By Greg Howell, Pacific (CA)

In the 50 years since women have been initiated in Delta Sigma Pi, women have become an essential part of the Fraternity’s fabric—shaping our future and strengthening its legacy. Among these trailblazers is Past Grand President Kathleen “Kathy” Jahnke, whose journey from collegiate member to the first woman elected Grand President embodies the spirit of determination, service, and vision.

Kathy was initiated into Eta Mu Chapter at Northern Illinois University in 1980. During her college years, she served as Senior Vice President and Social Chair, but her Deltasig connection deepened post-graduation. Active in the Chicago Alumni Chapter for over 40 years, Kathy served in nearly every role including President.

Nationally, Kathy faced the challenges of the time. Although the Fraternity had made great strides in keeping with the times, there was still an adjustment period throughout the organization. Despite her eagerness to serve as a District Director, the then all-male leadership—many from all-male chapters— continued to overlook her. "It was a struggle to move beyond just being an alumni member," she recalled. "Even though I eventually became Grand President, I was never appointed District Director."

Brother Jahnke decided to take matters into her own hands and get involved from the ground level. Her breakthrough started by helping rebuild Gamma Pi Chapter at Loyola University, where she led alumni to recruit and revive the struggling chapter. That visibility helped launch her into higher office and the following years she served as Great Lakes Regional Director from 1993-1997 (now Regional Vice President), then Mid-American Provincial Vice President from 1997-2001, and ultimately, she reached new heights to become Grand President in 2001—the first woman ever elected to the role.

Kathy still remembers the exact moment of personal triumph and organizational progress for Delta Sigma Pi.  “I was out in the hallway with the Past Grand Presidents (PGPs) waiting to hear if I had won and PGP Mike Mallonee reminded us that it had been 25 years since Delta Sigma Pi had allowed women to be initiated. During my acceptance speech, I mentioned they had just elected their first female Grand President.”

To other Deltasig women during that time, her election was overdue. "To be honest, my thought was that it was time. By the time Kathy was elected, no one had any concerns based on gender," said 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Claire Roberts.

According to PGP Tricia Bonfrisco, "When Kathy became Delta Sigma Pi’s first female president, she didn’t just break barriers—she reimagined what leadership could be. Her journey has been an inspiring reminder that true leadership isn’t about being the first; it’s about opening doors for others and continuing to serve a greater purpose well beyond any title or term."

Kathy led with conviction and paved the way for other women leaders in Delta Sigma Pi. Her philosophy? Leadership through empowerment. She focused on sharing knowledge, trusting others, and ensuring chapters had a voice in decisions that affected them. During her two terms, she:

• Installed 16 new collegiate chapters
• Guided the Fraternity through 9/11, reinforcing continuity and resilience
• Reformed governance by implementing provincial councils and a new national committee structure.
• Helped secure and shape the Leadership Foundation’s scholarship program—working in conjunction with Beta Chapter's scholarship funds to support students in Delta Sigma Pi
• Led the comprehensive reorganization of the Delta Sigma Pi Leadership Foundation alongside then Foundation Chair and President Greg Howell, modernizing and strengthening the Foundation’s impact

Despite never winning Collegian of the Year or serving as a chapter president, Kathy never let those setbacks deter her within the Fraternity. From her first Grand Chapter Congress in 1981 at Mackinac Island, she had a vision: "I wanted to stand up on that podium. I wanted to be Grand President." And she made sure to achieve her goal.

Her vision for the future of Delta Sigma Pi includes greater alumni programming, more volunteer training, and continued expansion to every business school—and even internationally. "We need to support our brothers beyond graduation. Whether it's financial planning, career networking, or even something fun like gardening, we can create more value."

Kathy continues to give back through the Delta Sigma Pi Leadership Foundation, contributing to a fund that supports the volunteer retreat she helped create. "I feel like I have to give back because I got so much. We all take that oath." Outside the Fraternity, she has years of experience in the printing industry after starting at her father’s company. Today, she is a vice president of client services at Printing Arts, managing large-scale projects and mentoring teams.

PGP Kathy Jahnke remains a symbol of what’s possible when one leads with heart, courage, and commitment. Her journey reminds us: empowerment doesn’t just lift the leader—it lifts the brotherhood.

To honor this monumental anniversary, Delta Sigma Pi is providing informational and historical profiles about some of the dedicated Deltasigs of our organization— all throughout the year. Stay up to date for new updates every week!   Check back next week to hear about more amazing women in Delta Sigma Pi as we celebrate 50 years of women being initiated into Delta Sigma Pi.

PGP Kathy Jahnke’s legacy remains a beacon in Delta Sigma Pi and lead the path for PGP Tricia Bonfrisco and GP Erica Kolsrud as we celebrate the anniversary of 50 years of women in the Fraternity.

At the 2025 Grand Chapter Congress, PGP Kathy Jahnke hosted the 50 years of Women celebration.

Kathy Jahnke was elected Grand President in 2001, a moment marking both personal triumph and organizational progress. From left: Jahnke with Alison Solotoroff, Drake (IA), after being elected as the first female Grand President at the 2001 GCC in Niagara Falls.