In today’s world a woman can be so many things. You can be a friend, be a mother, be a teacher, or even be the president for example. Delta Phi Epsilon encourages each sister to above all else, be true to who you are.
The vision of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority:
We inspire and empower our sisterhood to engage in a lifetime of leadership and service.Delta Phi Epsilon was formed...
“for the purpose of promoting good fellowship among sorority women... to help... in acquiring knowledge, appreciation, discriminating judgment, and a true feeling of sisterly love through the interaction of sympathetic and friendly natures.”
- From the notes of our Founders, 1917
On March 17, 1917, five women at New York University Law School took a pledge of sisterhood and loyalty and so founded the Alpha Chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon, one of the first non-sectarian, social sororities and the only one founded at a professional school. Five years later on March 17, 1922, Delta Phi Epsilon was formally incorporated under laws of the State of New York. On December 5, 1922, stretching out to international boundaries, the first Canadian chapter was installed at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Growth has been steady, but expansion in numbers has never been favored over strengthening within. From this small group making up the first chapter, there are now more than 45,000 members with chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Our chapters, both undergraduate and alumnae, enjoy a distinguished reputation for scholarship, service, and leadership.
Delta Phi Epsilon has worked to develop a social conscience and a willingness to think in terms of the common good in order to assure for its members continuous development and achievement in the collegiate and fraternity world. With a continuing philosophy of faith in the inherent good judgment of the undergraduate membership, Delta Phi Epsilon has remained steadfast throughout its history, forward to the continued growth of a sisterhood which keeps pace with the ever changing nature of the collegiate world.
Each year on March 17, undergraduates and alumnae celebrate Founders Day, honoring the women to whom each chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon is directly indebted for the establishment of our sisterhood. We honor them for the fine ideals and purposes which inspired them. Over three quarters of a century after Delta Phi Epsilon began, there are women who still embrace the beliefs of our founders by sharing sisterhood in their hearts and lives.
Minna Goldsmith Mahler, Eva Effron Robin, Ida Bienstock Landau, Sylvia Steierman Cohn and Dorothy Cohen Schwartzman, five young law students saw Delta Phi Epsilon as a society to
"promote good fellowship among the women students among the various colleges in the country...to create a secret society composed of these women based upon their good moral character, regardless of nationality or creed...to have distinct chapters at various colleges..." with the motto Esse Quam Videri: to be rather than to seem to be.
Fast Facts
| Founded | March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School |
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| Founding Principles | Justice, Sisterhood and Love |
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| Flower | The Lovely Purple Iris |
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| Colors | Royal Purple & Pure Gold |
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| Mascot | Unicorn |
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| Magazine | Triad |
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| Motto | Esse Quam Videri - “to be rather than to seem to be” |
Philanthropy
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
- obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
- very salty-tasting skin;
- persistent coughing, at times with phlegm;
- frequent lung infections;
- wheezing or shortness of breath;
- poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite; and
- frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.
Statistics
- About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
- More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
- More than 45% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
- The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is in the mid-30s.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure. Thanks to the dedication and financial backing of our supporters--patients, families and friends, clinicians, researchers, volunteers, individual donors, corporations and staff, we are making a difference.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation & Delta Phi Epsilon
Since 1967, Delta Phi Epsilon has contributed more than $1 million to research for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. At our 2008 biennial convention, DPhiE made a $100,000 pledge to CFF and surpassed that goal by $123,000 at our 2010 convention!
Chapters take part in many CFF philanthropic events including, but not limited to, Bowl for Breathe, Deepher Dude pageants, Great Strides Walks, 65 Roses for Cystic Fibrosis Balls, plus much, much more. DPhiE sisters are proud to support this cause.
Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Since 1976 The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Inc.® (ANAD) has been dedicated to the prevention and alleviation of eating disorders by providing many multi-faceted programs for the entire eating disorder community. ANAD believes that early detection of eating disorders save lives therefore, ANAD works to educate parents, teachers, families and communities about the dangers through a variety of mediums including our website, newsletter, and educational outreach events & programs.
Candlelight Vigil
ANAD's Annual Candlelight Vigil has been selected as Delta Phi Epsilon's International Service Day Event, in order to raise awareness of dangers of eating disorders. Since 1989, chapters and alumnae associations throughout the United States and Canada host ANAD Candlelight Vigils.
ANAD's Annual Candlelight Vigil has been selected as Delta Phi Epsilon's International Service Day Event, in order to raise awareness of dangers of eating disorders. Since 1989, chapters and alumnae associations throughout the United States and Canada host ANAD Candlelight Vigils.
Help Light the Night and Bring Eating Disorders Out of the Dark!
ANAD is challenging Delta Phi Epsilon chapters on college campuses nationwide to help raise funds by raising awareness about eating disorders, while hosting an annual candlelight vigil. A Candlelight Vigil is an inspiring night to commemorate those who have lost their lives and recognize those who have recovered and survived, while also promoting eating disorder awareness to the general public.
ANAD is challenging Delta Phi Epsilon chapters on college campuses nationwide to help raise funds by raising awareness about eating disorders, while hosting an annual candlelight vigil. A Candlelight Vigil is an inspiring night to commemorate those who have lost their lives and recognize those who have recovered and survived, while also promoting eating disorder awareness to the general public.
For more information about a Candlelight Vigil, call (630) 577-1330 or send us an e-mail vigil@anad.org.
The Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation
The Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation is a key partner with the sorority, working to ensure that women have access to exceptional opportunities to learn and contribute to their communities. We are focused on fundraising to provide scholarships to bright young women and grants to the sorority, our alumnae and our philanthropic partners. Our foundation mission is to encourage the personal and professional advancement of women by supporting educational and philanthropic programs that are responsive to the needs of our communities.
Those are lofty goals that we can only achieve with financial resources from sisters like you.
