After years of planning and months of construction, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Plaza officially was opened on Southeast’s campus Aug. 16. Some 50 students, alumni and administrators were present for the 30-minute ceremony at the plaza, located on the northeast corner of Parker Field near the Scully building.
University president Carlos Vargas, who spoke at the ceremony, said the plaza will serve to enhance the profile of all student organizations at Southeast. He said the final design for the plaza was developed at the request of students and the NPHC to highlight the presence of African-American Greek organizations on campus, and it will serve for years to come as a gathering area for students.
The plaza is centered around eight plaque pedestals honoring the eight out of nine African-American Greek letter organizations —known as the “Divine Nine”— that are recognized by Southeast. Each plaque displays a brief history of each organization along with symbols. The lower terrace area that surrounds it offers three 18-inch concrete walls to provide seating and a gathering area.
President of NPHC Jaleea Hudson-Wilson said the plaza will have many potential uses such as new member presentations, stroll-offs and other social activities. Hudson-Wilson and her predecessor, Southeast alumnus Andrea Cox, were instrumental in making the plaza a reality.
“I felt it was my duty to continue [Cox’s] legacy and see this thing to the finish,” Hudson-Wilson said.
Cox initiated the process of gaining representation for NPHC organizations in 2015 when the first proposal was drafted and sent to the university administration.
“Our Greek life director at the time told us basically go big or go home,” Cox said following the ceremony. “Ask for what you want, and see what you get.”
She and other members of NPHC reviewed similar forms of representation on other college campuses and discussed with administration ways their goal could be achieved, and what such representation would mean to African American students and organizations.
“It was difficult in the sense that I don't think the University had ever been asked why they couldn't do something,” Cox said. “And that was how I went in to it: ‘This is what we need, why can’t we do this?’”
Cox said the plaza was meant to serve as a talking point for students who lack knowledge of NPHC organizations, but also as a place for alumni to return to and feel at home.
Hudson-Wilson, who spoke after Vargas, challenged those in attendance to use the plaza as a platform to grow their organizations, increase alumni to student connection and unite all of Southeast’s Greek organizations.
Junior psychology and criminal justice major Moe Brown said after the ceremony that it is good to finally have representation on campus.
“We see how celebrated [Greek hill] is,” Brown said. “Black people can be celebrated, too.”
A second opening ceremony will be held on Homecoming when more alumni will be able to attend.
