Introduction
The NPHC Legacy Plaza will celebrate the past, present, and future of Black Greek Letter Organizations on the campus of Auburn University. These organizations have impacted Auburn’s campus since the first organization arrived in 1972 with their commitment to civic engagement, leadership, academic achievement, and providing a sense of belonging for students.
Auburn NPHC History
The Auburn National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was founded in 1998 by the men and women of Auburn’s NPHC affiliated fraternities and sororities. The Auburn NPHC strives to unite affiliated men and women at Auburn University through collaborative programming, educational initiatives, forums, and lasting friendships. Auburn’s NPHC believes that by joining the men and women within their council they can promote higher standards of scholarship, a greater degree of culture, closer social fellowship, and a stronger inter-fraternal spirit among affiliate members. Also, the Auburn NPHC affirms that they may promote activities and opportunities that of mutual benefit to Auburn University and the Lee County community.
The member organizations of the Auburn NPHC, in founding order, are as follows: Sigma Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Theta Delta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. , Kappa Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Gamma Xi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. , Omicron Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Omicron Iota Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and the Auburn Colony of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
NPHC Legacy Plaza Project
For many years the Auburn Family recognized that there is currently no architectural indication on the campus to acknowledge the “Divine 9.” There have been many efforts to bring forward permanent recognition of the NPHC, with students, alumni, and community stakeholders serving as champions. These efforts culminated on December 3, 2018 when the Auburn University Student Government Association unanimously passed a resolution “Supporting the Campaign for a National Pan-Hellenic Council Legacy Plaza,” leading to official recognition of the Legacy Plaza project at the Auburn Board of Trustees meeting held on September 13, 2019. Many student organizations have also shared their support of this project including but not limited to, Black Student Union, Harold A. Franklin Society, Office of Inclusion and Diversity’s Student Excellence Team, Ladies Society of Collegiate Success, and twenty-five non NPHC affiliated fraternities and sororities. This project will stand to cultivate, educate, and represent these organizations’ rich history at Auburn, while providing a space for organization members, alumni, and members of the Auburn family to gather, learn, and celebrate their community.
The Legacy Plaza will be located next to the new ACLC and Central Dining Hall site. The schematic includes a wall with ten commemorative markers – nine representing each of the NPHC chapters and the tenth to explain the history of Auburn’s Black Greek Letter Organizations. Trees representing each chapter will provide a backdrop for the wall. The overall area borders an open lawn and a naturally landscaped terrace, enabling the space to serve as an outdoor venue for informal gatherings and events. In the spirit of community, the space will be open to all Auburn students and student organizations.
Goal of the Project
To provide a space on campus that gives homage to the legacy of Black Greek Letter Organizations and African American culture at Auburn University;
To cultivate the spirit of inclusion and diversity on Auburn’s campus with markers dedicated to not only NPHC organizations, but also minority students as a whole;
To enhance the beauty of Auburn University with a symbolic and functional space to recognize the history and achievements of National Pan-Hellenic Council and its organizations;
To embrace human touch, reflecting the essence of the Auburn Creed and ensure that all students see themselves as part of Auburn’s rich and vibrant community;
To increase minority enrollment
NEXT STEPS:
Private support is essential to ensure the NPHC Legacy Plaza becomes a reality.
Construction of the plaza will begin in 2022 and we know many members of the Auburn Family will want to participate in this project.
Please submit your contact information here. The Student Affairs Development team will contact you with further information regarding the NPHC Legacy Plaza.
