Sig House Project - Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I have heard about the information provided by mail, but I didn't receive anything? Why not?
Answer: While we would love to suggest it may be some sort of nefarious conspiracy on the part of rival fraternities on campus, the explanation is much simpler. We may not have the correct home address for you. No worries, you can get all the information you need here, including but not limited to copies of the actual mail pieces that went out. However, it would still be great to update our files with your correct contact information, so please feel free to Contact Us and provide it.
Q: Where do I find copies of the mail pieces that were sent out?
A: Here you go. We have provided here downloadable pdf versions of each of the pieces of mail that you were sent out.
Question: I have heard about the information provided by mail, but I didn't receive anything? Why not?
Answer: While we would love to suggest it may be some sort of nefarious conspiracy on the part of rival fraternities on campus, the explanation is much simpler. We may not have the correct home address for you. No worries, you can get all the information you need here, including but not limited to copies of the actual mail pieces that went out. However, it would still be great to update our files with your correct contact information, so please feel free to Contact Us and provide it.
Q: Where do I find copies of the mail pieces that were sent out?
A: Here you go. We have provided here downloadable pdf versions of each of the pieces of mail that you were sent out.
| sig_house_letter.pdf |
| zeta_sigma_donation_card.pdf |
_Q: Who will own the house?
A: Alma College, it will be college residential housing, where the Sigs will be the occupants.
Q: The current house doesn't seem that different than when I lived there XX years ago, why is a new house needed?
A: The current condition of the house is only one of many of the factors impacting this decision. This is a different time and age. The safety of the students is now paramount in the Alma College mentality and to the student experience. Not to say that it wasn't always a concern, but there have been two devastating fires to frat houses in the past decade, and the worst tragedy of its kind occurred last year, the death of a student. While the death of that student was unrelated to the state of a Fraternity house, and we are in no way trying to link the event to Fraternity life in general, it brings the issue of overall campus safety into laser focus at every level. The current state of our very old Sig House is very unsafe by contemporary standards, and thus is a top priority to be solved.
Q: How much input will we have on the design of the house?
A: Bruce “The Uncle” Gerish ’81 has worked with the college, their architect and heads the design effort. We have taken suggestions from current and past Sigs and incorporated them into a design that all Sigs can be proud of. Not all features suggested may not be included due to cost or safety, but as you will see, it will not be just a boring building. Our new Sig House will have true Sig personality.
Q: What about this apartment / Why is it needed?
A: The apartment will house a college employee. This speaks to the safety concerns that are at the core of this and all student housing developments, both Greek and non-Greek. The intent is to ensure the safety of our actives. This is very similar to a Resident Assistant’s role in the dorms.
Q: Why build new, why not renovate the old house?
A: The renovation option has been reviewed and estimated. The costs would could run in excess of 60% - 75% of a new facility, and you still have a very old house. Parting with the current House may be understandably emotional for some, as it was for others with their prior House. Building a new home and guaranteeing a marquee location, the safety of our active brothers and their guests, as well as cementing a sustaining legacy for our brothers of all ages was adopted as a more optimal approach.
Q: How much will the college pony up for the new house?
A: Alma College plans to donate the land and will help with other costs and services, but the bulk of the financing will be the responsible of the Sig alumni. Construction of the new House is part of the College’s strategic plan and capital campaign. Gifts to the construction fund will count toward the campaign and will be restricted gifts that can be used only for construction of the House. So this is an opportunity for us to leave a legacy and investing in the future of the Fraternity.
Q: How can I help?
A: You can help spread the word, let's make sure all Sigs of your vintage know of the project and ultimately make a donation. There will be mail, email, web site and social media communication to share. When you see, please pass it along. Encourage your brothers to consider a donation of some degree. Do it alone or join together. There will be opportunities both big and small to make your mark, create your legacy, and honor memories.
Q: Who do I write the check out to?
A: Donations will ultimately flow through and to Alma College, but it will be important to properly designate your donations. There are multiple means you can use to making your donation. You can download the Donation Card to use as a reference. You may also go back to the Home page for the campaign and click on the Donate Now button. That link will take you to the website the College has chosen for electronic submissions. Please be sure to designate "Zeta Sigma House" when doing so. If you have questions or concerns before doing so, please feel free to Contact Us.
Q: Is the donation tax deductible?
A: Yes, because this is ultimately a gift to the college, we will be working on the tax considerations and deductibility with the college. We are doing it in this way for just that reason, and you may also find that you could be eligible for matching gifts from some employer corporations. We will have that information provide to you or contact information of someone at the College to answer your questions as it relates to these types of financial matters.
Q: I've heard that the current administration is anti-Greek? Is this true?
A: No, this administration, led by President Abernathy, fully understands how much a healthy greek system means to Alma College. Fraternities and Sororities are fully intertwined in the historical fabric of Alma College the institution. Admittedly, it can be tough dynamic at times. There is forever a delicate balance between the media’s portrayal of greek life and the realities of the benefits it provides to respective members and surrounding communities (including Alma College). The administration appreciates those beneficial aspects, the positive way it promotes both the retention of current students and the engagement of scores of alumni. The college’s strategic plan to include new greek housing is a commitment to the greek way of life on Alma College’s campus.
Q: The TKE’s just built a new house, how much did it cost?
A: $ 1.3 Million
Q: What much will the new Sig House cost?
A: Current projections and planning are based upon a goal of $1,000,000. Official cost numbers will be available once the bidding process is complete in early summer. The hope is to make a safe and long lasting house, portraying our organization’s unique personality and cementing our legacy as Alma College’s true Sigs next 75+ years.
Q: I can’t give $1000s, so how will my pledge of $300 make a difference?
A: There will be a handful of very generous Sigs who can and will give a little more or lot more, but even then, that will not be enough to get us into our new Sig House. As a Fraternity, we have 700 living Zeta Sig & Delt Sig Alumni. We will assuredly be successful if we can get just the majority of the 700 to pledge some amount, especially if it is an amount you think you can give each year for the next few years. Then $300 multiplied by many multiple by multiple years will get us our new home.
Q: Why don’t we have a website, like the other frats?
A: We hope to have a state-of-the-art website up. It is currently under construction, and we hope to have it up and running shortly.
Q: Where will the new house be built?
A: We will remain on W. Superior St, just east of the current Sig house, which is located at 525 W. Superior. The school has donated a double lot at the corner of Grant and Superior just east of the current house
Q: What is the best of all colors?
A: Green!! We Bleed it!!
A: Alma College, it will be college residential housing, where the Sigs will be the occupants.
Q: The current house doesn't seem that different than when I lived there XX years ago, why is a new house needed?
A: The current condition of the house is only one of many of the factors impacting this decision. This is a different time and age. The safety of the students is now paramount in the Alma College mentality and to the student experience. Not to say that it wasn't always a concern, but there have been two devastating fires to frat houses in the past decade, and the worst tragedy of its kind occurred last year, the death of a student. While the death of that student was unrelated to the state of a Fraternity house, and we are in no way trying to link the event to Fraternity life in general, it brings the issue of overall campus safety into laser focus at every level. The current state of our very old Sig House is very unsafe by contemporary standards, and thus is a top priority to be solved.
Q: How much input will we have on the design of the house?
A: Bruce “The Uncle” Gerish ’81 has worked with the college, their architect and heads the design effort. We have taken suggestions from current and past Sigs and incorporated them into a design that all Sigs can be proud of. Not all features suggested may not be included due to cost or safety, but as you will see, it will not be just a boring building. Our new Sig House will have true Sig personality.
Q: What about this apartment / Why is it needed?
A: The apartment will house a college employee. This speaks to the safety concerns that are at the core of this and all student housing developments, both Greek and non-Greek. The intent is to ensure the safety of our actives. This is very similar to a Resident Assistant’s role in the dorms.
Q: Why build new, why not renovate the old house?
A: The renovation option has been reviewed and estimated. The costs would could run in excess of 60% - 75% of a new facility, and you still have a very old house. Parting with the current House may be understandably emotional for some, as it was for others with their prior House. Building a new home and guaranteeing a marquee location, the safety of our active brothers and their guests, as well as cementing a sustaining legacy for our brothers of all ages was adopted as a more optimal approach.
Q: How much will the college pony up for the new house?
A: Alma College plans to donate the land and will help with other costs and services, but the bulk of the financing will be the responsible of the Sig alumni. Construction of the new House is part of the College’s strategic plan and capital campaign. Gifts to the construction fund will count toward the campaign and will be restricted gifts that can be used only for construction of the House. So this is an opportunity for us to leave a legacy and investing in the future of the Fraternity.
Q: How can I help?
A: You can help spread the word, let's make sure all Sigs of your vintage know of the project and ultimately make a donation. There will be mail, email, web site and social media communication to share. When you see, please pass it along. Encourage your brothers to consider a donation of some degree. Do it alone or join together. There will be opportunities both big and small to make your mark, create your legacy, and honor memories.
Q: Who do I write the check out to?
A: Donations will ultimately flow through and to Alma College, but it will be important to properly designate your donations. There are multiple means you can use to making your donation. You can download the Donation Card to use as a reference. You may also go back to the Home page for the campaign and click on the Donate Now button. That link will take you to the website the College has chosen for electronic submissions. Please be sure to designate "Zeta Sigma House" when doing so. If you have questions or concerns before doing so, please feel free to Contact Us.
Q: Is the donation tax deductible?
A: Yes, because this is ultimately a gift to the college, we will be working on the tax considerations and deductibility with the college. We are doing it in this way for just that reason, and you may also find that you could be eligible for matching gifts from some employer corporations. We will have that information provide to you or contact information of someone at the College to answer your questions as it relates to these types of financial matters.
Q: I've heard that the current administration is anti-Greek? Is this true?
A: No, this administration, led by President Abernathy, fully understands how much a healthy greek system means to Alma College. Fraternities and Sororities are fully intertwined in the historical fabric of Alma College the institution. Admittedly, it can be tough dynamic at times. There is forever a delicate balance between the media’s portrayal of greek life and the realities of the benefits it provides to respective members and surrounding communities (including Alma College). The administration appreciates those beneficial aspects, the positive way it promotes both the retention of current students and the engagement of scores of alumni. The college’s strategic plan to include new greek housing is a commitment to the greek way of life on Alma College’s campus.
Q: The TKE’s just built a new house, how much did it cost?
A: $ 1.3 Million
Q: What much will the new Sig House cost?
A: Current projections and planning are based upon a goal of $1,000,000. Official cost numbers will be available once the bidding process is complete in early summer. The hope is to make a safe and long lasting house, portraying our organization’s unique personality and cementing our legacy as Alma College’s true Sigs next 75+ years.
Q: I can’t give $1000s, so how will my pledge of $300 make a difference?
A: There will be a handful of very generous Sigs who can and will give a little more or lot more, but even then, that will not be enough to get us into our new Sig House. As a Fraternity, we have 700 living Zeta Sig & Delt Sig Alumni. We will assuredly be successful if we can get just the majority of the 700 to pledge some amount, especially if it is an amount you think you can give each year for the next few years. Then $300 multiplied by many multiple by multiple years will get us our new home.
Q: Why don’t we have a website, like the other frats?
A: We hope to have a state-of-the-art website up. It is currently under construction, and we hope to have it up and running shortly.
Q: Where will the new house be built?
A: We will remain on W. Superior St, just east of the current Sig house, which is located at 525 W. Superior. The school has donated a double lot at the corner of Grant and Superior just east of the current house
Q: What is the best of all colors?
A: Green!! We Bleed it!!