The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc was founded by eight educators desiring to establish a sisterhood among teachers and promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession.

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The eight founders are Gladys Merritt Ross (Mother Founder), Julia Asbury Barnes, Ella Wells Butler, Marguerite Gross, Florence Steele Hunt, Edna McConnell, Gladys Cannon Nunery and Mildred Morris Williams.

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May 23, 1923, the date of incorporation, is recognized as the official Founders' Day.