What started as a Westminster historic first for one sorority last year will expand to all sororities this fall as each of the chapters will have the opportunity to join a shared living experience with their sorority sisters.
Last year, the women in the Kappa Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta were given their own floor within Sweazey Residence Hall.
This summer, Westminster's Plant Operations staff is renovating a floor in Weigle Residence Hall for the Zeta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma and a floor in Wetterau Residence Hall for the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta.
Sorority chapters have selected their own wall colors to promote their sorority identity and other personalized decor. The college will provide exterior Greek lettering for each building.
"This is a great opportunity for sororities to have this residential option," said Nicole Elliott, assistant director of Greek Life and Recreation Services. "It shows growth in our Panhellenic community and will strengthen Westminster's Panhellenic spirit and numbers for our chapters. This small start could pave the way for sorority houses on campus in the future."
The fees for sorority members to live on the floor are the same as room and board expenses for any Westminster student living in the Wetterau, Weigle and Sweazey Hall area, which is known by students as "The Triangle."
All sorority floors will have a sorority residence advisor who is a member of their respective sorority and selected through an interview process by the college. This position is paid by the college and operates as a member of the residence advisor staff. The Greek House manager, who is responsible for risk management, work orders and addressing any security concerns, will add an extra layer of leadership for the floor.
Greek RAs for this year are Abi Bax, of Jefferson City, for Alpha Gam; Kelsay Ray, of Dixon, for Thetas; and Lydia Creech, of Republic, for Kappas.
This agreement for sorority housing is the result of a contract between the chapter, the sorority house corporations and the college.
Chapter presidents this year are Kailey Marchant, of Fulton, for Alpha Gam; Courtney Gallagher, of Weldon Springs, for the Thetas; and Elizabeth Carthen, of St. Louis, for the Kappas.
"Greek life sets a high standard for members to excel academically and with co-curricular activity and community service," Elliott said. "By promoting and living by shared values, each brotherhood and sisterhood contributes to greater bonding and leadership development for our students."
