Hillsdale College Breaks Ground on Phi Sig Pavilion
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College broke ground on the Phi Sig Pavilion on Sept. 23 during Homecoming Weekend. More than 200 alumni, donors, students, and faculty and staff members attended. The new pavilion will be used to host orientation events, performances, classes, and other student activities.
Phi Sigma Epsilon alumni partnered with Hillsdale College administrators to build the new facility, and in addition to donating the property, they raised more than $100,000 collectively. Several other alumni groups have contributed to the pavilion project, including the Hillsdale College Class of 2022, who selected the Pavilion as their Senior Class Gift and committed to raise $20,000. To date, alumni have raised more than $200,000. Fundraising efforts for the project are ongoing, with a goal of raising an additional $150,000.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn recognized Phi Sig alumni for their commitment to continuing their legacy. “The philosopher says the highest kind of friendship is devoted to things outside and above the friends, and commands them and draws them together,” Dr. Arnn said. “That, in the end, is why these men come back here year after year.”
The pavilion will include a large, sheltered space with a warming kitchen, bathrooms, and an indoor conference room and meeting space. Outside features will include a patio, barbecue grill, and fireplace. It will be located on campus between the Mu Alpha house and the Dow Residence, where the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity house once stood.
“The generosity of the men of Phi Sigma Epsilon will be remembered by future students and members of the community for years to come,” said Colleen McGinness, executive director of Alumni Relations. “This gift will foster friendship through accommodating events for the college.”
View renderings of the pavilion here and photos from the event here.