CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article said that Epsilon Psi had returned to campus after a four-year pause. The headline has been adjusted to acknowledge that, while Epsilon Psi has not had a line in four years, it has remained active on campus. Additionally, the article has been updated to reflect a scheduling change for the hygiene product drive.

For the first time since 2019, the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated (DST) crossed their Spring 2023 line — a process of showcasing new members, in Conservation Auditorium on Feb. 25. 

The line consisted of 17 members and the new initiation presentation included history of the organization, a reveal of the new members and strolling — an organized dance that is usually performed in a line. 

The organization was founded Jan. 13, 1913, and the Epsilon Psi chapter was chartered at MU on May 21, 1966. One purpose of this organization is to provide assistance and support through established programs. There are five components to DST’s programming: economic and educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. DST’s programming is based on the Five Point Programmatic Thrust..

Epsilon Psi Vice President Aysia Grey, who was elected by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority to cross the line as the Vice President of Epsilon Psi, said the experience of crossing the line was overwhelming in a positive way.

“I think we have big shoes to fill because of all of the great things the Epsilon Psi chapter has done on this campus,” Grey said. “I think everyone who is a part of the line, including myself, were excited to really keep those traditions alive and bring back what they had before.”

At the beginning, the new members could not see anything because their heads were down and they had on masks, so they could only hear voices from the attendees. 

“I was definitely nervous but once I was in front of everybody and everyone was screaming and hyping us up it kind of all faded away,” chapter President Kennedy Ortiz said. “I was literally in the zone and just running through the information.” 

Grey said the presentation was an emotional experience. 

“Everyone was anticipating the chapter coming back but to see the turnout and to see alumni and past EPSI members and even Deltas from different chapters in Missouri … It felt really special to see everyone come out and support us like that,” Grey said. 

During the presentation, the members introduced themselves one-by-one and removed their masks. Grey said this was her favorite part of the new initiation presentation.

“After we were revealed and we got to take off our masks … There’s two traditional chants that we did and one of them is ‘Delta Business’ and the other is ‘110 years ago,’ and I felt like that for me was like, ‘Wow we made it, I can say this now and hold up the sign,’” Grey said.

Technology Committee Chair Dia Gibbs said her favorite thing about DST is the opportunity to give back on a larger level. 

“I was able to give back to my community by myself in a small way,” Gibbs said. “Being a part of this organization and being able to use the resources, the tools and being with my sisters and being able to give back on a larger scale is probably my favorite part.”

Next week, DST will have a hygiene product drive and donation boxes will be set up at the Student Center, the Gaines/Oldham
Black Culture Center and the Women’s Center to donate.

“We have some other stuff cooking, stay tuned,” Ortiz said. 

Edited by Mercy Austin | maustin@themaneater.com 

Copy edited by Grace Knight and Sterling Sewell