On October 3, 1964, the Zeta Gamma chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha was installed on the campus of Youngstown State University. Zeta Gamma became the 124th link out of the present 231 ZTA links. Thirty-five members were initiated and Jane Shotwell Kerr became the first President of the Zeta Gamma chapter. Prior to this time, the group was known as Beta Sigma Omicron. Beta Sigma Omicron's decision to be absorbed by ZTA International was made in 1964, thereby making it possible for Zeta Gamma's existence.

    The founders of ZTA set down the purpose of our fraternity as; "To intensify friendship, to foster a spirit of love, to create such sentiments, perform such deeds, and mold such opinions as will conduce to the building up of a purer and nobler womanhood in this world." Zeta Gamma aims to assist each individual member in working out for herself and her chapter a "design for living" with an emphasis on: scholastic achievement, activities, social and personal development, friendship, relationships with others, routine and organization."

    "Scholastic achievement" is the reason for being in college, the means through which good citizens are sent forth into a democratic world, professional workers provided, and the spirit of learning cultivated and preserved.
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    "Activities" is the medium through which talents and interests are stimulated and satisfied, contacts and viewpoints broadened.
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    "Social and personal development" is the contacts with men and women from all walks of life where one learns the art of conversation, poise, and thoughtfulness, thus enabling her to be more respected by her peers and also better prepared to face similar situations in the future.
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    "Friendship" is the intangible quality and feeling of love, loyalty, and regard for a sister and fraternity which is the very heart and soul of ZTA and must be developed.
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    "Relationships with others" is learning to give and take, having consideration for others rights, options, likes and dislikes, all of which become a part of us through life.
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    "Routine and organization" is the means through which we learn to live an orderly life, realizing that promptness, obedience, dependability and discipline are necessary and vital, not only while in college, but in all future endeavors, that certain tools such as notebooks and manuals are essential to the full functioning of the individual, the chapter and the national fraternity.


     
     

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