Just seven months after the May groundbreaking for William Jewell’s Sorority Complex & Greek Common, the building is taking shape against the campus’ northern skyline—the same sky from which dark funnel clouds emerged in the spring of 2003 to forever alter the landscape of William Jewell College.

At the center of the storm’s destructive path were the College’s Regent’s Quad apartments, which were determined to be too heavily damaged for repair. The area just northwest of the Mabee Center for Physical Education evolved from a demolition site to a construction site to become the home of the new $14 million Sorority Complex. As with all rebuilding projects after the tornado, the Sorority Complex has generated unending support from alumni and friends who wanted to help Jewell look to the future. The late Dr. Georgia Bowman ’34 led the fundraising efforts by making the first gift, followed by volunteer-driven events like alumni teas and Girls’ Night Out gatherings. Alumni and student leaders from each sorority partnered for these events. They also worked alongside administrators and architects during the conception and design stages.

“The Sorority Complex project represents a significant investment in the students of William Jewell,” said Quincy Cotton ’09, president of Alpha Gamma Delta and a member of the Sorority Complex Steering Committee. “Historically, sorority members have been among the highest-achieving members of the college community. We deeply appreciate this commitment to providing an enhanced environment that will foster long-term relationships and stimulate thinking on leadership and service to others.”

The Semple Hall Wing that currently houses sorority members has not undergone major renovations since it was built in 1957. The new residential complex, designed with a community focus, will include four sorority houses with suite-style rooms and private bathrooms, a multipurpose room accommodating up to 250 people, a fitness center, private study rooms, modern laundry facilities and lounges. A Greek Common building will join the four houses and serve as a focal point for Greek life on campus as well as provide a venue for leadership programming, alumni events, retreats and social events.

Although significant naming opportunities remain,  an important Sorority Complex gift came in August 2008 when Jewell successfully met the terms of a $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. Alumni and friends had rallied for 10 months, making donations to meet the terms of the challenge grant. “This gift from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation will allow us to move forward in the creation of a vibrant living and learning experience,” said Dr. David Sallee, President.

Construction crews anticipate that the Complex will be weather-tight by Dec. 31, with the winter months dedicated to finishing the structure’s interior.  Most of the work should be complete by the summer of 2009, with occupancy expected for the start of the 2009-2010 academic year.

The College has partnered with Mary Carol Garrity, founder of the Atchison, Kan.-based Nell Hill’s interior design and home furnishings retail store, to assist with interior design for the Complex. Richard Lippincott, a member of the William Jewell College class of 1991, will serve as head designer. In 2009, Jewell will host sneak peeks of the Complex, as well as a special event at Nell Hill’s shop in Kansas City’s Briarcliff Village.

“Mary Carol Garrity has established a well-deserved regional and national reputation for creating warm, welcoming living environments,” said Clark Morris ’91, chair of the College’s design and standards committee. “We are so pleased to be collaborating with her, and we know that she will bring her exceptional talent and keen insights to the project.”

For online updates and photos visit the Sorority Complex construction site http://www.jewell.edu/sororitycomplex/