Updated Design Plans Revealed for the Sorority Complex

Working with architects over the past year, members of William Jewell's four sororities along with their representative alumnae have provided valuable input regarding the design of the new Sorority Complex. An updated design incorporating suggested changes has now been unveiled (see rendering).

"Perhaps the most significant change made to the design was the addition of columns to the facade of the building to keep it more in line with the architectural integrity of other buildings on campus," said Chad Jolly, vice president for institutional advancement at William Jewell. Currently, the Greek letters for the sororities are designed to appear on the columns for identification purposes and to provide a visual reference point to the college's existing fraternity houses.

The state-of-the-art, 40,000-square-foot residential complex will include four sorority houses with 132 beds configured around shared baths in 64 suite-style rooms. A Greek Common building will join the four houses and serve as a focal point for the fraternities and sororities on campus. The Greek Common will feature a multi-purpose room accommodating up to 150 people, a fitness center, private study rooms, modern laundry facilities and social lounges.

Sorority Complex East Elevation

"The Sorority Complex project represents a significant investment in the students of William Jewell College," Jolly said. "Sorority members are historically among the highest-achieving women of the college community. The new complex will provide an enhanced environment that will foster long-term relationships and stimulate thinking on leadership and service to others."

Earlier this spring, undergraduate sorority women joined forces to demonstrate their support for the project through an event dubbed "4 Our Sisters." All members of each sorority participated in a meeting to reinforce the four key components of each of their organizations: sisterhood, leadership, scholarship and service for the future.

Each of the sorority presidents spoke to the combined undergraduate membership about the importance of being part of a legacy for future sorority women. One-hundred percent of the women present pledged a commitment to support the project.

Sorority Complex West elevation

With over $9 million secured toward the $12.5 million project, the momentum continues to build. Beginning this year, the college will approach sorority alumnae and foundations to request additional support. Alumnae members of each organization will be encouraged to participate in grant challenges to help meet the remaining $3 million goal this year.

The new complex will be located on the site of the former Regent's Quad/married student housing complex, across from the Mabee Center for Physical Education on the northeast side of the campus. The Regent's Quad facility was severely damaged and then leveled after a tornado struck the campus in May 2003. Semple Hall, where the college's four sororities are currently housed, was built in 1957 and has not received any major renovations since its construction.

For more information on the Sorority Complex project, please contact Mayela Esser at esserm@william.jewell.edu or 816-824-5556.

Click here to view the naming opportunities available within the Sorority Complex and Greek Common.