Most people dread getting older, but the women of Delta Zeta sorority are proud to be turning 100. The sorority will celebrate its centennial this weekend.

The sorority has a rich history and a bright future, said Sandy Horton, Delta Zeta alumna.

Six members founded the national sorority in 1902 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, said Megan Clemens, member of Delta Zeta and sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication.

“Miami of Ohio was known as the ‘Mother of Fraternities,’ so they gladly welcomed the ladies of Delta Zeta,” Horton said.

Horton, ISU graduate in home economics, said the ISU chapter was first named Sigma Delta.

The organization officially become part of Delta Zeta in 1931.

Horton said the women of Delta Zeta lived in what is now the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center in 1937, while they looked for permanent housing.

The women settled into their present house, 2138 Sunset Dr., during World War II, Horton said.

At the time, the house belonged to Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. When the men went to war, the house went up for sale.

Over the years, members of Delta Zeta have been involved in many campus activities, Horton said.

“Our women have made important contributions to Iowa State,” she said.

During the 1950s, Delta Zeta became the first sorority at Iowa State to win a Veishea Sweepstakes trophy.

Marlene Ingraham, Delta Zeta alumna, was the first woman to serve as a Veishea co-chair. She was asked to serve a second year by then university President William Parks, Horton said.

This weekend’s centennial will reunite current and past members. About 125 alumni from across the country will attend Delta Zeta’s Founders’ Day celebration at the Memorial Union Saturday.

“They will be coming from as far away as California, Utah, Minnesota and Missouri,” Horton said. “It’s only for a weekend, so we are pleased with the turnout.”

Twenty-one Order of the Golden Rose awards will be presented to Delta Zeta alumnae who graduated from Iowa State more than 50 years ago, Clemens said.

The “Dream Girl of Delta Zeta” award will also be presented.

“The Dream Girl award is given to a junior or senior that exemplifies good leadership and represents the chapter well around campus,” Clemens said.

The sorority will donate a “container garden” to Reiman Gardens to commemorate its centennial.

The donations to purchase the gift came from active and past members, she said.

Horton said Reiman Gardens was chosen to receive the gift because Ray Reiman’s daughter, Julie, was a member of Delta Zeta.

Delta Zeta chapters across America will celebrate Founders’ Day with similar events.