Philadelphia, PA – It is with heavy hearts that Delta Phi Epsilon mourns the loss of Past International President, notable alumna, long-time donor and dear friend Harriette Newman Hirsch. The Delta Nu alumna from Temple University passed on October 3, 2025, at the age of 91.
“Harriette embodied the very best of Delta Phi Epsilon. Her generosity, her spirit, and her unwavering belief in the power of sisterhood shaped our organization in lasting ways,” said Nicole L. DeFeo, Chief Executive Officer. “Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of women to lead in authenticity through justice, sisterhood, and love.”
Harriette joined Delta Phi Epsilon in 1959. She is our only International President to have been an alumna initiate to date. She served as an advisor to her sorority, then a local organization, when Delta Phi Epsilon colonized on campus. She was invited to be an alumna initiate and remained a dedicated sister throughout her life, serving our sisterhood in multiple areas throughout the decades.
Often, she shared with joy and humor that she “owed her life” to Delta Phi Epsilon, because it was through a DPhiE blind date that she met the love of her life, Paul Hirsch, M.D., J.D. This date led to a 45-year marriage and a beautiful family. Yet her commitment extended far beyond her personal story; she poured her passion, energy, and visionary leadership into growing and strengthening Delta Phi Epsilon for generations.
For 25 years, Harriette volunteered as the Scholarship Chair before being asked to serve on the International Executive Council. From 1989 through 1992, Harriette led our organization as International President. She was part of a vital period of substantial growth in the sorority’s history, opening more than 25 chapters in three years. Passionate about scholarship, Harriette helped revitalize today’s Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation during the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. Her leadership, rooted in unwavering dedication and a belief in the transformative power of sisterhood, left an indelible mark on our organization.
At the 1994 Convention, in appreciation of her dedication to our sisterhood and involvement in all areas of the sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon honored her with a special award in her name: The Harriette Hirsch Sisterhood Award. This award is still given today at our International Leadership Forum to members who have unselfishly given time and resources to ensure the success of our sisterhood.
In 1997, Harriette’s husband, Dr. Paul Hirsch, and family members established the Harriette Hirsch Sisterhood Fund. This special fund provides support for members in dire circumstances with immediate educational needs. The fund fittingly honors Harriette by reflecting her compassion, selflessness and willingness to assist those in need.
“Harriette’s devotion to Delta Phi Epsilon was a defining part of her life, and through her, Paul wholly embraced the sorority, too,” said Emily Meister, President of the Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation. “Together, they invested not just in the organization, but in its future, giving generously of time and treasure so that the sisterhood Harriette cherished would continue to grow, inspire, and endure. The reverence for the Harriette Hirsch Sisterhood Award and the continued vitality of the Sisterhood Fund reflect the deep and lasting impact of their love and generosity for Delta Phi Epsilon, as well as our sisterhood for them.”
Harriette lived our motto “Esse Quam Videri”, to be, rather than to seem to be, every day. She gave her heart, her time, and her extraordinary spirit to Delta Phi Epsilon, inspiring countless sisters to lead with purpose, authenticity, and love.
As we honor the light that Harriette brought to the world and our organization, let us continue to live by her words, “When women of so many diverse backgrounds can come together to sustain a lasting bond, sisterhood offers the cohesiveness for nourishing an everlasting friendship. It is the coming together that will enable us to venture into new environments not with fear or timidity, but with strength and belief in ourselves.”
May her memory be a blessing and a guiding light for all who knew her. Delta Phi Epsilon will forever be grateful for the life she so generously shared with us.
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About Delta Phi Epsilon, Inc.
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.