The sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon are trailblazing women who seek to inspire one another in all aspects of life. We are committed to being the best version of ourselves and encourage others to walk proudly in who they are as well.
We are leaders dedicated to reaching our full potential and empowering others. Delta Phi Epsilon women cultivate confidence and growth. Our values of justice, sisterhood, and love are held closely to our hearts and embraced in all that we do.
The sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon take pride in our individuality, which contributes something special to our sisterhood. We work to embody the motto "Esse Quam Videri" which means "To be rather than to seem to be." This reminds us to be the best version of ourselves, and to always stay true to who we are.
Who Delta Phi Epsilon Is
Our History
We were founded on March 17, 1917 by five influential women at New York University Law School in Manhattan. Minna Goldsmith Mahler, Eva Effron Robin, Ida Bienstock Landau, Sylvia Steierman Cohn, and Dorothy Cohen Schwartzman took a pledge of sisterhood and so founded the Alpha Chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon.
Delta Phi Epsilon is one of the first non-sectarian, social sororities and is the only sorority founded at a professional school. We have over 100 chapters across the United States and Canada, making us an international sorority.
“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…” Founder notes.
Attending law school when you don’t have basic voting rights is a bold move. Our Founders were bold, courageous students who challenged the status quo and did not let society define their future. They were forward-thinking women who saw beyond what sorority was and knew what it could be. Today, our Sorority stays true to our founding. Sisters find more than a home or friendship in DPhiE. We find empowerment to live authentic and purposeful lives.
Values &Facts
VALUES: In each of Delta Phi Epsilon’s chapters, members serve their communities, challenge the status quo and support each other in upholding DPhiE’s core values of justice, sisterhood and love.
COLORS: Royal Purple and Pure Gold
FLOWER: Iris
MASCOT: The Unicorn
SYMBOL: The Pearl
FOUNDED: March 17th, 1917
Motto: Esse Quam Videri
– To be, rather than to seem to be
