The groundbreaking of the NPHC Greek Garden is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday (April 23).
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi will celebrate a groundbreaking of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Garden at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (April 23).
The university’s NPHC represents nine historically African-American sororities and fraternities. Eight of those Greek organizations have active chapters at UM, with the ninth expected to be active this fall.
However, none of these organizations have properties on campus, so this garden, next to the new residence hall between Crosby Hall and the Northgate housing complex, will serve as a symbolic space for all NPHC organizations.
“The garden groundbreaking is a historic moment on our campus as we celebrate the long-term contributions of our historically African-American fraternities and sororities, and their members, to our university,” said Tony Vukusich, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life.
“The garden itself will serve as a physical representation of their commitment to the University of Mississippi and provide an outdoor space for learning, celebration, reflection and community building.”
Jacqueline Certion, senior academic adviser for the UM FASTrack program and graduate and campus adviser for the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, commended the leadership and Greek life staff for making this project a reality after several years of planning.
“We’re excited to have a visible presence at the University of Mississippi,” she said. “This garden is not only good for alumni and current students, but also for incoming students that may want to be involved in the Greek community. It makes me happy to know that the university understands the need of having a visible presence for the divine nine organizations and how it impacts the university.”
The garden, made possible by the offices of the Dean of Students and the Provost, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Division of Student Affairs, the Department of Business and Finance and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, is expected to be complete by early fall.