Gamma Phi Beta - Southern Methodist University

ALPHA XI CHAPTER | SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY Gamma Phi Beta 2 Our Needs and Opportunities O ur home undoubtedly plays a significant role in the development of our sisters and serves as a proud symbol of our shared values and goals. A chapter's house is one of the top factors a potential new member considers before joining a sorority. Thus, our house directly correlates to our success in recruitment. After nearly 65 years, it has become clear we must make a major investment in our home at 3030 Daniel Avenue if we are to remain competitive and provide a quality living environment. Alpha Xi Chapter Today Being a college student today is a balancing act. Our members are constantly on the move, requiring an atmosphere that supports their studies, campus involvement, and leadership positions. As the chapter house stands today, our meeting space is too small for the membership, which hinders participation. The Gamma Phi house has always been a safe haven that fosters academic excellence; however, study space and academic needs have changed. The benefit of having academically focused spaces in the house would greatly impact the needs of our members for years to come. Providing our sisters with a chapter room where the entire membership can gather for meetings, programs, and ritual events is a main goal. Reconfiguring the kitchen to remain in code compliance and updated with the storage and space necessary to feed our members is another opportunity to bring the chapter house up to modern standards. In order to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all members and alumnae, the aging plumbing, electrical, and security systems must be replaced. Furthermore, in 2013 the university mandated that students live on campus for the first two years at SMU. Fortunately, Greek housing is considered on- campus housing. While Gamma Phi Beta continues to attract some of the top women at SMU, we know that we are losing quality potential members to other sororities that offer better facilities. Additionally, we must compete with the amenities offered in newly renovated on-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments. All but one of the sororities on campus have rebuilt their homes. Competition is strong and our new facility will ensure that Gamma Phi Beta is a leader on campus, both in the strength of our membership and the quality of our home. In summary, we can no longer meet the needs of our members; our chapter house is more than 65 years old and is not adequate for the future viability of our chapter. In order for Gamma Phi Beta to remain a premier sorority at SMU, we must invest in our facility to attract the quality of women we pride ourselves on. "Watching television in the back room, getting ready for mixers together, and rushing to be first in line at dinner to sit at mom's table are all fond memories I have of living at 3030 Daniel Avenue. Having served on the house corporation board and now on the building exploration committee, I also understand the limitations and challenges our sorority house has, including costly repairs, outdated technology, and size limitations. I look forward to the next phase of Gamma Phi Beta at SMU and the opportunities we can provide to future members." – Sarah Tollett Grohmann '93, Housing Committee

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