Delta Phi Epsilon History - St. Norbert College

History

Our founders had a vision to create a sisterhood based on justice, sisterhood and love:

“The dream that became Delta Phi Epsilon began with five women—who were dedicated to a demanding profession. Within all of them was an unfaltering concept of justice for all and the desire to weld with it the love and sisterliness that would foster a society for women dedicated to the ideals of good fellowship, tolerance, self-discipline and a concern for the welfare of the individual and general community." —Rita Rossner, past international president

National History Founder

Founded by five Jewish women as the first nonsectarian sorority committed to a membership that does not discriminate based on race or creed, Delta Phi Epsilon is an organization built on the bonds of sisterhood, pride in sorority and support for one another.

With DEDICATION to our founding principles, PRIDE in association and, above all, a commitment to EXCELLENCE in all that we do, the sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon continue to live out the dream of our founders.

Our Chapter's History History

In April 1992, Kimberly Manthey and Deanna Taddei began formulating a plan in a small room on third floor Bergstrom Hall. Since they were not happy in their current independent group and wanted to become more involved on campus, they decided to start a sorority.

They first presented their idea to Jenni Joers and Sara Benesh, assuring them that the sorority would incorporate their own values and the values and interests of other women. After Jenni and Sara agreed, Kim and Deanna presented their idea to Ellen Wucherpfennig, Amy Hunsader, Colleen Gill, Annie Doersching, Julie Wolter and Judy Minarik, who all decided to join the petitioning sorority. These ten women were to become the founding sisters of the sorority Delta Kappa Phi.

These founding sisters were informed during their recognition process that the Greek system at St. Norbert College was only looking for national sororities and fraternities. Delta Kappa Phi was allowed to be a local sorority for a period of time, but was ultimately expected to associate with a national sorority. Two years later, on March 31, 1996, after much research about various national sororities, the sisters of Delta Kappa Phi became a colony of Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority.

The process of recognition was long, and the women met many obstacles along the way. Without their perseverance, we would not be the extraordinary group of women we are today.

Check out our updated family trees:

Still Growing:
Colleen Gill
Jenni Joers
Julie Wolter Mauer
Kimberly Manthey Schulz
Sara Catherine Benesh

Extinct:
Ellen Wucherpfennig
Judy Minarik Swarthout

Quick Facts: Delta Phi Epsilon

Founded:
March 17, 1917 at New York University School of Law

Founding Sisters:
Dorothy Cohen Schwartzman
Ida Bienstock Landau Minna Goldsmith Mahler Eva Effron Robin
Sylvia Steierman Cohn

Motto:
"Esse Quam Videri"
which means "To Be Rather Than Seem To Be"

Colors:
Royal Purple and Pure Gold

Flower:
Lovely Purple Iris

Mascot:
Unicorn

Quick Facts: Delta Kappa Phi

Founded:
May 4, 1993

Motto:
"Nihil Nisi Optimum"
which means "Nothing But The Best"

Colors:
Navy and Creme

Flower:
Daisy