This article was originally published by NFL News It has been kindly shared for repost on Watch The Yard.
Written by: Susan Kordak, Anna Prentice and Jenny Ralph
Florida State University celebrated the opening of the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony following the university’s Homecoming Day Parade on November 22. Under the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine 9), turning a long-awaited dream into reality.
NPHC Park, located between the Student Union and Legacy Walk, features sculptures created by FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio that honor the legacy of the Divine Nine and their role in fostering a vibrant campus community. The NPHC logo is included in the park’s exterior to mark the main entrance. Monuments to each of the nine black Greek letter organizations include statues with a red brick base with inscriptions detailing their national history, history, and special armor.
“I am very proud of FSU’s NPHC achievement, made possible by generations of alumni who have been shaped at FSU through their fraternity and sorority experiences,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for student affairs. “This is an important addition to Florida State University and is a testament to the legacy and impact that the Divine Nine organizations contribute to our campus and community.”
Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the merger at Florida State University. the Black Student Union It was founded in 1968, with Omega Psi Phi being the first Divine Nine Chapter.
In the fall of 2021, Student Affairs Division Hold meetings with alumni, students and stakeholders to develop the architectural design of the park. Fundraising initiatives began the following year, resulting in nearly 300 donors contributing more than $350,000 to date.
Alumnus and donor Shawn Pittman, founder of Pittman Law Group, served as student body president at Florida State University from 1989 to 1990. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he remembers painting Greek letters on trees.
“Our organizations used to literally race to grab the trees and fight over who got there first,” Pittman said. “This project represents a long-standing sentiment—that the history of the Divine Nine sororities deserves a permanent imprint on campus to tell their stories. It gives me great pride to know that my works and the works of distinguished alumni who were members of these fraternities and sororities will be inscribed in the history of the University Florida State.
While the park itself was ribbon-cutting, each of the five fraternities and four sororities that make up the Divine Nine also cut an individual ribbon at their respective monuments.
The five fraternities and four sororities that make up the NPHC are:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc
- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc
The event was attended by numerous students, faculty, staff and donors, including FSU alumnus and former Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, who urged current students to “hold on to pride in the institutions you helped build.”
Ryan Bellamy, who serves as president of the National Panhellenic Council, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is a member of FSU’s 2024 Homecoming Court, spoke at the ribbon-cutting event about what the park means to attendees and recipients. Future students.
“For prospective students, the park is a beacon of inspiration that shows them the transformative power and influence of Greek-lettered Black organizations, and the profound sense of belonging, leadership and purpose they foster,” Bellamy said. “This park is not only a testament to our history, but the promise of a future filled with excellence, growth and unwavering community.”
Planning, design, construction, utility grounds and landscaping He oversaw the project site analysis, general planning, landscaping and landscaping design and installation, as well as precast brickwork and concrete for the statue base.
Federal Football Association MasterCraftsman Studio The aluminum letters that stand atop the monuments are called machining, a process similar to origami, but using steel or other metals. This method involves cutting out the shape from the paper and the mirror image of the back, then cutting strips of metal to make up the sides, resulting in a hollow structure. This design is practical for creating weather-resistant structures that can withstand the environmental elements.
With the opening of the park, NPHC now has a permanent home in the central portion of the Florida State University campus.
“I am very excited to have a dedicated space for NPHC,” said Jamia Johnson, Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “I believe the opening of NPHC Park on campus is a meaningful step toward recognizing and celebrating the contributions of historically black fraternities and sororities on campus.” The park demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and diversity while promoting a sense of belonging for NPHC members and the broader community.
Fundraising efforts will continue to support the upkeep and upkeep of the park.
For more information, visit give.fsu.edu/NPHCpark.
