The Chapter House Corporation, the Hopkins Society of Sigma Nu, has been busy with renovation projects and needed repairs to the house over the past year. The Beta Chapter house is an historic and architecturally significant fraternity house, the largest at UVA, and the most prominently viewed from the new University Ivy Corridor Plan or “Gateway.” We have made significant efforts to maintain and upgrade our renowned chapter house. Viewed from Emmet St., the Sigma Nu Beta Chapter House is a stunning architectural gem which frequently garners admiration from visitors and the administration.
Projects undertaken in the last year include: painting all exterior trim and columns ($12,000); replacement of two hot water heaters ($7,000) installing new washer and dryers ($2,500), electrical and lighting upgrades ($2,500), upgrades to landscaping and grounds ($5,000), resurfacing the portico roof ($3,000); installing a commemorative bronze 150th Anniversary plaque ($3,500) purchasing new furniture for the library and chapter room ($2,500), installing handrails on the front and back stairways ($6,000), and upgrading doors, halls, and fixtures in living quarters ($4,000). In 2021 we replaced the custom copper gutters and downspouts at a cost of $24,000 and restored the columns.
Our extensive improvements greatly assisted the very successful rush this spring and we have received much positive feedback from both alumni and University representatives. Our upgrades were very positively commented upon by the Sigma Nu Regent when he visited the chapter during the 150th Anniversary last fall and President Ryan, our neighbor on Carrs Hill, has noted his pride in the current state of the restored house as a focal point in approaching central Grounds.
We work closely with the chapter to identify and assure needed repairs and upgrades to furnishings and equipment. The chapter and tenants have been excellent custodians of the house and pitch in with projects and care for upkeep of grounds and common areas. The chapter has also assured our financial integrity by keeping the house fully tenanted the past three years and paying semester parlor fees on time.
Our sinking fund reserves are adequate at present, but we have made over $50,000 in capital improvements since 2020 and remain in need of annual alumni support. The chapter pays a significant parlor fee to cover its usage and the chapter has fully tenanted the house for the past three years. We will need support from our loyal Beta alumni to assure needed repairs are completed and our reserves remain adequate. All alumni contributions are used for capital improvements to the chapter house, and none have ever been applied to support the social activities of the chapter. We maintain a modest scholarship fund for recruits needing some assistance and also support the philanthropic activities of the chapter. The chapter house remains a source of pride for all alumni returning to Grounds and we urge you to consider a donation of any size to improve our capital reserves as repairs are needed and upgrades are planned in the coming months.
Payments can be made to the University’s Alumni Association: Please make the check out to ‘Sigma Nu House Fund’ and add ‘Allocation: 00529’ in the memo. Mail your check to:
UVA Fund Gift Processing Services
PO BOX 400314
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4314
Donations can also be made online via our secure giving form.
Contributions to the Hopkins Society are not tax deductible. However, every dollar of alumni donations flows immediately into house repairs and improvements.
The Brothers of Sigma Nu Beta Chapter would like to shout out Craig Steinwedel (’67) for his generous contribution to the Hopkins Society to fund the new stand of pine trees by the outdoor party area!
Fraternally,
Terry Birkel (’67)
James Bogart (’02)
Steve Moriarty (’73)