Supporting Gamma Delta, and turn our House into a Home

Dear Chi O sisters,

As many of you have heard, the Gamma Delta chapter at San Diego State University had the most successful recruitment in the history of Chi Omega. With over 270 initiates, we were the largest pledge class in the country last year. More importantly, they have quickly become a part of the Greek landscape through leadership, participation and philanthropy. The Gamma Delta membership is diverse geographically, in academic interests, thought, and approach. I have met many of the members and continue to be impressed with their many accomplishments in their first year of rechartering.

This past spring, Chi Omega national negotiated a 15-year lease with SAE, and we took keys to that building earlier this month. We are now in a fast and furious phase one remodel to convert a fraternity to a true Chi Omega home. We anticipate 21 girls moving in this fall, with capacity for 34 members next fall.

Two alumnae beautification days (July 12 and August 9) have been scheduled to support this important effort. We are on track to have a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, August 16 with our members moving in on August 20. Our inaugural house director (formerly known as House Mom) is a Chi Omega from the University of Alabama.

We have much to be excited about! However, renovating a fraternity house into a sorority home is no easy feat. Many of you have asked how you can assist, and we are starting a crowd fund account to ensure that our home represents the values of Chi Omega, encourages the important sisterhood that we have all enjoyed, is a safe and inviting space, and provides an incredible home for our members.

I am writing today, as a member of the Gamma Delta House Corporation board. The House Corp is working with Chi Omega on what is more than a $600,000 budget for phase one. This will include the bedrooms and common living space.

However, there are still many items needed to round out our Chi Omega home. The kitchenette is going to need a microwave and a new refrigerator; the backyard, a beautiful large lawn area deserves outdoor furniture for our sisters to enjoy; we are painting a Pickleball court where the SAE basketball court once stood. And we want to add past composite photos and other items to represent the true Chi Omega spirit.

We are asking for your donations. If each of you participate at the level that is comfortable for you, we truly can transform the house into a home. Our House Corp promises to keep you updated with photos and progress reports.

Many of us dreamed about Gamma Delta returning to SDSU. We now have an opportunity to honor our sisterhood and create new memories for the Gamma Delta members.

Please join me by making a gift today. Rho Beta!

Kathy Drucquer Duff, Fall '84