Greek life has entered a new phase at Ball State, as four sororities moved into houses just off campus in January 2008. Women from Alpha Gamma Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Phi Mu, and Sigma Kappa are living in the houses, which are owned and maintained by the university.

Fraternity members have lived in houses for decades, but sorority chapters have had suites in the residence halls for 50 years. As part of the Greek Life Strategic Plan, 14 women moved to the houses on Riverside Avenue.

“I’m one of the three people living in the Kappa Alpha Theta house,” said Evridike Markoulatos, a telecommunications major from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. “I wanted to move out of the residence hall, and living in the house allows me to get the full benefits of a sorority. All of our events are held at the house, and one of my sisters is always over even when there isn’t an event. I’ve become much closer with all of my sisters.”

The Greek Life Strategic Plan stretches through 2012. Among its goals is that sorority chapters will have the option of housing their members in chapter houses, possibly in a “Greek Village” concept as part of the university’s Riverside Avenue renovations.

Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora noted the pioneering spirit of the first 14 women to live in sorority houses at Ball State, saying their experiences would be the model for future sorority developments. She also proclaimed her support for strong fraternities and sororities at the university.

“Ball State is a better university because it has a positive and socially responsible Greek community,” Gora said. “Greek organizations foster and promote activities that prepare their members to be successful students and thoughtful, productive citizens in their communities after graduation.”