In the Beginning
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded at Howard University in Washington D.C. on January 16, 1920 by five innovative and extraordinary women. Those women were Most Honorable Arizona Cleaver, Most Honorable Myrtle Tyler, Most Honorable Viola Tyler, Most Honorable Fannie Pettie, and Most Honorable Pearl Neal. These five women, also known as our Five Pearls, dared to depart from the traditional coalitions for black women and sought to establish a new organization predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood.
Since its inception, Zeta has chronicled a number of firsts. In 1948, Zeta Phi Beta was the first Greek-letter organization to charter a chapter in Africa; Zeta was first to form adult and youth auxiliary groups; to centralize its operations in a national headquarters; and to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Today, Zeta Phi Beta encompasses more than 500 chapters located throughout the United States, the Bahamas, West Africa, Germany and the Virgin Islands.
Scholarship
Each year our chapter raises money that is given in the form of scholarships to deserving students in the Bloomington/Normal area. Our four scholarships are:
Service
In the Bloomington/Normal community, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is committed to serving our community to the best of our ability. Since our chapter was chartered in 1994, we have volunteered on various community boards such as NAACP, March of Dimes, and MAPS. In an effort to reach everyone in our community, we work with under of National Headquarters direction for providing service through the sponsorship of Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) programs. We have provided programs that serve our Youth, Men, Women and Elderly.
Sisterly Love
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc has been in the community since 1973 when a chapter was chartered on the campus of Illinois State University. Then in 1994 the alumni (Graduate) chapter, Beta Iota Zeta, was charter.
Benefits of Membership
Sisterhood
Support, encouragement and friendships that last a lifetime.
Opportunity to Serve
Through volunteerism on the campus of IWU & surrounding communities, Zeta women will develop the self-worth and pride that comes from serving & collaborating with others and making a positive contribution to society.
Personal and Professional Development
Membership in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is a living & learning experience for women with shared values & objectives. You will have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of activities & to use your unique talents & knowledge to contribute to the chapter & the community. Zeta women develop leadership skills by attending seminars and by holding officer & committee positions within the chapter & various levels of Zeta Leadership. We are a role models for the Sorority’s youth & adult affiliate groups.
Collegiate Membership Requirements
Currently enrolled at a four-year college or university that meets the sorority’s accreditation standards
Has earned at least a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, or the grade point average required on the campus, whichever is higher
Must have earned at least twelve (12) credit hours at the college or university where membership is being sought
All undergraduate members are required to maintain a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale grade point average after membership intake into the sorority.
Interested in learning more
If you are interested in learning more about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and our plans to bring a chapter to Illinois Wesleyan University, click the button below to send us your information.