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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Urbana, Illinois - February 28, 2008.
Today, the University of Illinois alumni of Sigma Nu Fraternity (Gamma Mu Chapter) acquired the historic Sigma Nu Chapter House, located at 1009 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, from Fifth Point Properties, LLC, a subsidiary of Sigma Nu acquired the property in 1998 in an effort to preserve it for the Gamma Mu chapter.
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later acquired by Fifth Point Properties after the company was formed by the Fraternity for the purpose of helping chapters with real estate issues.
Sigma Nu was chartered at the University of Illinois in 1902. Their chapter house was built by the Gamma Mu chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity in 1932. The 30 room Georgian-style mansion is approximately 14,000 square feet and is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Urbana. As part of the " Lexington Triad," Sigma Nu Fraternity and Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity built their houses next door to each other. At that time, the plan was for these two fraternities to be the beginning of a new fraternity row that would eventually intersect with the sorority row on Lincoln Avenue, which consists of Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Gamma Delta, and Kappa Delta.
Bryan Burke, Commander (President) of Sigma Nu, stated "It has truly been an honor to be the Commander of the chapter during this time. We are thankful to our National and our alumni for their staunch support. I know I speak for all the active and alumni members of the Gamma Mu chapter when I say that this chapter house will always be the only other place in the world I call home."
"Fifth Point Properties, LLC, and the Fraternity as a whole, are excited that the alumni of our Gamma Mu chapter have re-acquired their historic chapter home. When Fifth Point Properties was formed this was one of the scenarios that we envisioned," stated Steve Ratterman, FPP President and COO. "Mike Ritchie, Bryan Burke, and the Gamma Mu alumni are to be commended and congratulated for their efforts and hard work. Our Board of Managers had hoped that the chapter would once again own this proud property in one of the great Greek systems in the country."
Mike Ritchie, President of the Sigma Nu Alumni Association, stated, "The Alumni are firmly committed to the scholastic and personal success of our undergraduate members. The chapter house imbues each of them with a sense of history, a legacy given to them by their predecessors in Sigma Nu. Our acquisition of the chapter house insures that this will always be a place where the unity and honor essential to their happiness and their dignity as gentlemen is promoted and valued."
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Brad Beacham, Executive Director of Sigma Nu Fraternity, stated, "The national Board of Directors of the Fraternity is pleased that the Fraternity and Fifth Point Properties were able to help preserve this treasure. We are pleased |
to see the resurgence of one of our great chapters. The University of Illinois is a great school and we are glad to see this 100 year old chapter thrive!"
Ritchie also added, "This is a great time for our Fraternity at the University of Illinois."
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