Delta Epsilon
Sigma, the national scholastic honor society for students, faculty, and alumni
of colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition, was begun at the
suggestion of Reverend E. A. Fitzgerald, Dean of Studies at Loras College,
Dubuque, Iowa, who in October of 1938 surveyed Catholic colleges and
universities concerning their interest in initiating such a society.In 1939 the Committee of Founders, under the chairmanship of Father Fitzgerald, was appointed to draw up a general plan of organization. Subcommittees on Constitution, on Name and Motto, and on Insignia were also appointed. A constitutional convention was held at the Hotel President, Kansas City, Missouri, on 29 March 1940; a provisional constitution was adopted.
National meetings between 1941 and 1945 were infrequent because of the war, but the society was kept alive through the efforts of Father Fitzgerald, the National Secretary-Treasurer. In 1947 the Society initiated its official publication, the Delta Epsilon Sigma Bulletin, now known as the Delta Epsilon Sigma Journal.
The first major revision of the constitution and bylaws was adopted on 2 April 1959. On 28 May 1976, in the bicentennial year of the United States of America, a new constitution, bylaws, and induction ritual were approved by a National Conclave held at Rosemont College in Philadelphia. Minor amendments were made at the Second National Conclave held at the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York, on 18 April 1986, and by mail ballot in 1996.