The mission of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority is to develop in women a social consciousness and a commitment to think and act for the greater good. We assure continuous development and achievement for women through individual attention and smart strategic growth.
History of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority
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.
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.
Our Symbols
- Our Colors: Royal Purple and Pure Gold
- Our Flower: The Lovely Purple Iris
- Our Jewel: Pearls
- Our Magazine: The Triad of Delta Phi Epsilon
- Our Mascot: The Unicorn
- Our Motto: Esse Quam Videri - To Be Rather Than To Seem To Be
International Philanthropies
ANAD - National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated DisordersCystic Fibrosis Foundation
Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation
Our 5 S's
Delta Phi Epsilon focuses on the 5 S's which have been adapted to represent 5 areas of personal growth that are important in developing a balanced, well-rounded woman.
SELF - Physical, Emotional, and Personal Development
SCHOLARSHIP - Academic, Career, and Lifestyle Skills & Planning
SISTERHOOD - Organizational Knowledge and Skills
SOCIAL - Communication, Leadership and Social Development
SERVICE - Community & Societal Awareness and Involvement
Our International Headquarters
251 S. Camac Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
DPhiE International Volunteer Conference in Philadelphia
