Delta Sigma Rho

Delta Sigma Rho was founded in Chicago on April 13, 1906.^[1][2] The founders at the organizing convention included representatives from University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois, University of Nebraska, University of Chicago and Northwestern University.^[3][2] The call for the meeting was issued by Professor Eugene E. McDermott of the University of Minnesota.^[2] The idea of the society came out of the simultaneous conception of the idea by McDermont and Professor Henry E. Gordon of University of Iowa.^[4][2]

The purpose of Delta Sigma Rho was "to encourage sincere and effective public speaking".^[2] Its 1920 constitution stated that charters could only be granted to institutions that had participated in intercollegiate forensic contests for five years.

The society became a member of the Association of College Honor Societies in 1937.^[5] In 1963, Delta Sigma Rho had 85 active chapters and 20,100 members.^[2] Its headquarters was located at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.^[2]

Delta Sigma Rho and Tau Kappa Alpha merged on August 18, 1963.^[6] The merged group adopted the name Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha.^[6]

Delta Sigma Rho emblem was a diamond-shaped key with a star at the top, the Greek letters ΔΣΡ, and the date of the organization of the society (April 13, 1906) in relief.^[2] Its mottos are "Oratory, the key to power" and "Honor for merit". Its colors were maroon and black. Its publication was The Gavel, first published in 1912.^[2]

To be eligible for membership, students had to be active in intercollegiate forensic contest and had to complete their sophomore year.^[2] In addition, they had to be in the top 35 per cent of their class.^[2]

In 1963, Delta Sigma Rho had 85 active chapters.^[2][7]