Sigma Phi Delta - University of Illinois

S ince 1963, 302 E. Gregory Drive has been home to Delta Chapter. The exact construction date of the house is unknown, but it is estimated it was sometime in the late 1920s, coinciding with a fraternity boom at the University of Illinois and across the nation. The house was originally built for the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi, and artifacts of their ownership can still be seen in the stonework near the front door and around the fireplaces. Today, the exterior of the house appears much as it did 60 years ago. A few changes have been made, including an enclosed fire escape on the east side, but the original brick and stone facade still stands strong. The windows were also replaced, and the wood fascia was repaired during the renovation. A small pine tree planted in the 1970s now towers over the southeast corner, providing much-needed shade and a highway for squirrels to reach the roof (much to the dismay of the undergraduates). A basketball court installed on the west side during the mid-'90s now doubles as an outside meeting area where you can stay warm by the fire pit. The inside of the house has undergone moderate change over time, primarily to meet changing building and fire codes, deal with outdated mechanical systems, and maintain pace with trends in student housing. Changes over the years include enclosing the main stairwell, installing a sprinkler system, reconfiguring the third floor (twice) and the kitchen, and replacing the boiler and radiators with a split heating and (finally!) cooling system. The constant through these changes is that Third and Gregory remains the home of Illinois' finest engineers. You can see the familiar and the new for yourself at our annual Homecoming festivities, October 20-22. Our traditional schedule includes a Friday night meet-and-greet, Saturday morning brunch/tailgate, the Homecoming parade and game, Saturday dinner, Sunday morning active/alumni flag football game, and the alumni meeting. I hope to see you then! Fraternally, Matthew Braun '94 President of Delta Alumni of Sigma Phi Delta (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 2023 Delta Dispatch INSIDE: Hitting the Ground Running p. 2 | Chapter Officers p. 3 | Know Someone We Should Know? p. 3 The chapter house circa 1985. Brothers celebrate the house's opening in 1963. Renovations and Recollections: CELEBRATING 60 YEARS AT 302 E. GREGORY DRIVE Come Celebrate with Us at Homecoming! Will we see you at Homecoming 2023?

• Cover