Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation Announces New Annual Scholarship
Philadelphia, PA – The “Dream Girl Scholarship,” a new annual grant that supports a sister of Alpha Gamma chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE) sorority will be awarded starting in this year.
The Educational Foundation (Foundation) provides academic scholarships as well as personal development workshops for the DPhiE sisterhood, both active members and alumni. The Foundation was founded in 1966, at the golden anniversary of DPhiE, which then celebrated its centennial in 2017.
This scholarship, established and endowed by the members and alumni of Alpha Gamma chapter at Florida International University(FIU) in partnership with the Foundation, honors the legacy, kindness and fighting spirit of Jenny Cordero, a sister who lost her battle with thymus cancer in 2017. It will be awarded to a scholarship applicant from Alpha Gamma chapter who demonstrates the qualities of persistence, academic achievement and financial need.
“Jenny was like a planet. She attracted people, pulled you in,” Elsa Bravo said. Bravo, with the help of other Alpha Gamma chapter sisters, spearheaded the funding and establishment of the Dream Girl Scholarship. “She had every reason to be upset, but she wasn’t. We were both passionate about school and studying and Jenny said that ‘the best thing about being a DPhiE, is being an educated DPhiE.’ She was the brightest light I’ve ever met, and I’ve never met someone like her since.”
Jennifer “Jenny” Cordero was first diagnosed with stage III thymus cancer at the age of thirteen. She fought this battle for twelve years before ultimately succumbing to the disease in 2017. Her cancer never defined her. Jenny joined DPhiE in 2010 at Florida International University. During her time at FIU, Jenny earned two bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology while also holding multiple leadership positions in her chapter, as well as, participating with organizations like Relay for Life, the Counseling Students Organization and Make a Wish. After graduating from FIU, Jenny attended Nova Southeastern University to earn her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling but sadly passed before graduating. In Jenny’s own words, “Cancer has been my catalyst, not my burden.”
“Life was never a guarantee for Jenny,” Bravo said. “Nothing is promised. Jenny knew that and it led her to do great things. If Jenny could do it, so can you. If you want to do it, you can.” Christy Lopez, Jenny’s sorority little sister, said “If she were around today, I know she would be greatly humbled that so many individuals came together to organize a scholarship in her name, and ultimately honored that it will be to award a sister in need.” A thought echoed by Bravo as well, “I think she would be happy to know there’s a scholarship in her honor that will go toward helping her Alpha Gamma chapter sisters. We hope this is a way for the members who come in, that never got the chance to meet Jenny, to connect with her. This is a way that she and her story can live forever.”
For more information about the Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation or to apply for a scholarship please visit dphie.org/scholarships
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About Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority was founded on March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School as a social organization for women. The mission is to provide a sisterhood experience rich with tradition, innovation and opportunities for growth. Learn more about Delta Phi Epsilon at www.dphie.org.
