Grand opening of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University administration, campus community, alumni and supporters of the institution celebrated a ribbon cutting and grand opening of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Plaza, as part of Murray State’s special centennial-themed Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 29. 

The “Divine Nine” NPHC organizations represented within the Plaza include:

• • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated - Zeta Omicron

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Zeta Zeta

  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated - Eta Beta

  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated - Alpha Beta

  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated - Eta Upsilon

  • Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated - Omicron Xi

  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Nu Rho

  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated - Xi Alpha

  • Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated - Epsilon Theta

The NPHC at Murray State University has a vibrant history with the mission to promote “unanimity” of thought and action as far as possible and to consider issues of mutual interest in the organizations.

Located on the main walkway of Murray State’s campus near the corner of 15th and Olive Streets, the Plaza includes nine brick columns representing each Greek organization’s letters and crest, along with bricks spanning out from each column to honor these nine organizations on campus.

“This Plaza serves as a place to educate the campus about the history of each of the organizations while offering a new outdoor gathering place for the community to engage and have programs,” said NPHC President Jaclyn Paige Carter. “Each organization not only plays a vital role in student life, but continues to produce confident and skilled leaders.”

In 2021, a campaign began to raise funds in support of the construction of the new Plaza on the main walkway of the University’s campus. 

As of Homecoming weekend, more than $60,000 has been raised through the campaign, with an additional $70,000 in support of the Plaza from the University.

“The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a very important part of Murray State University’s history. These wonderful organizations which comprise the NPHC each enhance student life, embrace excellence and over the years, have produced leaders who make both our campus and broader community so special,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “We are extremely grateful to all who have been involved with supporting this new Plaza.” 

“I would like to thank Re’Nita Avery, director of student life, and Kim Newbern, coordinator of Greek Life and student leadership programs, who have championed this project from the very beginning with their vision for this Plaza, and the importance with recognizing these nine organizations who are an integral part of Murray State University. In addition, I would like to thank Abby Hensley who coordinated the fundraising for this project,” said Dr. Don Robertson, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. 

“We would like to thank Donald Smith and Cole Riley with Pinnacle, Inc. for the outstanding job on constructing the Plaza, and Bobby Koehler for being the Murray State point of contact through the process,” said Abby Hensley, director of development, student affairs. “They worked to ensure each brick was placed in the right location and all pieces of the NPHC Plaza were held to the Murray State standard. Thank you all for your commitment to this project.”

Personalized bricks may be purchased to be placed in the Plaza with a minimum gift of $250. The names of supporters who contribute a $5,000 individual gift, or organizations who contribute a $10,000 gift will be proudly displayed on the Plaza sign. For more information on the NPHC Plaza and to complete a brick purchase, please visit murraystate.edu/greeklife or contact Abby Hensley at ahensley2@murraystate.edu or 270-809-3131.