Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Chapter Name:

Beta Psi

National Founding Date & Location:

January 13, 1913 at Howard University

Chartered at OSU:

1945

Nicknames(s):

Deltas, The Redz

Chapter Facts:

- March 24, 1945
- Statewide chapter
- The first and only Collegiate Chapter in Oregon
- Gave birth to Portland Alumnae Chapter in 1981, May 28 th
10 Chartered members:
- Joe Anna Young Bradford
- Mignon Lily Cabell
- Fannie Stills Chatman
- Hattie Fannings Gaskin
- Lena Mae Hillsman
- Genvea Turner Jordan
- June Roe Runnels Key
- Lucille Triplet Morgan
- Florence Mills Morton
- Ellen Torrence Law
Since the chartering took place in the middle of the war years, service activities
primarily focused on assistance and involvement with men in the military. The bravery
of these women during a time where they were challenged by Oregon laws that
prevented the Black population from moving freely throughout the city and state,
regulating where to eat, live and play did not stop them continuing the mission of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated till this day.

Total Members:

Chapter Information

Council Membership:

National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine)

Chapter Type:

Sorority

Mission:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is an organization of college educated women committed to constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.

Organization Information:

The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization's Five-Point Programmatic
Thrust. More than ten thousand members typically attend Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc.'s biennial national conventions and each of the seven regional conferences (held
during years when there is no national convention) typically host thousands of members. At its
recent 51st National convention held in the District of Columbia, more than 38,000 members
registered and attended.

Founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 illustrious women at the Howard University to use
their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to
those in need. Their vision stemmed from sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

Philanthropy:

DREF – Mission: Delta Research and Educational Foundation promotes research which
identifies and fashions solutions to issues affecting African American women and their families,
nationally and globally through funding and support of public service programs of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Incorporated and collaborative organizations.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, established the Delta Research and Educational
Foundation (DREF) in 1967. DREF helps strengthen and expand the charitable and educational
programs of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and other organizations with similar community
service goals. DREF provides technical assistance to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Chapters
in the areas of fund raising and charitable giving. Additionally, program grants are awarded
annually to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chapters and community-based organizations for
charitable and educational programming.

Notable Alumni:

Brigadier General Hazel Johnson Brown, Ph.D:
was the first African American woman general in the United States Army.

Alexa Canady, M.D.:
at age 26 became the first Black woman neurosurgeon in the United States. She specializes in
pediatric neurosurgery.

Shirley Chisholm:
the first Black woman member of the U.S. Congress was the first African American and first
woman to run as a major party candidate for the presidency of the United States.

Celebrity Sorors: Cicely Tyson, Angela Basset, Aretha Franklin, Soledad O’Brien and more

Learn More

Contact Information

Chapter President Contact Information:

Saba Moallem

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address:

325 Student Experience Center

Learn More

Chapter Website:

https://www.portlanddeltas.org/chapter-history

Inter / National Website:

http://www.deltasigmatheta.org/

Recruitment Requirements:

Any female student currently enrolled at a college or university where there is an active chapter
on-campus or in the city is eligible to apply for membership, provided that:

1. the college or university where the student is enrolled is accredited by an
accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of
Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation;
2. the student is taking courses leading to her first/initial baccalaureate degree or its
equivalent;
3. the student has completed at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours;
4. the student is in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point
average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or 1.75 on a 3.0 scale; or equivalent, except where
the minimum grade point average required by the college or university is greater,
then the minimum grade point average must be used for eligibility; and
5. the student is not a member of any society holding membership in the National
Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. or the Panhellenic Conference, Inc.

Any applicant for membership must receive a majority of the votes of members of the chapter to
which she has applied. However, the vote of the chapter is subject to final approval of the
Regional Director.

Recruitment Contact- Zemzem Hussen: [email protected]

Contact the CFSL at [email protected] for more information

Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life