Delta Beta Sigma Sorority History, Constitution, and Traditions

Vocabulary study flashcards covering Delta Beta Sigma (DBS) founding facts, national officers, chapter governance, officer duties, policies, traditions, and ceremonial songs and prayers.

Founding of Delta Beta Sigma (DBS)

Founded on October 1, 1903, at the Columbia Institute in Colombia, Tennessee.

Founders of DBS

Florrie Faulkner, Eva Colmore, Anna Faulkner, Stella Hanord, Marion Hanford, Rose Dickinson, and Mabel Vaughn.

International Society for Crippled Children

The first national charity supported by Delta Beta Sigma.

DBS Insignia and Symbols

Colors: Black and Gold; Flower: Yellow Chrysanthemum; Symbol: Fleur-de-lis; Mascot: Lion.

Active Chapters of DBS

The 7 active chapters: Beta Phi, Omega, Lambda, Tau, Phi Delta, Kappa Rho, and Alpha Beta.

Beta Phi Chapter

A chapter of DBS founded in 1965 whose chapter colors are blue and yellow.

National Officers

Hannah Knies (National President), Fiona Franks (National VP Philanthropy), Lauren Smith (National Editor-in-Chief), Valerie Davis (National Secretary), Gracie Fason (National VP Sisterhood), and Rebecca Pollet (National Treasurer).

Beta Phi Chapter Advisor

Fiona Franks.

Constitution Article II, Section 2

All active members are required to attend chapter meetings unless excused by the President, VP Philanthropy, or Secretary.

Constitution Article II, Section 10

When a member resigns or is asked to resign from the sorority, she must return her pin, membership card, creed, and certificate.

Constitution Article II, Section 11L

Each new member and member shall make a minimum grade of a "C".

Constitution Article II, Section 13

Hazing is forbidden.

Quorum (Constitution Article VI, Section 4)

A majority of the active membership present, without which official business cannot occur.

President (Officer Role)

Appoints committees.

VP Philanthropy (Officer Role)

Oversees the planning and execution of all community service and charity events.

Social Chair (Officer Role)

Oversees the planning and execution of all social events.

Sentinal

Stands in the entrance during chapter meetings to receive the member's handshake and password.

VP Sisterhood (Officer Role)

Plans and oversees all recruitment events.

Treasurer (Officer Role)

Collects all dues, fees, and fines.

Secretary (Officer Role)

Keeps an accurate list of the membership of the chapter.

VP Member Education (Officer Role)

Responsible for educating pledges on the duties of the membership and preparing them for initiation.

Historian Reporter (Officer Role)

Keeps an accurate account of the chapter's activities and maintains the chapter's belongings.

Chapter Mothers

Meets with the chapter and gives assistance and advice whenever necessary.

Standards Committee

A body composed of the President, VP Philanthropy, Secretary, and 2 Chapter Mothers that addresses and punishes behavioral issues of initiated members.

Substance Abuse Policy

If a member or new member is found using alcohol or illegal substances, she will be subject to dismissal.

National Convention

Annual meeting usually held in June to train incoming officers and work on chapter development; the upcoming convention is in Mobile, Alabama.

Officers Required to Attend National Convention

President, VP Philanthropy, VP Sisterhood, VP Member Education, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian Reporter, and Social Chair.

2026–2027 National Philanthropy

American Heart Association.

The Beta

The annual publication that chronicles the events of the year.

Wanda Bedell Scholarship

A scholarship that gives away $\$2{,}000$ annually to a member in good standing.

Melinda's Four C's

Courtesy, Consideration, Cooperation, and Congeniality.

Social Event Chaperone Recommendation

Mothers, fathers, and police officers must attend socials, usually following the recommendation of one chaperone per $10$ attendees.

Object of DBS

To promote loyalty, congeniality, lofty ideals, and high moral character among women.

DBS Prayer

"Oh God, who has given us the good gift of sisterhood, keep alive in our hearts the sense of loyalty, courage, and love. Make our offenses to be forgotten and our services to be remembered. Protect the sisters of Delta Beta Sigma and follow them with kindness. As we depart from this meeting, we pray that we are stronger in thy faith and love, and try to be better sisters in the sight of God and women. Amen."

DBS Sweetheart Song

A sorority song in which "D" stands for "the day I met you," "B" stands for "you're beautiful, as beautiful as can be," and "S" stands for "the sweetest sweetheart, 'neath the sky so blue."