Chapter Eternal Welcomes Past Grand Archon Flossie Denmark

Chapter Eternal Welcomes Past Grand Archon Flossie Denmark

It is with great sadness that Phi Sigma Sigma shares the passing of Past Grand Archon Dr. Florence "Flossie" Levin Denmark-Wesner, Nu Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania. Flossie served as Grand Archon of Phi Sigma Sigma from 1961–1965.

Past Grand Archon Dr. Florence Denmark (known to us as Flossie) has also had an impact on me. I am always excited to find connections with fellow psychologists and Flossie is a superhero in the world of psychologists. She entered the field when it was male-dominated and became one of the pioneers in the study of the psychology of women. Flossie also researched and advocated for minority populations. She served as the fifth female president of the American Psychological Association (APA), the leading scientific and professional organization for psychologists in the United States. I am not going to lie, I fangirled a little when I first met Flossie at Phi Sigma Sigma’s Centennial. She was just as remarkable as I imagined, and I am grateful that the Fraternity has allowed me to connect with her. —Past Grand Archon Dr. Alicia Scott, Beta Psi Chapter at the University of Florida

Flossie grew up in Philadelphia and attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1952 with studies in history and psychology. She earned her PhD in social psychology from Penn in 1958, then began a lifelong career as a teacher, researcher and mentor.

Flossie taught at Queens College and later joined the faculty at Hunter College, where she became a full professor and was named the Thomas Hunter Professor of Psychology. She went on to serve in academic leadership roles at the City University of New York, and later joined Pace University as the first Robert Scott Pace Distinguished Professor. She chaired the psychology department and became Professor Emerita, continuing to support students and colleagues long after retirement.

A recognized leader in the field, Flossie was an early force in expanding scholarship on women and gender. She helped bring researchers together at a major early conference on the psychology of women, coauthored Woman: Dependent or Independent Variable? and wrote widely about women’s status and contributions in psychology. Her later work included a strong focus on older women and the importance of mentorship across generations.

"I had the pleasure of sitting with Flossie and other esteemed alumnae at our Centennial luncheon that was hosted at Hunter College. Flossie was so eager to share and chat with all of us at the table. Since the ladies at the table had spent volunteer time together and had known one another over the years, they were more than happy to share funny stories about one another and experiences they had. Flossie was a wonderful listener and wanted to know about me, what I did, my family and career. She took the time to get to know me during that weekend as well. Such fond memories and ones that I will treasure! —Tracy Koch, Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University

Flossie’s professional service shaped the discipline nationwide. She helped found the American Psychological Association’s Division on the Psychology of Women, served as its third president and was elected president of the American Psychological Association in 1980. In later years, she was active with the United Nations NGO community, supporting work focused on the lives of women and girls, families and aging.

Phi Sigma Sigma mourns the loss of Flossie Levin Denmark-Wesner and honors the legacy she leaves behind through her leadership, scholarship and lifelong commitment to opening doors for others.

Flossie’s online obituary can be found here. We encourage you to read the touching tributes other Phi Sigma Sigma sisters have shared there.

If you would like to celebrate Flossie's legacy with a gift to the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, please click here.