Sigma Phi Delta - University of Illinois

T he active chapter dealt with quite a bit of uncertainty during the fall semester with COVID-19 prevention requirements changing almost weekly. However, closing the chapter house for this academic year has serendipitously provided social distancing and eliminated the need to implement numerous University Certified Housing COVID-19 requirements. Despite all the additional obstacles, alumni and actives removed anything that wasn't attached to the house in preparation for the renovation in September. Under the direction of Jeff Leesman '03, the renovation project team is diligently working to strike a balance between maintaining the historic character of our building, upgrading to modern amenities, and providing reasonable- cost housing for our members, all while remaining within our means. We are happy to announce that the initial steps are underway. The second and third floor bathrooms have been taken down to the studs, and structural issues discovered during the demolition have been addressed. Follow-up asbestos testing has come back negative, obviating the time and expense of a widespread removal. Once the plans and paperwork are finalized, we expect more extensive work to begin in earnest in December. As you would expect, the house is off limits to visitors since it is a construction site. The project team has also operated in the midst of uncertainty while waiting for a property appraisal and project bids. Alumni Treasurer Jeff Schneider '79 has been meticulously examining the project costs, financing, and cash flow to ensure we don't overextend ourselves. While the appraisal came in lower than we would have liked, we now know the limits on our construction loan and future mortgage, and can press ahead. The capital campaign has received sufficient pledges to cover the current scope of work, but due to the timing of the gifts, we foresee a temporary cash shortfall of approximately $125,000 at the end of the project. Here's how you can help Delta Chapter alleviate future financial constraints. 1. Donate! If you haven't already made a donation or a pledge, now is the time. Any amount will help us deliver a better final product, eliminate cash flow issues, and reduce our post- renovation mortgage obligation. We need your help now—don't wait any longer! 2. Donate again! If you have made a gift in the past, please consider making an additional gift or increasing your pledge. 3. Accelerate your contribution! If you have already made a pledge, please consider completing your payments earlier. You can increase your monthly contributions or even pay off the remaining pledge amount in full. To make or increase a pledge, please see the form inserted in this newsletter. All gifts toward this chapter-altering project are greatly appreciated. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, and I hope you have a fun and safe holiday season. Fraternally, Matthew Braun '94 Delta Alumni President (757) 288-6320 | landscience@comcast.net A PUBLICATION OF THE DELTA ALUMNI OF SIGMA PHI DELTA, INC. Delta Chapter • University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois • Fall 2020 Delta Dispatch DELTA CHAPTER NAVIGATES THE PANDEMIC, RENOVATION PROJECT Calling All Alumni to Give to the Capital Campaign End of a long day. Removing some well-engineered hangers. Standing around looking busy.

• Cover