About Us
E S S E Q U A M V I D E R I - TO BE, RATHER THAN TO SEEM TO BE
On March 17, 1917, five courageous women attending New York University School of Law could not find a membership accepting of all backgrounds. Therefore, they formed Delta Phi Epsilon with the purpose of accepting all races and religions–one of the first non-sectarian, social sororities to do so. Since our founding over 100 years ago, we have grown into a thriving organization with over 67,000 intiated members, representing 109 chapters located across the United States and Canada, never faltering in our mission to empower Sisters to be their best selves through our "5 s's": service, social, scholarship, sisterhood and self.
Our Values
Founding Principles
Justice, Sisterhood & Love
Motto
Esse Quam Videri
(To Be, Rather Than to Seem to Be)
Vision
We inspire and empower our sisterhood to engage in a lifetime of leadership & service.
Mission
To provide a sisterhood experience rich with tradition, innovation & opportunities for growth.
Symbols & Insignia
Colours
Our colors are royal purple and pure gold.
The Pearl
Our official jewel can be found on our sisterhood badge. The pearl is also a symbol of the Sorority’s membership development program.
The Iris
Our flower is the lovely purple iris, which also dons our colors.
Greek Letters
The letters above are the greek letter representions for "Delta Phi Epsilon".
The Unicorn
Seen as a symbol of what is good and pure in the world, the unicorn is our official mascot.
Crest
Our crest has deep significance to initiated members of Delta Phi Epsilon. It bears our greek letters and motto "Esse Quam Videri".
Our History
1917
Dorothy, Ida, Minna, Eva, and Sylvia (affectionately the DIMES) founded Delta Phi Epsilon
1967
DPHIE adopts Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as one of our philanthropies.
1985
Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD) added to philanthropies
1994
Beta Pi chapter founded at Concordia University
