When RMU’s Pan-Hellenic Conference opened for expansion, they were not sure of the response or interest they would get from national sororities.

After a number of meetings, conferences and campus visits, Robert Morris University Greek Life welcomes the Delta Phi Epsilon National Sorority to its campus to join two National Pan-Hellenic Conference (NPC) sororities and one National Pan-Hellenic Council sorority.

During the fall 2011 semester, both Zeta Tau Alpha and Delta Zeta sororities voted yes to the addition of Delta Phi Epsilon to RMU Greek life.

“When we invited them to our campus it was an obvious choice,” said Scott Irlbacher, RMU Director of Special Programs and Student Community Standards.

Irlbacher serves as the advisor for RMU Pan-Hellenic and was the driving force to open for extension.

“[Delta Phi Epsilon] previously had a chapter at RMU, so this encourages RMU alumni that were members to be involved once again,” added Irlbacher.

According to their national website, Delta Phi Epsilon was founded on March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School. There are over 50,000 initiated members throughout the United States and Canada.

With the addition of a new sorority, Ashley Bednar, RMU Pan-Hellenic president, believes the relationships between sororities and overall unity of Greek Life at RMU will prosper.

“As seen in other universities, the addition of one new sorority generally increases interest in sorority life and eventually can allow for other opportunities to add additional chapters down the road,” said Bednar.

Delta Phi Epsilon’s national website states that their mission is to develop in women a social consciousness and a commitment to think and act for the greater good. We assure continuous development and achievement for women through individual attention and smart strategic growth.

“It’s great. Logistically, it’s different, but it will work and by adding a third NPC sorority our sorority life will become more attractive to women who are interested in having multiple sororities as options,” said Irlbacher.

The colors of royal purple and pure gold are already seen across campus as Delta Phi Epsilon recruits for new members.

“I really think that non-Greek women will notice that Delta Phi Epsilon may offer something different for our campus,” said Bednar. “I strongly suggest non-Greek women consider looking at this new sorority as an organization they would like to be a part of.”

Delta Phi Epsilon will recruit women for the next week and then start their interview process. Bids will be given out and new members will be pinned by the end of this month. 

“They’re a perfect fit and will bring so many new things to our campus. They have new colors, traditions and ideas,” said Irlbacher. “They also have new philanthropies.”

The RMU Greek Life system holds a high reputation for serving the community as well as supporting each chapter’s national philanthropies and Delta Phi Epsilon is no different. They nationally support a variety of non-profit organizations, including The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

For more information about this new sorority, contact Scott Irlbacher at [email protected] or Delta Phi Epsilon at [email protected].

You may also join their Facebook group and sign up for interviews via the Delta Phi Epsilon Facebook application. Access the application by visiting: https://apps.facebook.com/bedphienew/.