SMU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council has kicked off its “NPHC Week – Louder and Prouder” this Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, through Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
NPHC Week aims to educate SMU students about the history and traditions of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, also known as the Divine Nine.
Isabella Blanchard, chapter president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., said the week is designed to showcase the culture of Black Greek life while welcoming the broader student body.
“All of our events are open to everyone,” Blanchard said. “You don’t have to be Black, you don’t have to be a person of color. Really, this is just for the community and for people to have fun and come out.”
Ashley Jones, social media chair of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., emphasized the importance of NPHC Week.
“It’s important for non-members to learn about the NPHC organizations because we are such a small group,” Jones said. “It allows non-Greek and even other Greeks in other councils to see us on campus and know we exist.”
Here is what’s happening this week:
Tuesday, Sept. 16 – NPHC Forum & Tabling Night: Featuring Chris V. Rey, J.D., president of Barber-Scotia College, a historically Black college, this event offers students a chance to engage with D9 leaders. It will be held in the Hughes-Trigg Ballroom from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Hump Night: A high-energy evening of music, strolling and line dances, open to all students on Dallas Hall Lawn from 7 to 10 p.m. Universities from across DFW will be in attendance.
Thursday, Sept. 18 – Care Packaging: Students will help assemble care items for SMU’s The Shop. Donations will be accepted all week until 8 p.m. on the day of the event and can be dropped off at the Fraternity and Sorority Life Office. Packaging will take place in Hughes-Trigg Room 219 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 19 – Volleyball with the D9: NPHC will wrap up their week with a glow-in-the-dark volleyball game at the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports from 7 to 9 p.m. All students are welcome.
Students can learn more about membership and upcoming events by following the Divine Nine chapters on Instagram and by watching for informational fliers around campus.
Ava McPhail, vice president of SMU NPHC and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., emphasized the importance of discretion in the Divine Nine’s membership process.
“If you want to know more about any of the organizations, start with the Instagram pages for the ones in this chapter,” McPhail said. “Also, look at the national web pages that have all the information about each of the organization’s values, and their rush information.”
