Chi Omega at McNeese State University has a new home and is planning to host an Oct. 4 open house to celebrate.
The chapter is holding a “Fluff the Nest” open house from noon to 2 p.m. so all students to see the new house and join the celebration.
The chapter opened its rebuilt house Aug. 30. The previous house was damaged during Hurricane Laura in 2020.
“The decision to build a new house came from a desire to restore that sense of home and community,” said Elyse Duhon, president of Chi Omega. “Rebuilding it became a way for the chapter to come back stronger and more united.”
Duhon said the space will be a positive for Chi Omega and for the larger McNeese community. The sorority plans to host philanthropy events, collaborative programs, and networking opportunities, and make the house open and welcoming to the wider McNeese community.
“The house will be the heart of our sorority,” she said. “It will host events, preserve traditions, and give members a place to create memories together.”
Duhon said the construction was funded entirely through fundraisers and donations from alumni. She said the group’s National Housing Corporation board members, Jane Brumby, Willie Mount, Allison Landry, Erin Nickel and Jenny Mills, all played a huge role in making it happen.
“They worked so hard to make sure no loans were needed to reconstruct the house,” she said. “We are very grateful for them.”
Duhon said the reconstruction process took time, but once the group found the right team for the work, the process was a smooth one.
Senior education major and Chi Omega member Baylee Drucker said a house plays a huge role in making connections and reaching out to others.
“As a senior who didn’t have a sorority house on a Greek street, it means so much to now finally have one,” Drucker said. “Not having a house made it hard to make connections and host events, but it also made it more meaningful to push yourself to create bonds.”
Duhon said she believes the new space will also help with recruitment.
“A house doesn’t make a home, but it creates the space where our sisterhood, traditions, and community truly come to life,” said Duhon.
