Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Mourns Beloved
11th National President, Dorothy Penman Harrison

WASHINGTON—Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. across the globe
are deeply saddened by the loss of Soror Dorothy Penman Harrison, the
organization’s 11th National President. Soror Harrison passed away in
the early morning of December 22, 2010 in Chicago.

She recently celebrated her 103rd birthday.

Soror Harrison, an educator and former first lady of Langston University, was born December 8, 1907 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Annabelle Layne and Victor Logan Penman. She graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1924 and went on to attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. where she studied history. In 1926, after the passing of both of her parents, Soror Harrison returned to Ohio and worked as a teacher.

Soror Harrison was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 
1932 through the Epsilon Chapter at The Ohio State University. She 
served as the Sorority’s national treasurer from 1952-1956 and as 
National President from 1956-1958. During her tenure as National 
President, Soror Harrison was a quiet and detail oriented leader, 
focused on administrative procedures and organizational development.

One of the highlights of her administration was the burning of the 
mortgage on Delta Sigma Theta’s first national headquarters building in 
1957. During this time the nation was faced with issues such as the 
role of women in the national labor force, mental health, integration 
and the expansion of civil rights. Under her leadership, Delta Sigma 
Theta hosted events such as a conference for counselors of schools in 
interracial situations, the Ninth Grade Clinics and mental health 
workshops.

“Soror Harrison was a quiet yet effective leader who deeply impacted 
the programs of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority during the critical years of 
the Civil Rights Movement” said Soror Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, National 
President of Delta Sigma Theta. “She was a role model, mentor, sister 
and friend who will be greatly missed.”

*Release from the office of Delta Sigma Theta

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. sends our deepest condolences 
to the family, friends and sorors of Soror Dorothy Penman Harrison. 
Soror Harrison leaves behind a beautiful legacy as an educator, advocate, and a woman of service.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 4 2011 at Sixth Grace 
Presbyterian Church, 600 E. 35th St., Chicago, IL.
**********************

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is currently 
composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and 
Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha 
Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta 
Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi 
Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma 
Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. NPHC promotes 
interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange 
of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives 
through various activities and functions.