
