Commitment to the Future Alpha Gamma Chapter’s Road to a Successful Housing Campaign Nestled in Gainesville near the University of Florida campus, the Alpha Gamma Chapter house sat since 1975. The brick house with Greek letters and a plow on the front wall was home to hundreds of Alpha Gamma Rho brothers, but, as Brother Bernie Lester notes, its architecture was constantly causing problems. With the growing need for updates, Alpha Gamma Chapter alumni decided to start their first attempt at a housing campaign. This first campaign didn’t make it far, however. With a rough real estate market and a lack of commitment, the practicality of a housing campaign couldn’t be identified. But three years ago, the need for a new chapter house was re-identified and the current housing campaign was started. The new chapter house is in the process of being built with a completion goal of August 2021, so undergraduate brothers can move in for the school year. The excitement for an up- to- date home for brothers, is overwhelming. Upgraded appliances, electronics and overall architecture will provide a higher quality experience for brothers living in the house. Alpha Gamma Brother Bernie Lester has been directly involved with the chapter’s housing campaign and says commitment is key to ensuring a successful campaign. In this second, successful, campaign, the Alumni Board chose to utilize a consultant, which has helped with the organization and plan development, but it’s the commitment from all brothers that matters most. The group also determined it was best to have The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho and their housing association manage the campaign, allowing for tax deductible contributions to be made to the Foundation and a stronger ability to manage the record keeping from Home Office Staff. Accepting some of the work onto the housing association’s plate has enabled funds to be utilized quickly, but does require more work and commitment from brothers. Without the assistance of The Educational Foundation, the need for record keeping and greater communication falls back on volunteers. The Educational Foundation and Home Office staff work closely with chapters and alumni corporations through chapter assistance programs, to ensure a stronger campaign for the chapter. Chief Development Officer Carol Johnson said, “The Alpha Gamma Chapter has been a pleasure to work with, and we have ramped up our support levels to make sure they feel the same way—a practice we are implementing with all housing campaigns. With the most advantageous campaign structures, transparent communications, and simple fund establishment and disbursement practices, we are working hard to meet the Fraternity’s housing needs.” Brother Lester encourages all those considering starting a housing campaign to consider what’s best for your chapter and be prepared to hit some roadblocks. Some brothers were difficult to contact of because of address or phone number changes that were not updated, and others strongly supported the new chapter house being built but didn’t always support financially. As the new chapter house is reaching completion, the biggest takeaway is the need for commitment. Commitment from brothers in the form of both time and treasure is what leads to a successful housing campaign, which in turn can provide a strong chapter experience for undergraduate brothers to come.
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.