Mabee Foundation provides challenge grant to William Jewell A $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation is spurring the final stages of Jewell's Sorority Complex and Greek Common fundraising campaign. "In order to secure the Mabee challenge funds and begin the project in August of 2008, the college must secure the final $960,000 in pledges toward the $12.5 million project by the end of the 2007-2008 school year," said Dr. Chad Jolly, vice president for advancement. "Fulfilling the Mabee challenge will allow us to provide a vibrant living and learning experience and have our students in the new complex by the fall of 2009." The complex will include four sorority houses with suite-style rooms and private bathrooms. The design features a multi-purpose room accommodating up to 250 people, a fitness center, private study rooms, modern laundry facilities and lounges. A Greek Common building will join the four houses and serve as a focal point for Greek life on the campus. The new Sorority Complex will be built on the site of the former Regent's Quad apartments just northwest of the Mabee Center for Physical Education. Regent's Quad, also the site of former Married Students Housing, took the brunt of the tornado that struck the campus in May of 2003. The complex was too heavily damaged to be repaired and was razed. "We are moving toward the completion of our fundraising for this important project," Jolly said. "Our trustees, alumni, students, and friends have demonstrated a deep commitment to providing for future generations of women at the college. We are grateful to the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation for the tremendous opportunity they have provided us during this final phase of fundraising." The college has previously partnered with the Mabee Foundation to assist with the Yates-Gill College Union renovation and in construction of the Mabee Center for Physical Education. The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc., a Delaware non-profit corporation, was formed in 1948 by John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee, with its office in Tulsa, Okla. The Foundation aids institutions of higher learning, hospitals, Christian religious organizations and other charitable organizations. Sisterhood Suites initiative gains momentum WJC sorority alumnae are organizing smaller groups within their respective organizations to create their own legacies at the Sorority Complex and Greek Common. Sorority women are committing funding that will spur the start of construction. Several groups of alumnae have already provided funds in conjunction with the Sisterhood Suites initiative. Each of the four sorority houses will have sixteen suites with two bedrooms per suite connected by a bathroom, similar to the style of Melrose Hall. The Sisterhood Suites concept involves five women contributing to one suite for which they will have a naming opportunity. Here's how the concept works: Five sorority alumnae re-connect with one another Each of the five invests by pledge or direct payment $1,000 per year for five years, for a total commitment per person of $5,000 A plaque with the names of those contributing will be placed on the door to the suite The sorority alumnae, through their generosity, create a lasting legacy for tomorrow's sorority women Other naming opportunities include Mom & Dot (daughter) Suites, Best Friends Suites and Family Legacy Suites. Although geared toward participation by WJC sorority alumnae, there are opportunities to make gifts in honor or memory of sorority alumnae. The alumnae of Alpha Delta Pi recently held a gathering to explore naming opportunities and alumnae of the other WJC sororities are planning sisterhood events to explore the options within their organizations. If you are interested in seeing what your organization has planned or need additional information on the various ways to contribute to the Sorority Complex, contact Mayela Esser at 816-824-5556 or esserm@william.jewell.edu