To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the governing body for 26 national and international social sororities, seven Mississippi State chapters will next week observe International Badge Day.
University members of the organizations will wear badges or letters March 4 designating their Greek affiliations as part of the National Panhellenic Conference celebration. Participating campus chapters include Alpha Gamma Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, and Zeta Tau Alpha.
The NPC was founded in 1902 during a Chicago meeting of several sororities to establish formal voluntary standards for their memberships. The Illinois session resulted in both the first interfraternity association and the first intergroup organization on college campuses.
"A Century of Pride" is the theme for 2002 International Badge Day.
Heidie Lindsey, assistant director of student life, said nearly 1,000 MSU sorority members regularly participate in a variety of philanthropic activities. Among others, the activities include fund raising to support child abuse prevention efforts, research at Memphis-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and breast cancer research, she added.
