Delta fraternity returns

Delta Sigma Phi is opening its doors again.

The fraternity house, located on College Ave., was shut down spring semester of 2009 due to poor sanitation and infrastructure problems. Both the fraternity and the College have been actively working towards the reopening of the house, which has now come to fruition.

“There was a huge effort by alumni, undergrads, and the school to renovate the house,” said Andrew Group ’11, president of the fraternity.  “Everyone came together as one and we were able to transform the house completely.”

The house is once again College-approved housing and the organization may resume having College-approved parties. At the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, the College assisted Delta’s alumni association in securing a loan to fund the necessary renovations. As a result, a more specific and extensive agreement between the College and the fraternity was codified in a legally binding document, according to Kent Trachte, dean of the College.  

The agreement covers regulations for parties, upkeep of the house, and payments such as damage deposits. It requires the fraternity to hire a property manager, which will deal with problems that may arise with the building.  Silverang Hallowell, the company that did the house’s renovations and is also responsible for the James Street Properties, has been hired as the property manager.

“When things aren’t being taken care of or there are problems, there will be somebody local other than the students to respond to that situation,” Trachte said.

Renovations to the interior include a full sprinkler system, new bedrooms, and a laundry room. new beginning,” Group noted.

The fraternity views the renovated house as a fresh start.

“The school as a whole is going to benefit from this,” said Reed Armstrong, a Delta Sigma Phi brother and president of the Interfraternity Council, “It shows us working with the administration. The school is on our side and really wants to help us grow on the campus.”

The fraternity plans to continue improving its status on campus in addition to furthering community service events. It plans to host alumni events during Homecoming and throughout the years as well as events for professors and members of the  administration.

“We are really looking to open ourselves up and make a new name for ourselves on campus,” Group said.

Sophomore Kristin Miller is the News Editor. Her e-mail is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .“One thing our alumni have said is that this really allows us to rethink ourselves and gives us a brand