In 1921, one of the Founders of Delta Sigma Pi, Harold Valentine Jacobs, suggested the official flower of the Fraternity be a red rose, as they were a favorite of his wife, Rose Jacobs. Later in 1926, when Delta Sigma Pi adopted the song "Rose of Deltasig" as the official Fraternity song, they dedicated the song to Rose due to her name and love of the flower. The "Rose of Deltasig" song was written by Paul Coughlin, Georgetown (DC). In the lyrics, Delta Sigma Pi is being compared to the flower.

The "Rose of Deltasig" is still sung today at national events and roses are often given to new initiates of the Fraternity.

Roses became a common thread throughout the rest of Deltasig history. They were the primary gift given to the wives of brothers at the time the organization was all male, and by the 1940s, the “Rose of Deltasig” would also refer to the Rose of Deltasig Contest. This event originated at the 16th Grand Chapter Congress, and the first contest was conducted in the 1947-1948 academic year.

For the Rose of Deltasig Contest, chapters would select their own Rose of Deltasig from among the women at their university, and then a national winner was selected for the year. Chapters held banquets and dances to honor their “Roses”.  The national winner, together with the second and third selections, were announced in an issue of The Deltasig magazine; and the winner was presented with a special all-ruby engraved badge of Delta Sigma Pi.

The last national winner of the Rose of Deltasig Contest was published in the 1972 issue of the magazine, which coincides with Title IX of the Federal Higher Education Act that same year. This act denied federal funding support to institutions that allowed organizations with restricted membership to operate on campuses.

Title IX was a major turning point for the conversation of women initiates and inclusive membership in Delta Sigma Pi. It all ended when the amendment to open Delta Sigma Pi membership to women was with ratified at the 1977 Grand Chapter Congress (see the past articles to learn more about the 1977 ratification).

Red roses have represented much across the history of the Fraternity, and through it all they are a symbol of brotherhood, friendship, and the how Delta Sigma Pi continues to evolve.

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 with 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.

Founder Harold Valentine Jacobs and his wife, Rose Jacobs, at the 1957 Grand Chapter Congress in New York. 

The "Rose of Deltasig" cover.