Delta Epsilon Sorority would not be existing if it was not for the first four founders who believed that Deaf and Hard of Hearing women at Gallaudet University, the only and first liberal arts higher education institution for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, should have  access to a Greek lettered sorority and acted upon that need.  To these women, Delta Epsilon was more than an organization, it was a movement, where it opens more doors for Deaf and Hard of Hearing women and a belief system that reflected at its core, the desire to advocate deaf rights and issues, provide philanthropic services, to encourage scholarship, to set a higher level of ethical morale, and to embrace the sisterhood.

The Founders of Delta Epsilon Sorority were strong Deaf women who believe that women at Gallaudet should have the same experience as other college women elsewhere.

The Herstory

International Alumnae of Delta Epsilon Sorority (IADES) was established in July 1957 as the National Alumnae of the Delta Epsilon Sorority (NADES). In 1989, recognizing that members resided in the countries outside of the United States, the alumnae voted to adopt the name International Alumnae of the Delta Epsilon Sorority. 

IADES strives to perpetuate the bonds of sisterhood developed during college years with the Delta Epsilon Sorority, the first Deaf Greek Sorority established at Gallaudet University. 

IADES promotes benevolent, charitable acts, bestows upon deserving alumni and non-DE women cash awards to further their doctoral studies, and honors with recognition awards those exceptional alumnae and non-DE women who have unselfishly served the greater Deaf community on local, national, or international levels. 

In the fall of 1993, IADES dissolved the fifteen-year-old IADES Charitable Fund and established a co-operative relationship with Gallaudet University's Office of Development. Gallaudet administers the IADES Endowed Fund with the IADES officers managing the affairs of the various fellowship and leadership under the fund following established guidelines.

IADES' business affairs are governed by members elected by the membership to serve on the Executive Council. Each officer serves a three-year term. Meetings are held several times yearly.

The Mission

IADES aim to foster a lasting sisterhood and fellowship long through an international network of members. In addition, we also take part in continuing Delta Epsilon’s mission to demonstrate the good scholarship and high standards of ethical conduct, the development of individual resources, the advancement of advocacy skills in areas relating to Deaf people and deafness, and, the furtherance of charitable and benevolent projects.

Our Members