An artist’s rendering of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza, which serves to recognize and honor UToledo’s nine historically Black sororities and fraternities. The University will celebrate the completion of the new plaza with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1.
The University of Toledo will celebrate the completion of the new National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday, May 1.
The plaza, which serves to recognize and honor UToledo’s nine historically Black sororities and fraternities, is located near Horton International House off West Rocket Drive.
“These organizations, their members and their alumni have historically not been recognized as broadly on campus as the other Greek organizations,” said Dr. Sammy Spann, interim senior associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “The new plaza is a powerful way of saying these students belong here, and it serves as a recognition of the good work they do both on campus and in our community. I’d like to thank President Postel for his support in positioning UToledo as a leader in creating this space for the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza on our campus.”
The free, public event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
The nine organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council were formed between 1906 and 1963 — a time when Black students often did not have the same opportunities on college campuses.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council was established in 1930. All nine member organizations have a chapter at UToledo. The National Pan-Hellenic Council hosts campus activities and awareness events, and promotes service to others, scholarship and leadership.
Construction on the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza began last spring following a groundbreaking event that included both current members and alumni of the UToledo chapters.
Spann said National Pan-Hellenic Council students had long advocated for physical representation on campus, and current University administration worked closely with the member organizations and their students to make that a reality.
“Doors of the future are open to those who know how to push them,” said Danielle Johnson, president of National Pan-Hellenic Council and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. “This space will have a major impact on current and future generations of NPHC members. We now officially have a place on this campus that represents us, a place that lets everyone know that we are here and doing great work on this campus.”
