COVID Opportunity Campaign

Although the Omicron Chapter of Phi Sig entered the COVID-19 era in a position of sound financial health, we did not escape the challenges of the global pandemic. Our beloved buildings were unoccupied from spring break 2020 until fall of 2021. MIT was incredibly gracious by compensating the ILGs for their lost rent / revenue. This assistance enabled them (and us!) to pay the bills during that trying time. This generosity is fantastic and deserves appreciation. Unfortunately, also during that time, regular maintenance and repair of our buildings suffered in the absence of the actives.

While challenges abound, we are focused on what’s ahead, just like the brothers who have, over more than a century, kept our fraternity healthy and viable for future generations. That’s what Project COVID Opportunity was all about.

In the summer of 2020, an Omicron alum made a large donation commitment through the IRDF (where 90% of the funds becomes “earmarked” for Phi Sig alumni association projects). The Phi Sig alumni board ultimately decided to use those funds, plus other IRDF funds (from other Phi Sig alums) and focus our capital campaign on renovations that occured while the actives were not living in the house (spring & summer 2021). 

Thus, Project COVID Opportunity was born. The high-level goals of Project COVID Opportunity were two-fold:

1. First and foremost, COVID Opportunity was about protecting our assets, i.e., critical repair and maintenance to the physical plant of both buildings. Roughly 80% of the budget was in support of this goal.

2. Second, it was about keeping our active chapter strong, i.e., improvements that help the chapter rush, promote education & brotherhood and generally improve the quality of life of actives (not to mention, adding a couple beds!). This was the remaining 20% of the budget.

The mission was to get the House and Annex in great shape for when the actives return in the Fall 2021 (success!).

Several specific areas were addressed with Project  COVID Opportunity:

• Annex roof

• Rear windows

• Flashing & plumbing leaks

• Water damage

• Mold

• Sewer lines

• Refinishing floors

• Exterior doors

• Front vestibule

• Railings, ceilings, walls

• Dumbwaiter (pending permits)

• Various changes to rooms, especially the basement & first floor of the house

Project COVID Opportunity was (and still is) a chance for all of us to come together in support of our home during some of the most memorable years of our lives, so that others will have the chance to do the same. If you ever thought that “someday I’ll give to Phi Sig,” there’s no better time than now. Your donation will make a difference immediately and pay dividends over decades.

If you would like to learn more or lend your thoughts, please reach out to ProjectCOVIDOmicron@googlegroups.com.