SIGEP KS ETA

HONORING THE PAST…ENSURING THE FUTURE

F A Q ‘ S

Why are we planning a capital campaign at this time?

The timing is right! KS Eta continues to excel on all levels in the undergraduate community, both in academics and socially. However, upkeep and maintenance issues on the physical facility continue to arise. Coupled with the substantial upgrades in housing completed by both the University and private sources, we are beginning to see an increasing challenge to recruiting.

As we approach our 50th Anniversary (2009), a capital campaign allows us to come to continue to build on our tradition of excellence, as Pi Alpha Pi’s, and now, SigEp’s.

How many members currently live in the Chapter? How many live elsewhere on campus?

The current chapter houses seventeen members. We also have about fifty-five active and new members not living in the facility, but elsewhere on campus or in the Wichita vicinity.

What is the capacity of the Chapter currently? What will it be after expansion?

Current capacity is twenty-two. In the new facility, we anticipate housing twenty four to thirty.

What is the “health” of the undergraduate chapter? What is the “health” of the Greek system at WSU?

The current chapter is enjoying great success! The Student Body President is a SigEp. Our chapter continues to win nearly every campus Greek and community service award. Within the national fraternity, one of our undergraduate brothers sits on the National Board of Directors, and we have won eight straight Buchanan Cups for academic success. KS Eta continues to be a trendsetting chapter for the national organization.

The Greek system at WSU currently has six fraternities and four sororities. One Greek fraternity constructed a new chapter house in 1995, and one is in the bidding process for upgrading it’s current facility by building a large addition and renovating the current chapter facility.

The WSU administration continues to be a strong supporter of the Greek system and is very much behind this capital campaign.

Do we have enough living alumni to support a major fundraising campaign?

With about seven hundred fifty living alumni, we believe we have the capacity to conduct a successful campaign.

What is the overall scope of the project? Is it in phases?

Yes, it is phased. Phase One calls for design and construction of a new, approximately 10,000 square foot building, with both living and study facilities on property we currently own free and clear next door to our existing Chapter facility at 1740 Vassar.

Phase Two plans are to raze the existing Chapter facility and landscape or add parking for the new building. Phase Three calls for the adding capacity to the new Chapter facility. Both these phases will only occur if we achieve financial benchmarks.

What is the total cost for all portions of the project?

Current estimates put the construction costs between $1.2 million and $1.4 million

How do I know this project will succeed? What happens if I make my contribution and we don’t raise enough money to construct the building?

By harnessing the continuing success of our alumni with their dedication to providing opportunities to those who follow, we believe success is imminent. Momentum developed by key donors stepping forward early has laid the groundwork to achieve or exceed the goal.

What is the current cost to live at KS Eta?

The current cost to live in the Chapter is $3,180 per year.

What will that cost be after the renovations/addition are completed?

We anticipate a housing cost of $3,900 to $4,500 after completion.

How does that cost compare with others on campus?

Very much in line with existing housing facilities.

Who is our competition for living arrangements?

WSU has numerous residence halls, with various options for housing, including suite-type living units, similar to those we propose to construct. Also, apartment complexes now provide multi-tenant units with separate bed and bathrooms and common living areas.

What are the levels of giving?

Excelsior Society $100,000 and above

Shocker Society $ 50,000 and above

Sam Gardner Society $ 25,000 and above

Golden Heart Society $ 10,000 and above

Brotherhood Society $ 5,000 and above

1901 Society $ 1,901 and above

Red Door Society Up to $ 1,901

What happens to the existing Chapter facility after the new building is complete?

We anticipate a high demand to live in the new Chapter facility, and view the existing facility as a potential revenue generating unit for us from members who ultimately wish to live in the new building. A few temporary improvements may be made, but ultimately, the existing building at 1740 Vassar will be razed for possible building or parking lot expansions.

When will construction commence?

The Campaign Committee believes we need to have 50-60% of our total commitments in cash before proceeding with construction. That should be in late 2007 or early 2008.

What is the overall state of the national organization?

Very healthy! SigEp is the largest Greek organization in the U.S., with 258 active chapters, over 15,000 current undergraduates, and 258,000 initiated members. The Balanced Man Initiative continues to draw much positive national attention to the organization, and has been successfully installed in about 85% of all undergraduate chapters.

Financial FAQ’s

What percentage of the current house bill goes to mortgage reduction?

The current Chapter facility has no debt nor mortgage against it. The Alumni Board has operated both the Chapter and the Alumni Board finances on a debt-free basis since 2000. While we hope to exceed the goal and finance 100% of the project through contributions, it is possible we may have a mortgage after completion.

How will the money be handled? Who is in charge of it and its distribution?

Donations will be held by the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation in Richmond for investment and disbursement when the construction project begins.

What level of tax deductibility can I expect from a donation?

ALL donations received will be afforded 100% tax deductibility up to a total aggregate received of $1,000,000.00.

How long do I have to make up my mind about making a pledge?

As soon as possible! We appreciate you making your commitment within 90 days of being contacted by the Campaign Committee in some manner.

Over what period will the pledges be collected?

Construction can begin as soon as we reach that 50-60% cash-in-hand level, so we encourage you to make your donation as soon as possible. Campaign contributions will be accepted for a maximum of four years. However, a three year contribution track allows construction to commence more quickly..

What if I’d like to make an “in-kind” gift or a gift of a tangible asset (eg; stock, real estate, etc)?

We have professional services available to handle transactions of these types. Please contact Mark Allen, Campaign Director, for more information.

Can my company match my donation?

Yes. We have made arrangements to accept matching gifts on your pledge. Please contact Mark Allen, Campaign Director, for more information.

Can I make a challenge pledge?

Yes, absolutely! We encourage you to contact brothers from all eras and get them involved!

If I make a donation, how will I be recognized for my gift?

Appropriate recognition will be given to each contributor based on his level of giving.

What is the tax deductibility of my gift?

Your gift is 100% tax deductible under Internal Revenue Service guidelines for allowances for construction of educational facilities. Two thirds of the project is education-related space, therefore $1.0 million of the estimated $1.5 million project cost is tax deductible.

Can I make monthly payments toward my pledge?

Yes! We have made arrangements to allow for automatic monthly withdrawals from your checking account. Our agreement with the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation allows for monthly debits to your account. Should you choose, you can also use your credit card to make monthly payments.

What happens if we exceed our campaign goal?

If the campaign goal is exceeded, we will make a determination on how to proceed with the second and third phases of the project. In the second phase, the plan calls for razing the existing Chapter facility and either landscaping or adding additional parking. In the third phase, the plan calls for adding additional manpower capacity.