After their reinstallation in May 2013, Beta Omicron Chapter was ready for the next step – finding a home for their chapter. That step became a reality last year, and after some renovations, the new chapter house was ready for occupation at the beginning of the fall 2015 semester.
Assistant Editor of The Rattle, Kelly Jones, recently spoke with Beta Omicron Chapter President, Ian Owens about the chapter house.
“We do not own the house,” said Owens, “but we signed a three-year lease. Before moving in, the kitchen was completely renovated, new carpet was put in, as well as other paint specifications to fit our fraternity colors,” he continued.
What does it mean to the chapter to have its own house?
“After such a short time being back on campus, it feels great to have an official chapter house,” said Owens. “The house allows us to accommodate brothers, alumni, and others comfortably and gives us many opportunities that we didn’t have before. The house also allows us to better connect with the Greek community because we reside around all of the others fraternities and sororities,” he added.
Could you describe the house?
“We have two common areas – one in the basement which is used as the entertaining area and the other upstairs is used for studying, meetings, etc.,” Owens explained. “The house has six singles and six doubles for sleeping, accommodating 18 brothers. We are also able to enjoy a patio area and parking lot outside that we use for tailgating, playing Cornhole and grilling out during events,” he said. “Having a chapter house will be a great asset to us going forward,” said Owens.
