Gamma Phi Beta gets house on Lovett St.

After Alpha Gamma Rho decided not to renew their lease at their 59 Lovett Street fraternity house last year, Gamma Phi Beta members jumped at the opportunity to fill the open location, according to the president.

Senior and President of Gamma Phi Beta, Aprill Brand, said the main reason they wanted a house was to provide the sisters of Gamma Phi Beta a comfortable, non-threatening environment to congregate.

“It’s a place to call home,” Brand said. “It’s just a place for all of our sisters to come and hang out. It’s one central place to be.”

Senior and Administrative Vice President Megan Millman said they signed a five-year lease in July in hopes of expanding the sorority. She said having their own house will strengthen the group’s presence on campus.

“Every freshman that walks by sees our house and when you don’t have your letters up on a house, it’s hard to get recognized,” Millman said. “It’s a big PR thing for us.”

Millman said only five girls currently live in the house, but they are looking to fill the property’s maximum occupancy of seven by adding two more members by the end of the semester. Although some executive board members of Gamma Phi Beta agree they do not necessarily need a house to improve enrollment, Millman said she is excited to see how it will help them progress. 

Senior and Membership Vice President Katy Hagan said having a place to hold recruitment events will make handling her responsibilities much easier. She said now she will not have to worry about booking rooms for meetings in student centers and university buildings.

Hagan said she plans to hold their open house at their new home as opposed to paying for a different venue.

“We have a nice big backyard so we’re going to get a big tent and have everyone back there,” she said. “It’s saving us a lot of money, too.” 

Millman said having the extra space will help members keep track of the materials used for Airband, rituals and skits.