Click to see photo gallery for images of the house fire.
Our legendary shelter of 51 years, in Norman, Oklahoma, was struck by lightning in the early morning hours of May 8th 2020, resulting in a fire at 2:30AM. We are thankful that no one was inside at the time of the fire.
In a valiant effort to put out the fire, fire trucks from three companies showed up. The east part of the shelter is totally gone. The west part, including 38 bedrooms, was not consumed by the fire due to the fire walls, but have extensive smoke and water damage. The fire restoration company has secured the perimeter and is beginning the clean-up and water mitigation.
Through our discovery, majority of the chapter memorabilia has been lost, like chapter portraits, alumni and award plaques, The Friendly Delt, and the John Nichols portrait.
We will be working with the appropriate authorities to ensure the best-case scenario and outcome for our shelter. As the property is examined by professionals, we will be discussing our path forward. Coincidentally, the House Corporation Board received the results of our feasibility study completed earlier this year. As you may know, this study considered the option of rebuilding our historic shelter.
After receiving the positive results from the study, much discussion and careful consideration, we are excited to announce that we are in the process of moving forward with a targeted campaign to rebuild our historic shelter. Over the coming months we will be working closely with our consulting firm, Elevate, to begin a successful capital campaign. Please be on the lookout for more information as the Campaign progresses.
We will never forget all the great memories that were made in this shelter since 1968, but we will be planning for a strong new build to continue our brotherhood. We are very optimistic for what the future holds.
Looking ahead to the Fall semester, the Board is working on living arrangements for 61 members that were moving in this fall. Already, Summer recruitment has been canceled due to COVID-19, most likely all formal recruitment in the fall will be, as well.
On a more personal note, this shelter was the home to so many great memories. I encourage you to reminisce on the great times and friends that were made in this house. It will truly be missed. Thank you to everyone that has reached out! We will inform you when we have an updated plan. Stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Mike Johnston
President
Delta Alpha House Corporation
