REBUILDING 459 GAYLEY FOR OUR NEXT 75 YEARS!
$6M
Funds raised so far, $1.3M
Today, perhaps more than ever, fraternities are needed to shape the lives of young men. The Delta Eta Chapter of Sigma Chi at UCLA provides a group living environment that develops students in ways even the best classroom cannot. As you re-connect with Brothers, return to campus for a basketball game, and send your own sons and grandsons to UCLA, we want the Delta Eta experience to be one that you fondly
remember and are proud to be a part of today.
Together with the active members, the volunteer leadership of the Bruin Sig Foundation is resolved to renovating 459 Gayley to house the Chapter for the
next 75 years.
Our future requires your support. Remember the ways in which Sigma Chi has enriched your life through the legacy left to us from those who proceeded us. Now it is our turn to support Delta Eta and ensure that our special legacy is here for future generations
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
latest news. Worthy Brothers, Welcome to our first UCLA Sigma Chi Alumni Newsletter, your trusted source for Delta Eta news...
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
latest news. Worthy Brothers, Welcome to our first UCLA Sigma Chi Alumni Newsletter, your trusted source for Delta Eta news...
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
latest news. Worthy Brothers, Welcome to our first UCLA Sigma Chi Alumni Newsletter, your trusted source for Delta Eta news...
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's About the Rebuild of 459
We are remodeling the house to not only address structural and safety concerns but to create a transformative living space that fosters brotherhood, leadership, and personal growth. Light renovations wouldn’t secure the chapter’s long-term future nor match our high standards and values.
Our plan includes modernizing facilities, enhancing safety, honoring our past, and creating an inspiring living environment that fosters brotherhood, leadership, and academic success. Detailed design plans are available in our project overview.
Our proposed design includes state-of-the-art living spaces, modern amenities, and enhanced communal areas. For detailed drawings, please visit this page here.
Don Harrier F’77, an experienced and dedicated architect and project manager, will oversee the project.
Rob Santos F’98 is the Executive Director of the capital campaign and is the point-person for communication with stakeholders and the Board of Directors of the Bruin Sig Foundation and the Delta Eta Housing Association (Housing Corp).
We have partnered with Krittenbrink Architecture and Swinerton Builders, some of the most esteemed architects and builders in the industry, selected through a rigorous RFP process and detailed interviews. Their passion and expertise align perfectly with our vision, ensuring that our house will be a landmark of excellence and innovation.
This is not just a few summer repairs. This is a complete renovation of the house, making it safer, bigger, more suited to modern fraternity life, and ready for the next 75 years. And, for the first time in decades, this project will add new rooms so more brothers can live in.
This renovation represents a significant investment in our future, enhancing our chapter’s living environment, fostering greater brotherhood, and supporting personal growth. For an animated overview, please visit here.
The budget was developed via a thorough process involving qualified architects and builders via RFPs and interviews. The budget includes both hard and soft costs to ensure a comprehensive and realistic financial plan.
This effort is led entirely by Delta Eta alumni who comprise our Foundation and Housing Association. Hailing from a range of Delta Eta eras, the Delta Eta team brings a deep dedication to Sigma Chi at UCLA, a wealth of experience in project management, and professional careers ranging from law, architecture, finance, retail, government, and real estate development. Their expertise and commitment to Delta Eta ensures the project will be managed professionally, efficiently, and accountably.
For more detailed information, please visit our website. Your support is vital in making this vision a reality, ensuring that future generations of brothers experience the same life-changing opportunities we all did. Together, we can build a legacy that endures.
We are not in immediate danger, but proactive renovations are crucial to safeguard our legacy and future. A major structural issue could potentially bankrupt the house. By addressing these needs now, we ensure the chapter’s strength and stability for generations to come.
FAQ's About Donating
Raising these funds is ambitious but entirely achievable. With the collective effort of our dedicated alumni, active members, and supporters, we are confident we can meet and exceed our goals. We have already raised $X from Y different donors.
Our goal is to complete fundraising within two years. This timeline allows us to maintain momentum and engage our supporters effectively, ensuring timely progress on our project.
Yes, delays increase costs. That’s why your prompt support is crucial. (You walked into that one.) By contributing now, you help us mitigate rising costs and ensure we can proceed with the project as planned, maximizing every dollar raised.
No one from your time at Delta Eta has ever reached out to you? Were you actually in Beta?
If you mean no one has reached out to you about donating, we noticed that too. Delta Eta has never been very good at engaging its alumni or asking them to step up. We are working not only to rebuild our beloved house, but to rebuild our Delta Eta community through regular events (Hall of Fame Gala, tailgates etc.). This has long been a massive missed opportunity.
Giving today ensures that future brothers will experience the same transformative environment that shaped your college years. Your contribution is a testament to your commitment to our shared legacy.
Beyond financial contributions, you can help by spreading the word, volunteering your time, offering in-kind donations, and leveraging your network to connect us with potential donors and sponsors. Every effort counts and brings us closer to our goal.
Yes, the Bruin Sig Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, making your donations tax-deductible.
Consider options like employer matching gifts, donating appreciated securities, planned giving, and using donor-advised funds. These methods can maximize your impact and provide you significant tax advantages.
For brothers who are at retirement age, you can use your required minimum distribution from your retirement account and not pay taxes on the distribution.
Donations of appreciated stock or property also could allow you to potentially not pay capital gains tax.
If this whole answer made no sense to you, Rob Santos F’98, the ED of the capital campaign, can help. He is a financial advisor by trade.
The Board of Directors of the Bruin Sig Foundation, led by Harmon Brown F’72, will ensure that all donations are managed with the utmost integrity and transparency. Regular updates and detailed reports will be provided to keep donors informed and confident in our stewardship.
Absolutely. Multi-year pledges provide sustained support and are greatly appreciated. They enable us to plan more effectively and ensure the project’s long-term success.
We have numerous naming opportunities for significant donations, including rooms, common areas, and other special spaces within the house. Naming a part of our house is a lasting legacy of your generosity and commitment. And you don’t have to choose your own name. Perhaps you’d like the “Fall ’92 is Boss” foyer?
In the unlikely event we don’t raise enough funds for the project as-planned, we will consult with our donors to reallocate contributions to other essential projects to ensure the most meaningful impact for 459 Gayley. Your support will always be valued and respected.
FAQ's About Delta Eta, UCLA, etc.
During construction, we will have a temporary housing solution in place where chapter activities continue seamlessly. Our members’ experience remains a top priority throughout this period. Our hope is to be able to complete as much construction as possible during the summer.
We hope to raise enough money to avoid debt as much as possible. Any necessary financing will be managed prudently to ensure affordability and sustainability, safeguarding the chapter’s financial health.
The chapter does not have a mortgage—and hasn’t since the ‘80s.
The increased occupancy and ability to charge more competitive rental rates after the rebuild will allow the chapter to service any debt.
There are no current plans for UCLA to eliminate fraternities. We are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with the university and ensuring our chapter’s continued presence and impact.
Regardless of UCLA, Delta Eta owns the property. In the unlikely scenario that UCLA does not recognize Greek Life, we are fully in our rights to continue to be the home of Sigma Chi at UCLA.
The house is owned by Daniel Williams Cooper Corporation (DWC) and designated for UCLA Sigma Chi use. For many years, DWC held the title to Long Beach State, San Diego State, and Cal State Northridge. The titles have been transferred out of DWC over the years directly to the chapters.
Once we break ground on the remodel at 459 Gayley, we will transfer title to the Bruin Sig Foundation.
In the unlikely event that the chapter is removed from campus, the property will be repurposed according to our governing documents and be rented as student housing until the chapter is reinstated.