GIFT RECEIVED FOR GREEK VILLAGE FEASIBILITY STUDY
A “Greek Village” is a step closer to reality at The University of Akron, thanks to a $25,000 feasibility study funded by longtime University benefactor Paul E. Martin.
The study results — completed by consultants contracted through UA’s Division of Capital Facilities and Planning — will define the concept of a Greek Village for use at the University. A Greek Village is a defined area of fraternities and sororities on a university campus, also referred to as a “Greek Row.” When approved, representatives will present the study from student affairs and capital planning to the corporation boards of the individual fraternities and sororities to examine the financial prospects for the project.
If completed, the cluster concept will establish a greater presence for the University’s Greek organizations — thus creating opportunities for increased visibility and growth, according to Marlesa A. Roney, UA’s vice president for student affairs.
“Greek life provides many benefits for colleges and universities. Universities with a Greek Row tend to benefit from strengthened programming and service in their Greek chapters,” she says.
The initiative is a clear message that the University is interested in investing in Greek life and student activities, says Robert Gordon, coordinator of Greek affairs.
“It demonstrates a mutual commitment between the Greek community and the University,” he says. “The Greek system is one of the significant century-long traditions on our campus. Our fraternities and sororities provide a real community and connection to students at the University.”
Martin — a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity while attending the University — is a 1935 UA graduate. The Bath resident became vice president and general manager of City Chevrolet Co. in Akron in 1949. By 1958 he opened his own Chevrolet dealership in Warren — Martin Chevrolet Inc., which has become the largest automobile dealer in eastern Ohio.
A recipient of UA’s Alumni Honor Award and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Martin was chair of the UA Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 1991-99. He has donated more than $5 million to the University, and recently made a gift of property valued at $1.7 million.
“I wish to see the Greek Village idea become a reality at my alma mater,” Martin says of his gift. “It will be a wonderful thing to have a Greek Village at The University of Akron. I believe it will greatly add to the esteem of the University as has happened at other universities, so I wanted to make a contribution to this effort.”
