Herstory...

Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. was nationally established on December 6, 1998 at the University of Houston by seventeen South Asian women who recognized the need for an organization to promote the advancement of South Asian women. They came together with the common goal of uniting women among the South Asian community. The Founders created the backbone of this sorority on the basis of the five pillars of Sisterhood, Respect, Loyalty, Honesty, and Friendship. They envisioned an organization that would highlight the diverse South Asian culture through participation in community and social service projects.

In January of 2002, the idea of starting a South Asian sisterhood at the University of Maryland, College Park was first proposed. Contact was made with the National Council of the Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. and the interests were very impressed with the high goals and aspirations of the organization. After numerous informational meetings and discussions, an interest group was formed that was determined to give South Asian women a strong voice and active involvement in the Greek community. They felt that it would be beneficial not only for the surrounding community that they would be supporting, but also themselves as these women were on a path to self exploration and lifelong sisterhood. Little did these women know that they had initiated the start of a legacy! Throughout their process, they were given guidance on the challenges and responsibilities of becoming truly dedicated to Delta Phi Omega's philanthropy and values. Perseverance allowed these women to unite as one and overcome all obstacles.

The eight founding mothers of the Maryland Colony were given a warm welcome into the Delta Phi Omega family. They were also given much support and encouragement by members of the Greek Community and existing South Asian organizations on campus as they were officially the first South Asian Greek organization at the University of Maryland!

The Zeta Chapter Founding Class: