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Hours

Monday - Friday:
9 am - 4:30 pm

Other times by appointment

Location

The Special Collections is located on the east side of the Library at the front of the 3rd floor.

Contact Information

Patricia W. & J. Douglas Perry Library
Norfolk, Virginia 23529-0256
telephone (757) 683-4483
fax (757) 683-5954

Delta Sigma Lambda Sorority

Historical Sketch

A sorority at Old Dominion University for women over twenty five years, who have returned to college for an education. Dubbed the "Twenty-Five Plus" club, the sorority was established on February 14, 1956, choosing Dr. Ruth Harrell as its faculty sponsor. Other sponsors have included Ms. Mary Lou Langhorne and Dr. Carolyn Rhodes.

Members believe that the sorority "has helped them successfully make the transition from housewife to student." Although most members are married and have children, the sorority finds time to participate in a number of activities, including raising money for needy students, conducting campus tours, and arranging receptions for luminaries visiting the university. In 1964, the sorority began an ongoing scholarship fund in memory of Glenny Burns, who had died at age 69 in an accident. For the past nineteen years, Burns had been attending night classes toward her degree, and at the time of her death was only three credits shy. The scholarship was first awarded in 1967 and has been awarded annually ever since.

Delta Lambda Sigma has always prided itself in its scholastic achievement. The sorority won the Greek scholastic competition so many years, it was given a permanent trophy for its achievement.

In 1962, an alumni chapter of the sorority was established.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains eight scrapbooks. Originally there was an Intra-Fraternal Council - Sorority Scholastic Trophy included in this collection, but that now resides with the group's advisor in the Women's Center.

Provenance

Scrapbooks donated by Edith Carmichael, the sorority's historian on February 1 , 1999. (Acc. # A99-1)
Trophy donated by Delta Sigma Lambda on March 15, 1999. (Acc. # A99-4)

Access

Open to researchers without restrictions. Questions on literary property rights should be directed to the Special Collections Librarian.

8 scrapbooks. 2.2 Linear Feet.

RG 37-4A

1. Delta Sigma Lambda: Dr. Ruth F. Harrell - contains newspaper clippings, correspondence, and photos regarding Delta Sigma Lambda Alumni
2. Delta Sigma Lambda: Book 1 1960-1965 - contains the Sorority Creed, newspaper clippings, photos, and events
3. Delta Sigma Lambda: Book 2 1970-1973 - contains newspaper clippings, rosters, photos, and events
4. Delta Sigma Lambda: Book 3 1973-1975 - contains newspaper clippings, rosters, photos, and events
5. Delta Sigma Lambda: Book 4 1975-1977 - contains meeting agendas, correspondence, and events
6. Delta Sigma Lambda: Book B 1977-1987 - contains correspondence, photos, rosters, newspaper clippings, and events
7. Delta Sigma Lambda: Book A 1987-1997 - contains correspondence, photos, rosters, newspaper clippings, and events
8. Delta Sigma Lambda 1990/96 - contains photos, events, and newspaper clippings

Revised: 12/10/2007