Phi Mu finds a home at Kent State

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The newly opened Phi Mu sorority house is seen on the evening of August 31, 2018.

Hannah Kelley

After being an established sorority for five years at Kent State, Phi Mu has found a home on Fraternity Circle.

The chapter signed a lease in July taking over the house previously owned by the Delta Upsilon fraternity. The fraternity decided to relocate, and Phi Mu was selected to fill the vacant home.

“I wouldn’t say not having a house has ever hindered this chapter at all,” said Brianna Leatherman, the Phi Mu president and a senior visual communication design major, said. “But having our own space now is definitely a benefit and is giving us our own place to do things.”

Previously, the chapter reserved event spaces on different places on campus, at member’s homes or at the library.

Since signing, the chapter has spent the summer decorating the interior of the house and is currently in the process of getting it ready for move-in for the fall of 2019.

The house holds 18 bedrooms, two kitchens, three study rooms, two common areas, a laundry room and a library.

The three-story house will hold 29 out of approximately 120 women in their chapter. This will include all executive board members, and the rest will be decided on first-come-first-serve basis, Leatherman said.  

The official move-in date is not for another year. However, the house is currently being used regularly to hold meetings, study tables and this semester’s recruitment events.

Phi Mu will now be one of seven houses within the Greek community on Fraternity Circle, including Phi Delta Theta, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta and Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Many of the neighbors have taken to social media or sent gifts to welcome Phi Mu to the circle.

“Everyone’s been really inviting,” Leatherman said. “We’re really excited to be more in the community and be around everyone. It’s definitely going to be great to just have place that anybody can come to hangout.”

Hannah Kelley is the Dean of Students and Greek Life reporter. Contact her at [email protected].