The NPHC Garden fundraising campaign is entering its final phase, with construction approved to begin after the spring 2020 semester.
The space
Located on South Campus between SASB North and South, the garden will create a positive environment for UNC-Chapel Hill’s eight National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations to unite in efforts to promote their fraternities and sororities while educating students about the history of these diverse organizations.
“This space has been a long time coming,” noted Princess Collins ’20, NPHC president and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member. “We don’t have houses on campus, so the garden is a way for us to be recognized by the broader campus community.”
The garden will also celebrate and honor the contributions and history of Carolina’s NPHC member fraternities and sororities. These organizations have impacted Carolina’s campus since the first organization, the Psi Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., arrived in 1973.
“As a charter member of the first predominantly African American sorority on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill — the Kappa Omicron Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority — I am immensely proud to support the NPHC Garden on the campus,” shared Deborah Wilder ’75. “The NPHC Garden will make it possible for the history of African American fraternal and sororal life to be chronicled for future generations of UNC students.”
The design
Renderings for the NPHC Garden reflect a striking design, featuring 10-foot columns that chronologically represent the history of each NPHC chapter. The pillars will be illuminated at night and will light up on national anniversaries.
“We hope even non-members will gain an appreciation for who these folks are,” shared Zack Hawkins, director of student affairs development. “The space will serve as a reminder of our cultural diversity and how important these organizations are to campus.”
The garden will have standing room for up to 125 people, making it an ideal gathering space for students and an exciting new venue for campus meetings and alumni reunions.
The final push
The NPHC Garden has an estimated cost of $750,000 and is 100% dependent on alumni and donor support.
“A major part of my pride stems from my being among the founding members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity’s Mu Zeta Chapter at UNC-Chapel Hill and of the students who have followed,” said Sam Fulwood III ’78. “The establishment of the NPHC memorial garden will be a permanent marker of our presence on campus. I’m a proud supporter of the campaign to erect the memorial. It’s long overdue and will be a tremendous, positive addition to our beloved Carolina family.”
As of October 2019, the campaign is just $200,000 from reaching this goal and making the NPHC Garden at UNC-Chapel Hill a reality. NPHC alumni and friends can support the campaign or purchase a commemorative brick or paver to further cement their connection to Carolina and their NPHC chapter.
“These bricks are meant to reflect the deep bond our alumni have with their chapters and their ties to the University,” added Hawkins.
Visit nphcgarden.unc.edu or email Zack Hawkins at nphcgarden@unc.edu to support this project today.