By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Oakland University’s chapter of Alpha Delta Pi recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its house located in the cottage district on campus.

The home, which is on OU property near the Adams Road entrance of the university, currently houses five of the 45 members of the Zeta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.

“It provides a place for us to meet and hang out with one another,” said Nicole Brown, Zeta Upsilon president. “People are always in and out of the house versus not having a place to really go in between, or even before or after classes.”

Being a member of Alpha Delta Pi is the only requirement for living in the house, which can accommodate between five and six residents.

The sorority applied for the home through university housing when it became available.

“The Zeta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Delta Pi has always wanted a house, so we were thrilled at just having the opportunity to finally apply for one,” Brown said. “It was a lot of work, but it paid off thanks to myself; Katie Prawdzik (property manager); our advisers, both on and off campus; and all of our chapter members.”

The cottage district consists of four two-story, 2,000-square-foot homes, which were built around 1918. The homes originally served as residences for Meadow Brook Estate staff members and were acquired by OU when Alfred and Matilda Wilson donated the estate to found the university in 1957, according to Eleanor Reynolds, director of university housing and food service. The homes then served as rental units for university staff.

Students who live in the homes pay the university’s room rate and the house is maintained by OU. Two of four houses are currently occupied by student groups; Alpha Delta Pi has one, and Phi Sigma Sigma has the other. Reynolds said she hopes another house can be renovated this summer for another student group. She said having housing options like this could have a big impact on student life.

“Anytime you have more students living on or close to campus, student life becomes that much more energized and active. Students bring life to campus,” Reynolds said.

Students interested in housing in the cottage district can visit the Housing and Dining Web site or call (248) 370-3570.