Delta Upsilon - University of Illinois

Mike Clark '69.50 John Sladek '75 Kevin Kinsella '82.50 Rich Keck '85.50 Keith Wiegold '86 Chris D'hondt '88 Tom Mereckis '90.50 Andy Homoly '93.50 Q: Why not just build a new house? A: After careful evaluation of the house, it was determined that the structure is sound. To reconstruct a new house with similar square footage, it was estimated to be over $6 million. The property taxes would also increase to at least $100,000 per year compared to the current $37,000. Those factors, combined with the a desire to preserve the historical character of the house led to the Alumni Board's decision to pursue a renovation over a rebuild. Q: What happens if we don't raise $4 million to complete the proposed renovations? A: We will know exactly how much is raised before we begin construction. Our hope is to raise enough through alumni contributions to complete the entire project with little to no debt required. Our budgeting projections suggest if needed we could finance up to $1 million with approximately 35 brothers living in and a modest increase to room and board. Before the project moves forward, the Alumni Board will evaluate how much has been raised, any additional funds needed, and whether there is a need to secure financing or scale back aspects of the project. Thankfully, enough has been secured already to pursue some of the most important aspects of the project. Q: Does my gift qualify for a charitable tax deduction? A: Only gifts made to the Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3), qualify for a tax deduction. However, those gifts can only be used for educational space in the house, which is limited. We ask that you make your gift to the Illinois Chapter Building Fund so we can use your gift for all aspects of the project. If making a gift to a 501(c)(3) is necessary, please contact our campaign coordinator, Kyle Yarawsky, at kyarawsky@penningtonco.com. Q: I hear Sorority and Fraternity Life at the University of Illinois is on the decline? A: The University of Illinois is one of the largest Greek systems in the country with 49 fraternities and 38 sororities. While there has been some decline in membership over the last few years, much of this is attributed to the ripple effects of recruiting during the pandemic. The percentage of students participating in a Greek organization ranged from 18% to 23% over the last five years. Q: What happens if the Chapter closes or gets suspended from campus? A: If a Chapter closes, the common practice now is to establish a return date with the university. Often, this is no sooner than four or five years from the time of closing. If the Chapter were to close, the house could be leased to another fraternity or serve as general student housing to generate revenue. Your gift is going to support the future of Illinois Chapter, and this house will always be an asset for the Chapter. Q: Where will the members live during construction? A: This is still to be determined, but every effort will be made to find a way for brothers to live together or have a central gathering place. Other fraternities who have been in a similar situation coordinated neighboring apartments or available Greek housing for brothers to live together. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CAMPAIGN BOARD Campaign Chairman Dan Gibbs '85

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