Extreme Makeover: Delta Zeta Suite Edition
The Delta Zetas have their pink Barbie Dreamhouse, says the sign as one enters their newly renovated suite in Clark Hall.
And, when they say pink, they mean pink. Soft, airy pink walls. Pink dishes and pink cutlery. Pink handles on the bright white cabinetry. A pink backsplash. A pink coffee maker on the counter and a pink teapot on the stovetop. Even an assortment of pink cleaning tools in the broom closet. A circular pink accent rug in the dining area. And, pink pillows to complement the grand emerald-green (the other DZ color) velvet sectional that seats up to 14 in the living area.
Karen Terhune Duncan ’76 explained that organizing the renovation project, even down to the pink details, was a labor of love during the official ribbon-cutting for the “Sweet Delta Zeta Suite Project” at the beginning of the fall semester.
“It’s been a great experience,” said Duncan. “Over the years, we talked about this project, and the project kind of grew. It really came down to … if we’re going to do this, let’s do it right. (We) didn’t just want some paint on the wall and put a new carpet down.”
The genesis of the idea came 10 years ago at the DZ 50th reunion when Duncan “noticed the chapter room looked like it needed some work.” A little time passed, and then during a dinner with longtime friend and former AU Board of Trustees member Fred Broad ’76, he encouraged her to “find (her) Ashland legacy.”
Different thoughts crossed her mind, such as establishing an endowment for a scholarship, but Duncan kept coming back to a project that would benefit more students as well as the impact the DZ sisterhood has had on her life. So, she formed a committee of “sisters,” with the likes of Anne Mainwaring Broad ’76, Patti Burns Clement ’77, Sue Rom Comunale ‘77, Claudia Rom Johnson ’75, Lisa DiGirolamo Kessler ’74, Mary Elges McMillen ’75 and Jan Taylor Percio ’74, and started making phone calls to the alumni office, the president’s office, facilities and other constituents on campus.
Enthusiasm quickly grew and so did the renovation plans. Anne Broad recalled that the current sorority sisters simply “wanted a new microwave” initially, but Duncan’s passion project turned into contributions from about 200 DZ alumni in all. Once the funding was raised, the blueprints were drawn up and everyone was on the same page, construction began right after this past May’s graduation.
Duncan said the old suite was taken “down to the cinder blocks … and then we rebuilt it.” It now features a complete kitchen remodel with new cabinets, countertops, appliances and the addition of an island where a wall used to be, as well as new flooring, new lighting, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and of course, all new furnishings and décor featuring a pink hue.
“I mean it’s really fabulous. It even went beyond what we thought it could be,” said Duncan, a retired publisher who now lives in Savannah, Ga. “It’s chic and stunning and feminine. And the students benefit, which is the ultimate goal.”
Upon seeing their new suite for the first time, the reaction from the current DZ members included “jaw dropping,” “heartwarming” and “inspiring.”
“When I came to school (early) and started living in it and started seeing everybody else’s reactions, I think it made our sisterhood grow stronger,” remarked senior Lauren Bartlett, the current DZ chapter president and an early childhood education major. “Everyone was so excited to have this one place to be able to bond and hang out.”
Grace Heller, a junior education major, said, “I’m just so blessed to be able to hang out with my sisters in it. I feel like it just brings our sisterhood more together, now that we have something to celebrate. Everybody texts ‘let’s meet up in the suite between classes’ or ‘after recruitment, let’s go to the suite.’”
Bartlett noted that the suite is already being used more often, whether it’s sitting on the couch working on schoolwork, doing each other’s hair or nails, baking a dessert in the kitchen or having a movie night, which ultimately brings the sorority sisters closer together.
That was one of the chief goals for Duncan and the committee.
“I just think when you’re in college, you’re away from home, there’s a need for a space that (students) feel safe, and they feel it’s home and they feel connected,” said Duncan. “This is the space we’ve created for them. It’s beautiful and safe and represents them as a group of women, represents them as Ashland students, makes them proud of the university that supports them.”
Also thrilled with the final product is Laura Hedenberg, a member of the DZ National Council who flew in from Connecticut for the celebration.
“I think that, first and foremost, the support from the university is amazing. All of the people in positions who helped make this happen and worked with our alumnae … and how happy they are … is impressive,” commented Hedenberg. “And, our alumnae taking this on … in such a great grassroots effort to make this happen, I’m truly impressed.”
Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, president of AU, added, “This suite now reflects the Delta Zeta sisterhood so perfectly – bright, welcoming and full of joyful energy.”
As much as everyone loves the new-look Delta Zeta suite, the long-term project also served as a relationship builder. It allowed DZs from the 1970s to reconnect with one another and also to form bonds with today’s sisters.
Duncan said, “I enjoy the current girls so much, even though I could be their grandmother. I hear them talk about how they’re planning their future and how they are really drawn to the philanthropy of Delta Zeta. We are happy to know that the chapter still has the same values we did.”
Duncan also hopes that the Delta Zeta makeover project serves as inspiration for others.
“I’m hoping this spearheads other alumni to want to collaborate on meaningful Ashland projects,” said Duncan.
