The return of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has sparked a wealth of interest from all corners of Penn's campus. The traditionally black sorority was an integral part of Penn's landscape since 1921 but has been inactive for the past four years for a variety of reasons. The reactivation of Penn's chapter of the sorority, whose national organization has boasted notable members from Sadie Alexander to Aretha Franklin, has already begun -- there will be Deltas on campus next fall. Chairwoman of the United Minorities Council Darcy Richie sees the return of Delta as something that will catalyze the creation of a new generation of black female leaders. "I feel like the historical strength of the Delta sorority, and the strength and enthusiasm of the girls who would be involved in the new organization on campus would help to bring a new family of black leaders on campus, which would only add to the already developing community and benefit it with all the unique qualities of Delta," the College junior wrote in an e-mail. Former President of the Black Student League and Wharton senior Brian Larkin said he was also happy that Delta is returning. "I am very excited to know that Delta Sigma Theta will be returning to campus," Larkin wrote in an e-mail. "From what I have heard from Penn alumni, black fraternities and sororities used to have a much stronger presence on campus than they do now. This made the social scene livelier and gave students more incentive to be a part of these historic organizations. "With the return of the Deltas, I think that we can see an overall resurgence of black Greek life and subsequently, an improvement in the quality of life of all Penn students." Indeed, the resurgence that Larkin anticipates has already begun. Program Coordinator for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Larry Moses, the driving force behind bringing Delta Sigma Theta back to campus, testified to a gradually building momentum toward minority Greek life. "I would say that people are pretty excited about the return of Delta," Moses said. "They're excited because they're seeing something very positive happening. As I have said before, the pendulum [of minority interest] is swinging the opposite way. There's a good buzz on campus about Delta coming back." According to Moses, over 50 women attended the initial meeting for those interested in joining Delta -- a turnout he termed "tremendous." "These are the type of numbers we can maintain on a regular basis," Moses said. As to whether or not the reactivation of Delta will draw college applicants to the University, Moses noted that he receives inquiries from high school seniors periodically. Larkin also commented on the matter. "I do not think that the return of the Deltas will attract black women to Penn more than a generous financial aid package could," Larkin wrote. "Penn needs to become more competitive in recruitment, or else there will not be enough African-American females around to join these returning sororities." Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, a former member of the sorority, was thrilled that the group is returning. "I believe that the return of my sorority to campus will enrich and enliven the lives of Penn women who wish to commit to lives of extraordinary service and professional excellence," McCoullum wrote in an e-mail. "It will be my privilege to welcome my new sisters! "As an undergraduate, my Delta Sigma Theta sorors were instrumental in sustaining my dedication to academic excellence and in supporting my passion for community service," she added. "Also, for my entire adult life, as I have moved through my own academic career, at each point I have been inspired by other Deltas whose vision and commitment to extraordinary service has continued to inspire me." Capitalizing on this enthusiasm for organizations associated with the BiCultural InterGreek Council, Moses noted that he hopes to bring all nine of the minority-based fraternities and sororities associated with the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., to Penn's campus within the next two years. Delta Sigma Theta will become the seventh such group at Penn. "I'm excited that this organization is finally being re-established because membership in the Deltas, like the other historically African-American fraternities and sororities, is something that is passed down through families, cousins, aunts, parents, and it is finally our turn as Penn females to join that legacy," Richie wrote.
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