| Delta Epsilon Sigma | |
| Letters: | Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΕΣ |
| Coat Of Arms: | Copy of DES-logo.gif |
| Alt: | The Society's Symbol |
| Status: | Active |
| Type: | Honor society |
| Emphasis: | Roman Catholic |
| Scope: | National |
| Affiliation: | ACHS |
| Colors: | Gold and Maroon |
| Chapters: | 119 |
| Lifetime: | 38,848 |
| Address: | c/o Neumann University Arts & Sciences BACH 305 One Neumann Drive |
| City: | Ashton |
| State: | Pennsylvania |
| Zip Code: | 19014 |
| Country: | United States |
| Publication: | Delta Epsilon Sigma Journal |
Delta Epsilon Sigma (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΔΕΣ) is an American scholastic honor society that was established for students of Catholic universities and colleges. It was established at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1939. Delta Epsilon Sigma has 119 chapters across the United States and nearly 39,000 members.
In October 1938, Reverend E. A. Fitzgerald, dean of studies at at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, surveyed his peers to see if there was interest in establishing a scholastic honor society for students at Catholic universities and colleges.[1] He presented his findings to the College and University Department of the National Catholic Education Association (N.C.E.A.) in 1939. This led to the creation of a 32 member Committee of Founders, with Fitzgerald as the chair.
The committee selected the name Delta Epsilon Sigma and created a motto, insignia and constitution. This work was shared with all Catholic colleges and universities before a Constitutional Convention in Kansas City on March 29, 1940. During this convention, a provisional constitution was adopted and 32 chapters of Delta Epsilon Sigma were chartered. Delta Epsilon Sigma was established as a national scholastic honor society for students at Catholic universities and colleges.[2] [3] Fitzgerald was selected as its national secretar-treasurer.
In 1947, the society began publishing the Delta Epsilon Sigma Bulletin, now the Delta Epsilon Sigma Journal.[4] It changed its constitution, bylaws and induction riturals on May 28, 1976.
As of 2024, Delta Epsilon Sigma has 119 chapters across the United States and has more 38,848 members.[5] Its national headquarters is in Ashton, Pennsylvania.
Delta Epsilon Sigma's colors are gold and maroon.[6] [7] Its membership badge is a key.
Membership is by invitation sent from the college or university's chapter. Undergraduate students must be ranked in the top twenty percent of their class and have completed at least half of the credit requirements for their baccalaureate degree.[8] Graduate students must also have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and have completed at least half of the credits for their degree. Individual chapters can set more stringent GPA requirements. Candidates must also have a record of dedication to intellectual activity and community service.[9]
The chapters of Delta Epsilon Sigma are named for letters of the Greek alphabet, in charter date order.