AU's Delta Sigma Theta sorority celebrates 109 years

By Iana Crane | Staff writer

Augusta University’s Delta Sigma Theta sorority celebrated Founders’ Day in the Jaguar Student Activities Center Jan. 13. The women gathered with music and refreshments, followed by a balloon release to honor the 22 founding women.

The Delta Sigma Theta sorority was founded by 22 women from Howard University in 1913. Since then, the organization has been dedicated to serving the community, helping others and creating lifelong bonds of sisterhood among one another.

Sarah Hemphill, who is the president of the Majestic Mu Xi Chapter, spoke about her experience as a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority as well as what it means to her.

“Founders’ Day is something very special, we had 22 great women pave the way for us so it’s like a day that’s just dedicated to us to show scholarship, service and sisterhood. Some things I’ve learned is community service within and outside of our incorporation, also the closeness and tight knit community for sure,” she said.

Hemphill has been a member of the Majestic Mu Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for almost a year.

To the sorority, being a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority means being open to getting to know others and coming together as a family.

Aziza Griggs said her experience as a member has led her to learn from others.

“Some specific things I’ve learned is that sisterhood is beautiful and that it is a gift, also that it is something that is not easy, but it has been beautiful to learn from each other. I became a Delta fall semester in 2021. I enjoy having a foundation to do things on campus and having a platform to help students,” said Griggs.

Griggs spoke of advice for she would give those who wish to pursue this organization or any others.

“My advice is to first do your research and understand what the organization is because there is more than the eye of just strolling, dancing or just showing up or wearing the letters so make sure you know that before joining,” said Griggs.

For Nyhirah Higgenbottom, becoming a Delta was always in her future.

“For me I joined because of the mentors I had in my life. Everything that I did, Deltas were surrounded by me since I was a child and I’ve just always admired Delta women,” said Higgenbottom.

Sisterhood, scholarship, and service were common words used by many of the women to describe what the sorority has meant to them.

Delta Sigma Theta promote upcoming events on campus and on their Instagram page @majesticmuxideltas. For more information on the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and other Greek organizations on campus, visit www.augusta.edu/student-life/greeklife.

At top of page, members of Delta Sigma Theta pose for photos in the JSAC. (photo by Iana Crane)

Contact Iana Crane at icrane@augusta.edu.