Epsilon Iota Psi Sorority, Inc. (EIPsi) was founded at Oglethorpe University on April 25, 2012 as the first African-American Greek organization associated with the university. The “Madames of EIPsi,” along with later additions Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., are important and proud parts of Oglethorpe’s history.
“We founded EIPsi because Divine 9 wouldn’t come to Oglethorpe, but we still felt we needed a sisterhood for us by us,” said founder Morghan Brandon ’14.
“Representation is the main importance,” said Brandon. “It is essential to have organizations that will provide the opportunity for inclusion and representation. EIPsi not only showed other Greek organizations that sustainability was possible, but our organization also put racial issues on campus in the spotlight.”
According to their website, Epsilon Iota Psi’s purpose is fulfilled through the five “E’s” of leadership and guidance: Empower, Encourage, Establish, Enhance, Endure. They seek to promote empowerment by strengthening the weakened and advocating for the underprivileged; spark inspiration through the cultivation of academic and moral growth; and advance progression within the horizons of the collegiate campus, as well as the local community.
Epsilon Iota Psi Sorority, Inc. founding members
“I joined EIPsi because I could sense the love, sisterhood, and empowerment when in the presence of Madames,” said member and Vice President of Service Gabrielle Poe ’22.
“I also knew that EIPsi had the foundations I needed to become more confident and comfortable in my journey of becoming a leader. To me, being a Madame means being able to do anything you put your mind to while also knowing that you can continue to improve upon your flaws.”
EIPsi’s philanthropy focuses on women, children, and those without homes, and they were recently reestablished as a nonprofit organization. The Madames have partnered with Nicholas House and Feeding the Homeless Project, as well as started their own project, the Mini Madame Mentorship Program.
The sorority also upholds several traditions, including their Natural Hair Expo, Sadie Hawkins Dance, and Fry ‘Til You Die event.
To celebrate Black History Month, members of Epsilon Iota Psi are sharing weekly posts on their Instagram aiming to educate and inspire their followers on Black innovators and historical facts.
At Oglethorpe, the Madames have left their mark as winners of the 2018 Outstanding Campus Leadership Award for their empowering events and leadership presence on campus. The sorority has also taken home the Greek Sing winning title four times, and alumna member Jassmine Smith ’15 (2015) and current President Lola Oyinloye ’21 (2019) have won Lady Oglethorpe at the OU Winter Ball.
Visit Epsilon Iota Psi Sorority, Inc.’s OU Connect page for their spring 2021 recruitment event schedule.
