Case for Support
As alumnae, we have experienced the life-long bonds that our membership in Pi Beta Phi has afforded us. With each passing year, new members join our chapter, and many experience living in our home at 330 Triphammer Road as we once did. Right at this moment, a collegiate NY Delta is making memories that will last a lifetime. Our commitment is to the past, present, and future sisters of NY Delta, all of whom are our legacy. One way to preserve this legacy is to ensure the sustainability of our house.
Our last major fundraising campaign concluded in 2006, and we are grateful to the alumnae who participated. Now, nearly 18 years later, it’s time to show our support again. Our goal this time is to raise $1 million from 2024 through the end of 2025 and to reinvest in our house, which was built in 1956. Capital improvements will maintain the integrity of the structure and increase the energy efficiency, leaving a smaller carbon footprint. While the Chapter House Corporation has responsibly managed a steady cash flow with appropriate reserves for more immediate and unanticipated expenses, alumnae willingness to support the sustainability of our house will help maintain our financial independence and keep us competitive and attractive to the 21st century student.
Campaign Project Priorities & Timing:
Phase I: Summer 2023 Completed window replacements on second and third floors, Repaired third floor dormer, Began electrical service upgrade with underground conduits
Phase II: Summer 2024 Replaced remaining first-floor and basement windows, Finished electrical service upgrade with energy-efficient lighting, Replaced and painted soffits, Replaced gutters and downspouts, Freshened front, side, and back porches
Phase III: Summer 2025 Upgrade landscaping and create an accessible front walkway and entrance, Update Chapter Room Address heating issues, flooring, and lighting in bedrooms (if funds available)
The first phase was completed in the summer of 2023, welcoming NY Deltas to the house with windows that are visually appealing and energy efficient. The self-closing, aluminum-clad, and wood-sliding units eliminate the ongoing maintenance required with casement windows. Because of our solid financial position, we were able to address this work with existing funds.
In the summer of 2024, a new electrical service, which began with the removal of the overhead wires from the building and running them under the parking lot, was completed. This part of the project ultimately enabled Pi Beta Phi the option, in the future, to replace fuel-powered appliances and equipment with electrical units. The new electrical system has the capacity to service a potential addition to the full structure, should an expansion be necessary and approved. Another electrical enhancement included replacing interior and exterior lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED alternatives. In addition, we completed the replacement of windows on the first floor and in the basement, repaired and painted soffits, added new gutters and downspouts, and freshened our entrances.
Finally, in the summer of 2025, we’ve planned some exterior projects that will add to the “curb appeal” of our home at Cornell. The walkway and front entrance will be updated for better accessibility, and new landscaping will create more open and inviting spaces. We also plan to upgrade the Chapter Room with a new coat of paint, new flooring, and additional electrical outlets.
Should we exceed our fundraising goals, we would like to replace our analog thermostats in the bedrooms with digital programmable smart devices, along with baseboard heat modifications, and to update the flooring and to enhance the lighting in the rooms.
All the improvements have been planned with the future of NY Delta in mind, making our shared home weathertight, energy efficient, sustainable, and welcoming. We want our house to be ready for the next generation of undergraduates and alumnae and in wonderful condition for the next generation of Chapter House Corporation leaders.
The fundraising efforts to support this plan already have offered the opportunity to reconnect with sisters across class years and life experiences. We are grateful to all who have given to date and look forward to tremendous alumnae participation. While gifts toward the campaign are not tax deductible, they are pre-approved for Cornell class and reunion credit. Our campaign leaders and committee members are happy to answer any questions you might have and can discuss any additional information that will help you decide the level of your contribution to the campaign. You may also direct questions to PiPhiNYDelta330@gmail.com or call 607-533-9200 (ext. 224), and someone will get back to you promptly.
Thank you for being part of making Our House, Our Legacy
