Delta Phi Alpha National German Honor Society

Delta Phi Alpha National German Honor Society (ΔΦΑ), known as Deutsche Ehrenverbindung, is an American collegiate honorary society for German studies. Founded on May 27, 1929, at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, by James A. Chiles and John Olin Eidson, the society aims to promote the study of the German language, literature, and civilization.

History

Delta Phi Alpha originated from a German club, Deutscher Verein, established by Professor James A. Chiles in February 1928. Over the next year, student John Olin Eidson contacted other small colleges to form a national society, leading to the establishment of Delta Phi Alpha. The first chapters were Alpha at Wofford College, Beta at Central Methodist College, and Gamma at Bates College, all chartered in 1929.

Purpose and Achievements

The society seeks to recognize excellence in German studies and provide an incentive for higher scholarship. It emphasizes those aspects of German life and culture that contribute to humanity's eternal search for peace and truth. As of 2022, Delta Phi Alpha has over 31,000 living members and more than 300 chapters across the United States.

Symbols and Motto

Delta Phi Alpha's colors are black, red, and gold, symbolized by the Weimar Eagle. The motto is "Fackelträger des menschlichen Geistes," meaning "Torchbearer of Human Spirit."

Membership

Membership is open to students who have completed at least two years of college-level German coursework with a minimum B+ (3.3 GPA) average in German and a cumulative B- (2.75 GPA) average overall. Honorary membership is conferred upon individuals with significant cultural, literary, or scholastic achievements related to German studies.

Governance and Chapters

The society is governed by a National Council consisting of five officers. Current chapters number around 234 nationwide. Institutions can form new chapters by demonstrating a strong German program with courses above the intermediate level.

Financial and Recognition Initiatives

Delta Phi Alpha offers scholarships to encourage excellence in German studies. The organization manages an endowed fund to finance these scholarships perpetually. Members are also eligible for various academic recognitions and awards.

Nonprofit Status

Delta Phi Alpha operates as a nonprofit organization, fostering academic excellence and cultural appreciation of German studies across the United States.