Historic Gift Preserves a Legacy and Countless Campus Memories

Upsilon Alpha Alumnae of Syracuse, NY Inc. is donating its former chapter house, located at 300 Waverly Ave., to Syracuse University. (Photos by Amy Manley)

What was once the beloved campus home for Upsilon Alpha sisters will soon become a welcoming meeting and gathering place for Greek letter social and professional organizations that do not have a dedicated campus building. Upsilon Alpha Alumnae of Syracuse, NY Inc. (UAA) is donating its former chapter house, located at 300 Waverly Ave. and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to Syracuse University.

The generous gift brings to life the commitment by the organization to be “a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness.” Words that were part of the noble pledge memorized by each UA sister—and has bonded them and grounded them in their own endeavors.

UAA Board President Laurie Bean-Taishoff ’84, who graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism and worked in the industry for several years, says being a member of Upsilon Alpha energized her volunteerism and philanthropy.

Importance of Volunteerism

Taishoff has vivid memories of participating in two, three-day Muscular Dystrophy Dance Marathon national fundraisers in Manley Field House (now the John A. Lally Athletics Complex) and takes pride in the fact that Syracuse University raised the most money of any university in the country during her time there. It’s one of the hallmarks of the Greek system, teaching the importance of volunteerism and giving, which sparked the gift of the chapter house. “We wanted to leave a lasting legacy by donating a cherished place that forged lifelong friendships and inspired so many of us to give back,” says Taishoff.

The monumental gift will have a profound impact on current and future Greek Life sororities and fraternities at the University.

“We are very grateful for this exceptional gift from the alumnae of Upsilon Alpha,” says Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer. “Their desire to have this strategically located house primarily utilized by the Student Experience Division, with a focus on supporting, preserving and enhancing Greek Life at Syracuse University, will have a very positive impact for our current and future students. We have many fraternities and sororities across our six councils who have no house of their own in which to hold meetings or alumni/alumnae receptions, as well as some chapters that closed years ago but whose alumni/alumnae still enjoy coming together for reunions. This gift will enable us to offer these groups something crucial that has been missing.”

A Place to Call Home on Campus

The sisters of Upsilon Alpha know all too well the importance of having a place to call home on campus. The house served as the home of the Upsilon Alpha Chapter of Chi Omega for more than 70 years, from 1919 until the early 1990s. It was originally built in 1910 as a private residence and underwent some significant remodeling in 1941, but retains original features like the grand curving staircase, parquet wood floors, fireplace and sitting rooms.

The house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, served as the home of the Upsilon Alpha Chapter of Chi Omega for more than 70 years, from 1919 until the early 1990s.

The three-story, 9,000-square-foot building is the last remaining privately owned historic residence on what is the southernmost block of Walnut Park. When the Upsilon Alpha Chapter of Chi Omega disbanded in 1992, the sisterhood began exploring options for the house. UAA has been proud to maintain the chapter house since then and has leased the home during the years to others but were most happy to lease the home to another sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. They were able to create their own memories there until they moved to their new home in 2024.

“We wanted to take all those experiences and memories that formed our legacy and give it back to the University and future students and alumni,” says Taishoff. Currently, there are 1,282 women listed as Upsilon Alpha alumnae.

“Very active alumnae have worked hard to keep the house relevant to our traditions,” says Upsilon Alpha alumna Laura Hand Wright ’71, an award-winning journalist and television news anchor who had a groundbreaking career in the Syracuse broadcast industry. “The proposed repurposing of the house is welcome news. While an active chapter, sorority members were recognized for academic excellence and leadership in campus and community organizations. Many sisters have continued in distinguished careers that include community service. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and will be repurposed as a meeting place for Greek organizations to  develop lifelong commitment to community service.”

With such an esteemed history, it was important to the UAA membership to ensure preservation of its legacy in covenants to the gift. The property itself will be preserved and utilized primarily to enhance the student experience. The Upsilon Alpha Chapter Room, formerly known as the music room, will be available for Upsilon Alpha alumnae member use. It will be used as a gathering place where the words of the pledge will continue to come to life: “to be loyal under any and all circumstances to my Fraternity and her highest teachings and to have her welfare ever at heart that she may be a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note.”