Dollars for DZ Scholars
The Ora Jones Scholarship for Delta Zeta at UW-Whitewater started with Ora’s donation in 2001 and still lives today. To ensure this GIVING legacy lasts for generations, $5,000 must be raised to meet the UW-Whitewater Foundation $25,000 endowment minimum.
Your tax-deductible gift through the UW-Whitewater Foundation, big or small, will make a lasting impact.
Click to see more about each topic below.
Support the legacy. Join a Giving Circle.
Donations to the Delta Zeta Sorority Ora Jones Scholarship are recorded by the UW-Whitewater Foundation. The Foundation generates a report for Epsilon Kappa, listing the donations and the donor only to the chapters fund. Giving Circles are created from this report. Recognition will be provided at the Sisterhood Celebration Reunion event April 25, 2026 or sent afterwards to those unable to attend.
Giving Circles will be recognized for donations made by April 15, 2026
About the Foundation
The UW‑Whitewater Foundation is an independent nonprofit that fosters philanthropy to support the University of Wisconsin‑Whitewater. It manages gifts from alumni, friends, and partners to enhance student success through scholarships, programs, and campus initiatives that wouldn’t be funded through tuition or state support.
QUESTIONS?
Contact
UW-Whitewater Foundation
Alumni Center
P (262) 472-1105
How to Make a Donation
Donating to the UW‑Whitewater Foundation is easy.
ONLINE
Visit the secure "Give Now" page using the link below to make online gifts or explore options like cash, matching gifts, endowments, securities, and estate gifts.
Under Designation, select "Delta Zeta Sorority Ora Jones Scholarship" from the drop down menu.
CHECK
Note Delta Zeta Sorority Ora Jones Scholarship in the check memo. Make check payable and mail to:
UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc.
Alumni Center
800 W Main St
Whitewater, WI 53190
How the Scholarship is Awarded
The Delta Zeta Sorority Ora Jones Scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time UW-Whitewater student who is an initiated member of Delta Zeta’s Epsilon Kappa Chapter.
Candidates submit an application and a 200-word essay demonstrating leadership, service, academics, or sisterhood. Recipients are selected each spring for use in the following fall semester.
See more by downloading the Scholarship Administration Guidelines PDF using the link below.
Who was Ora Jones?
Ora Campbell Jones was a compassionate educator, counselor, and community leader whose life reflected wisdom, service, and strength. Born in 1907, she was Valedictorian of her high school class, earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later completed her Master’s in Guidance Counseling. In 1934, she married Attorney David O. Jones, who would go on to serve as District Attorney and Judge in Iowa County, Wisconsin. Following his passing in 1961, Ora moved to Whitewater in 1962, where she joined the University staff, working as a residence hall director and in the Counseling Center until her retirement in 1978.
Ora was initiated into Delta Zeta at the Tau Chapter at UW–Madison. Her lifelong dedication to the sisterhood became especially impactful at the Epsilon Kappa Chapter in Whitewater. She served as faculty advisor and later as College Chapter Director (CCD), mentoring generations of members. She was instrumental in securing the chapter home at 604 W. Main Street, a treasured space that remains a cornerstone of EK life.
Even after retiring, Ora remained a beloved figure—attending events, encouraging members, and celebrating milestones. She rarely missed a Warhawks home football game. In 2001, during the chapter’s 45th anniversary of merging with Delta Sigma Epsilon, Ora, with the support of her daughter Mary Jane, made a $10,000 gift to establish what would become the scholarship fund in her name. Mary Jane brought Ora back to the UW-W campus that fall to celebrate Founder's Day with the chapter. Ora’s passed in March 2002 at the age of 94.
Throughout her lifetime, Ora proudly accepted the Order of the Golden Rose, Pearl, and Diamond—honors marking 50, 65, and 75+ years of devoted membership in Delta Zeta. She wore her badge with pride and lived its values daily.
Generations of Delta Zeta women have been shaped by Ora’s steady guidance, sharp wit, and unwavering support. Her legacy continues through the lives she touched—and through every scholarship awarded in her name.