The women of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority performed a mini-step routine on the Student Union steps yesterday to kick off their Founder's Week celebration.

As they stepped, they chanted, "The D is for Dynamic; the S is for Strong; the T is for don't Try it 'cause we've been here too long."

The step routine is a tradition for African American fraternities and sororities, said Lasheaka Timmons, president of the undergraduate chapter Mueta.

They dedicated their show to one of Delta Sigma Theta's recently deceased sorority sisters, Barbara Jordan, a former Texas congresswoman and professor at the University of Texas.

"Every year we dedicate Founder's Week to the founders of Delta," said Tonja Lee, historian and political science senior. "We're here to shout out that we're proud members out to serve the community."

Delta Sigma Theta was founded in 1913 by 22 students at Howard University. The last of the founders died in 1990, a week before her 100th birthday, Timmons said.

The major programs of the sorority are based on the organization's Five Point Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

"All of our community service falls under one of these thrusts," Timmons said.

"It feels good to be a part of all the hard work," said Angie Sampson, marketing sophomore. "We're here to let people know who we are and what we're all about."

Today, the Deltas will sponsor a skating social at Skate Country North, 2700 N. Stone Ave.

Tomorrow is "Singles Night Out," an evening for single students to get together on Valentine's Day and socialize.

Thursday, the sorority will hold an open forum on topics concerning student relations at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center.

"Participants will be able to choose their own specific topic and deposit it into a drop box to be chosen at random," said Suzanne Williams, corresponding secretary.

Friday, the Deltas will end Founder's Week with a party at Park Student Center from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The Deltas will also perform public service activities during the week, including "Love of Reading," a book reading to adolescents at Ericson Elementary School. Later this month, Deltas will perform a step show at the Las Amigas Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center for Women.

The members of the sorority encourage all students, not just those of color, to come out and enjoy the activities with them.

Regina Leverette, public relations chair, said, "We feel that everyone can benefit from exposure to (a different) culture."