“Intelligence is the torch of wisdom.” 

Delta Sigma Theta’s open motto depicts what makes a Delta Sigma Theta woman. A dedication to public service, high intellectual standards and a commitment to one’s chapter is the image of a Delta Sigma Theta soror. Kaylynn Ruffin, double major in digital media production  and business administration, and the president of the Tau Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta at UNI, is focused on bringing back the Divine Nine and cementing Delta Sigma Theta at the University of Northern Iowa. 

Currently, on UNI’s campus, there are five Panhellenic sororities and two Interfraternal fraternities. The Divine Nine is a group of nine historically Black Greek organizations that exist within the Pan-Hellenic. The Divine Nine consists of five fraternities and four sororities, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. 

On UNI’s campus, there’s a rich history of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities. In addition to Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity have also held charters on UNI’s campus, and impacted many people in their times on campus. Ruffin’s goal is to bring back that strong Divine Nine presence on campus.

Prior to becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Ruffin went through primary recruitment here at UNI. This was a very different and new experience for her. “None of my family went Greek, none of them have been in a fraternity or sorority. I was really interested in it because I see the impacts that Greek organizations can have on a community.” 

Ruffin chose not to complete the primary recruitment process, and explored information about Delta Sigma Theta. “When I was going through recruitment, I didn’t know that Delta Sigma Theta wasn’t on campus. Since then, my goal has been to build up Delta, I want to get things in the works for us and build a community here on the University’s campus.”

While Iowa legislators repeal DEI initiatives and departments at regent universities, the space for students to step up and make room for multicultural organizations is needed now more than ever. According to Ruffin, that’s where the Divine Nine can step in and step up. “I’m in various student organizations like the Spectrum Project, Shine On and Women in Business, so I get to meet a lot of people.” 

The campus recently has lacked in their multicultural Greek organizations, as the sole multicultural sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha, has also seen membership dwindle. But for Ruffin, it’s important to not just create these spaces for students of color, but to nurture these spaces. “These clubs, organizations, sororities, fraternities, those things are needed for minority students in general …Students feel more comfortable in their own skin on campus or have a place to confide in organizations to help you build those lifelong connections that are needed on a college campus.” 

Ruffin wants students to know how being in a Divine Nine sorority has impacted her, and how those impacts can be felt by any students wanting to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for women to meet on campus and learn and grow together. Meet other women challenging you to maintain your GPA and volunteer, but also have fun with a sister. It will help amplify Black Greek undergraduate culture on a predominantly white campus. This is a unique experience that we’re offered and you’re able to make unique connections you might not otherwise have. I am truly honored to be a part of the organization.” 

In the future, Ruffin envisions Delta Sigma Theta hosting events for women, by women, including events geared towards women’s health and hygiene. She also envisions Delta Sigma Theta cementing itself on campus, connecting Black women and building a community within Fraternity and Sorority Life on UNI’s campus. 

“I hope people can look at the Divine Nine and Delta Sigma Theta and think, ‘Oh, that’s interesting. Maybe I should join,’ You’re looking at making lifelong friendships, impacting the Black community, supporting Multicultural student organizations and eliminating some misconceptions around Greek life.” Ruffin is a Delta, but she wants students, specifically women, to believe this is an opportunity they can partake in. “This is a commitment to public service, our education, and it’s led by strong women. We’re committed to public service, sisterhood and scholarship.”