Alpha Chapter Patio

We are excited to share an important project that means a great deal to our sisterhood. This spring, we are building a new outdoor patio at 709 Comstock Avenue, the historic home where Alpha Gamma Delta was founded at Syracuse University. Even if you were initiated at another chapter or have never visited the house, this is the place where our Fraternity began, where our founders met, and where the legacy we all share first took shape. The new patio will be a warm, welcoming space for sisters to study, connect, relax, and create the everyday moments that make Alpha Gam feel like home.

What makes this project especially meaningful is the opportunity to honor that shared history while investing in the next generation. Alpha Chapter has always held a special place in the heart of our Fraternity. Supporting this project is a way to give back to the chapter that sparked everything and to ensure that future sisters have a place that reflects the spirit and connection Alpha Gam is known for.

Our Fundraising Goal

Our aim is to raise $35,000 to fund this significant improvement. To help us reach this goal, we’re offering several special sponsorship opportunities for donors:

Patio Furniture Sponsor:
Leave a lasting legacy by sponsoring patio furniture for the Alpha Chapter house! With your generous gift of $709 to $1,904 or more, your name (or dedication) will be permanently displayed on site, recognizing your contribution.
Personalized Engraved Bricks:
The first 200 supporters giving $250 or more will receive a custom-engraved brick that will become a permanent part of the patio. Each brick allows for up to 3 lines of text, 16 characters per line—a perfect way to honor friendships, pledge classes, or special Alpha Gam memories. Bricks can be shared by multiple sisters or purchased individually.
Pearl Supporter:
Anyone contributing $125 or more will have their name displayed as a special supporter at the chapter house under the Pearl category.
Friend of the Patio:
Anyone contributing $79 or more will be recognized under the Friends category.
All donations of $10 or more will be gratefully acknowledged in our Alpha Chapter newsletter once we reach our goal.

Every contribution, large or small, makes a meaningful difference in helping us complete this exciting project! For sponsor level donations, we’ll personally follow up to confirm your brick or furniture dedication.

Project Timeline

Due to construction timelines, the patio can be built over summer when the chapter house is empty. We need to raise total funds by January 31, 2026, so we can begin construction mid-May to have the patio revealed for the start of the 2026 school year.

Artist rendering of patio: All building materials, furniture, and plants will be determined at time of patio build

Patio(birdseye)1.png

❤️💛💚 Patio Project FAQs ❤️💛💚

Q: What exactly is included in the patio project?
A: The project includes a new patio area directly in front of the Alpha Chapter house, enhanced landscaping, and a sitting wall to create an inviting space for members and friends to gather.

Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
A: No. While Alpha Chapter is a non-profit organization, contributions to this specific project are not tax-deductible.

Q: Who is managing the construction of the patio project?
A: The Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) has been working closely with the Alumnae Chapter Advisors to manage this project. They’ve engaged a contractor who has provided the rendering shown above.

Q: Can multiple people share a donation for a personalized brick?
A: Yes! Multiple members, alumni or friends can share a donation toward one brick. Please select one person from your group to coordinate the payment and engraving details.

Q: What text can I have engraved on my brick?
A: Bricks allow up to 3 lines, 16 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation). We’ll reach out if your donation includes a brick. Please purchase with an email that we can reach out to you with.

Q: Can I use Greek letters in my brick engraving?
A: Unfortunately, no. The engravings can only include standard letters, numbers, and symbols found on a regular keyboard. Greek letters and special symbols aren't available.

Q: Where will sponsor names be displayed in the final design?
A: We’re still finalizing details with FHC, but we plan to display all donor names in the same area, grouped by giving category, where best fits with the character of the house.

Q: What happens if you don’t raise the total amount needed to build the patio?
A: We will continue to fundraise until we have enough to make the project happen. This kind of outdoor space has been wanted for decades, so we’re committed to seeing it through no matter how long it takes!

Q: Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
A: For any questions or additional information, please contact Diane Fischer Hoffman at d ianefh@gmail.com or Laura Dunn at dauralunn@gmail.com

Patio location:

Patio plan from the contractor: Alpha Chapter House

Artist rendering of the view of the patio from the driveway:
Patio(Driveway)2.png

Alpha Patio Project

By Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity, Syracuse University

Alpha Patio Project

Building a Lasting Legacy for the Alpha Chapter House - 709 Comstock Ave