Delta Sigma Theta: A Legacy of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service at UCLA and Beyond

Introduction

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, stands as a beacon of sisterhood, scholarship, and service, not only within the Black community but across the globe. Founded in 1913 at Howard University, the sorority has a rich history of empowering women and driving positive change. This article explores the impactful legacy of Delta Sigma Theta, with a particular focus on its presence at UCLA and its contributions to the broader community.

The Centennial Celebration at UCLA

In 1923, a group of Black women at UCLA, then known as the Southern Branch of the University of California, chartered the Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. This marked the establishment of the first Greek-letter organization at UCLA, irrespective of race or gender.

A century later, UCLA honored the Pi Chapter with a permanent plaque on campus, recognizing its profound contributions and lasting impact on Black life at the university. This unveiling was a centerpiece of a five-day reunion and centennial celebration hosted by the Pi chapter, which featured a dedication ceremony, a chapter gala, and an exclusive screening of “Birthing Justice,” a documentary directed and co-written by triple Bruin and Pi chapter alumna Monique Matthews.

A Continued Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The recognition of Delta Sigma Theta's centennial at UCLA signifies the university's continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The permanent plaques serve as timeless reminders of the organizations’ significant roles in history. These plaques act as timeless representations to observe these organizations’ significant roles in history.

The Divine Nine at UCLA

Today, Delta Sigma Theta is joined by eight of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, collectively known as the Divine Nine. These organizations provide valuable opportunities for professional and personal development, creating a space for many Black students to thrive and build a strong sense of community.

Delta Sigma Theta: A National Overview

Delta Sigma Theta is an international historically Black sorority. In its early days, many chapters were chartered as citywide chapters, including both graduate and undergraduate members. Over time, alumnae chapters split from the mixed chapters, leading to the formation of new collegiate chapters on specific campuses.

Mixed Chapters: A Historical Perspective

Historically, many Delta Sigma Theta chapters were established as "mixed chapters," encompassing both undergraduate and graduate members. This model fostered mentorship and collaboration between women at different stages of their academic and professional journeys. However, over time, a shift occurred, with alumnae chapters separating from their collegiate counterparts.

Examples of chapters that were originally formed as mixed chapters include:

^ Chapter (University of Chicago): Formed as a citywide chapter, it later became a collegiate chapter in 1934.
^ Chapter: Originally functioned as a mixed chapter with both undergraduate and graduate members.

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^ Iota: Chartered as a collegiate and alumnae chapter.
^ This was chartered as a mixed chapter of both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ Tau chapter originally included collegiate members from the University of Detroit and Wayne State University, as well as alumnae members.
^ Formed as a citywide chapter that included both undergraduates and alumni. The chapter went defunct when the alumnae members formed the Indianapolis Alumnae chapter in September 1977.
^ This was formed as both an alumnae and undergraduate chapter. It was dissolved by a change in national policy that stopped mixed chapters.

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^ This was a mixed chapter that included undergraduate and graduate members.
^ Was originally a mixed chapter of graduate and undergraduate members.
^ Chapter originally was for both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ Chapter was chartered as a mixed chapter that served both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This was originally a mixed chapter that included both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This citywide chapter was chartered at Stowe Teachers College includes members from Fontbonne University, Harris Stowe State University, Lindenwood University, Maryville University, Saint Louis University, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University in St.
^ This was chartered as a citywide mixed chapter, with both graduate and undergraduate chapters. Its members voted to form separate chapters on November 15, 1941.
^ Beta Theta formed as a mixed chapter, with both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This was chartered as a citywide mixed chapter that included undergraduates attending the University Toledo and Mary Manse College, along with graduates residing in Toledo.
^ This was a mixed chapter that included both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This was a mixed chapter, including both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This was a mixed chapter, including both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This was established as a mixed chapter, serving both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ Chapter was mixed, serving both undergraduates and graduates.
^ This formed as a citywide chapter that included both undergraduate and graduate members.
^ This was formed as a mixed chapter with both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ Chapter was chartered to serve both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This was chartered as a citywide mixed chapter, with both undergraduate and collegiate members.
^ This was chartered as a citywide chapter for graduates and undergraduates.
^ This was chartered as a mixed chapter, including graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This was either a mixed chapter of both graduate and graduate members or an alumnae chapter. It later became the East St.
^ This was chartered as a mixed citywide chapter, including both undergraduate and graduate members. In 1979, the alumnae members formed the Buffalo Alumnae chapter and the chapter became collegiate.
^ This was originally a citywide chapter, including both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ Chapter was chartered as a mixed chapter with both undergraduates and alumnae members. The collegiate members formed the Theta Alpha chapter at Northwestern University in 1971, turning Gamma Omicron into an alumnae chapter.
^ In 2010, WSU suspended this chapter for ten years for hazing violations.
^ This was chartered as a mixed chapter, serving both graduate and undergraduate members.
^ This chapter was chartered as a mixed undergraduate and graduate chapter. In 1968, some undergraduates split off to form the Zeta Gamma chapter at Youngstown State University. By the early 1970s, Delta Lambda had lost most of its collegiate members.
^ Epsilon Rho originally included the c the University of Dayton and Miami University.
^ This was chartered as Hartford Colony Chapter, later Hartford Citywide. During its existence, it included at various times, the University of Connecticut, Trinity College, St.
^ Previously a Gary, Hammond, and Valparaiso, Indiana City-Wide chapter that included Indiana University Northwest, Purdue University Calumet, Valparaiso University, and Calumet College of St.
^ Chapter was originally the Maryland Eastern Shore Areawide, serving both the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury State College.

A Legacy of Activism and Service

Throughout the years, Delta Sigma Theta chapters have continued to embody a heritage of activism and service, serving as catalysts for change and transforming the lives of their members and the broader community. This commitment to service is reflected in the sorority's numerous programs and initiatives, which address critical issues such as education, health, and economic empowerment.

Overcoming Obstacles: The San Luis Obispo Chapter

The history of the Delta Sigma Phi National Social Fraternity Chapter in San Luis Obispo offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by Greek-letter organizations. The chapter's journey is marked by its status as the first national social fraternity at the University, a colony longer than any other in Fraternity history, and a larger colony than many chapters.

Early Interest and Accreditation

Delta Sigma Phi National became interested in the then California Polytechnic College in 1949, following the college's full academic accreditation for four-year degree programs on December 11, 1948. Surviving letter correspondence suggests that University students had expressed interest in Delta Sigma Phi prior to early November 1949.

Collaboration and Approval

In January 1950, William S. Noblitt and Francis Wacker visited the University and conferred with the Student Faculty Committee regarding the recognition of social fraternities on campus. The charter members of the local community received approval, and the locals decided to align with Delta Sigma Phi. At that time, there were no national social fraternities at the University.

A Strong Start and Unique Character

The DSP Chapter in San Luis Obispo got started with assistance from UCSB’s Delta Sig House, Beta Xi. All of the original founders of the colony were WWII vets. The campus had little student housing. All the guys lived at Camp San Luis Obispo, in old barracks, until moving into 676 Monterey.

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