Chapter History
The Epsilon Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated was chartered on March 27, 1966. The charter members of the chapter, students at West Chester University, Lincoln University, The University of the Arts, and Swarthmore College, were:
Carol Ann Black
Judy Yvonne Pinder Gaskins
Tina Sloan Green
Melva Bullock Jackson
Joan Ralph Loper
Rita Louise Ridgely Mickie
Judy Tayler Merrill
Patricia Durant Puerifoy
Sarah Harris Sexton
Vinetta Jackson Upshur
Under the leadership of then National President Geraldine P. Woods and chapter advisors, Constance Clayton and Viola Harris, Epsilon Phi Chapter in the tradition of Delta, was dedicated to establishing and maintaining a standard of morality and scholarship among women. In this capacity, throughout its history, the Epsilon Phi Chapter has included collegiate members from schools within a fifty-mile radius of Philadelphia including, but not limited to, Arcadia University, University of Pennsylvania (Gamma), Widener University, Swarthmore University, Villanova University, West Chester University (Rho Alpha), Chestnut Hill College, Lincoln University (Zeta Omega), Drexel University, Bryn Mawr College, and Philadelphia University.
Following in footsteps of their 22 founders, Epsilon Phi Chapter Sorors have in the past and are presently committed to public service. As such, they gave freely of their time, talent, and creativity sharing an unparalleled sense of determination, integrity, and unity. Through the years, Epsilon Phi Chapter members stressed the importance of community involvement. In the late 1960's, Sorors helped support Philadelphia residents manage civil rights issues of the times such as voter registration.
During the 1970's, members of the Epsilon Phi Chapter were instrumental in aiding Philadelphia locals and college students by sponsoring Tax Preparation Workshops and assisting with preparation for the 1980 U.S. Census. They also coordinated food drives for Senior Citizens and held College Recruitment and Financial Aid Workshops for area high school students.
In the 1980's, the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was the only Black Greek organization to win the Inter-Fraternity Award at the University of Pennsylvania for outstanding community service and leadership. In 1989, the Epsilon Phi Chapter also received an award for the Eastern Region Undergraduate Chapter of the year.
In the 1990's, Epsilon Phi Chapter continued its tradition of success and excellence, offering over 80 professional, personal, and community service programs dedicated to uplifting the surrounding community. These women have gone on to become movers and shakers in the field of public service and continue to give back in different capacities.
During the 2000's the Epsilon Phi Chapter has held several programs dedicated to improving the community in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, including Staying Out of the RED (financial budgeting), participation in several World AIDS Day events, and political forums. The chapter has also been involved in many community service events including St. Thomas of Villanova and Martin Luther King Days of Service.
During the 2013-2014 school year, the Epsilon Phi chapter has planned many events including Voter registration sessions, financial well-being workshops, study sessions, a formal and many other events.
In 2022, the Epsilon Phi Chapter was the recipient of an award for Exemplary Physical and Mental Health Program Collegiate by the Eastern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Please see our Upcoming Events page for more details!
Carol Ann Black
Judy Yvonne Pinder Gaskins
Tina Sloan Green
Melva Bullock Jackson
Joan Ralph Loper
Rita Louise Ridgely Mickie
Judy Tayler Merrill
Patricia Durant Puerifoy
Sarah Harris Sexton
Vinetta Jackson Upshur
Under the leadership of then National President Geraldine P. Woods and chapter advisors, Constance Clayton and Viola Harris, Epsilon Phi Chapter in the tradition of Delta, was dedicated to establishing and maintaining a standard of morality and scholarship among women. In this capacity, throughout its history, the Epsilon Phi Chapter has included collegiate members from schools within a fifty-mile radius of Philadelphia including, but not limited to, Arcadia University, University of Pennsylvania (Gamma), Widener University, Swarthmore University, Villanova University, West Chester University (Rho Alpha), Chestnut Hill College, Lincoln University (Zeta Omega), Drexel University, Bryn Mawr College, and Philadelphia University.
Following in footsteps of their 22 founders, Epsilon Phi Chapter Sorors have in the past and are presently committed to public service. As such, they gave freely of their time, talent, and creativity sharing an unparalleled sense of determination, integrity, and unity. Through the years, Epsilon Phi Chapter members stressed the importance of community involvement. In the late 1960's, Sorors helped support Philadelphia residents manage civil rights issues of the times such as voter registration.
During the 1970's, members of the Epsilon Phi Chapter were instrumental in aiding Philadelphia locals and college students by sponsoring Tax Preparation Workshops and assisting with preparation for the 1980 U.S. Census. They also coordinated food drives for Senior Citizens and held College Recruitment and Financial Aid Workshops for area high school students.
In the 1980's, the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was the only Black Greek organization to win the Inter-Fraternity Award at the University of Pennsylvania for outstanding community service and leadership. In 1989, the Epsilon Phi Chapter also received an award for the Eastern Region Undergraduate Chapter of the year.
In the 1990's, Epsilon Phi Chapter continued its tradition of success and excellence, offering over 80 professional, personal, and community service programs dedicated to uplifting the surrounding community. These women have gone on to become movers and shakers in the field of public service and continue to give back in different capacities.
During the 2000's the Epsilon Phi Chapter has held several programs dedicated to improving the community in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, including Staying Out of the RED (financial budgeting), participation in several World AIDS Day events, and political forums. The chapter has also been involved in many community service events including St. Thomas of Villanova and Martin Luther King Days of Service.
During the 2013-2014 school year, the Epsilon Phi chapter has planned many events including Voter registration sessions, financial well-being workshops, study sessions, a formal and many other events.
In 2022, the Epsilon Phi Chapter was the recipient of an award for Exemplary Physical and Mental Health Program Collegiate by the Eastern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Please see our Upcoming Events page for more details!