U of A and Chi Omegas Rededicate Greek Theatre, Celebrate Renovations

Photo by Matt Reynolds

Chancellor Gearhart speaks at the Chi Omega Greek Theatre rededication on May 6.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas and Chi Omega fraternity rededicated the Chi Omega Greek Theatre on May 6 in recognition of the recent improvements made to the facility.

The Greek Theatre has been used throughout its 85-year history for commencements, convocations, concerts, dramas and pep rallies. The iconic structure was built in 1930 and was given to the university by the national Chi Omega Fraternity, which was founded on the University of Arkansas campus in 1895. Today, Chi Omega is the largest women’s fraternal organization in the world with over 334,000 initiates, 178 collegiate chapters and over 240 alumnae chapters. When The Greek Theatre was given to the Fayetteville campus, the structure was the largest gift to a university by a fraternal organization to celebrate its founding.

“We are proud to celebrate this iconic structure with the Chi Omegas, who have such an incredible history here,” said Vice Chancellor for Advancement Chris Wyrick. “The Greek Theatre is a beloved campus landmark and evokes feelings of nostalgia and pride from our students and alumni. It is a signature space that we should continue to maintain, improve upon and cherish.”

Wyrick and Chancellor G. David Gearhart spoke on behalf of the university at the event, which also featured remarks from Shelley Potter, Chi Omega national fraternity president; Colleen Deely, Psi chapter of Chi Omega president; and University of Arkansas Board of Trustees member Jane Rogers, who is an alumna of Psi chapter and serves as president of the Chi Omega Foundation.

The theatre is loosely patterned after the Theatre of Dionysus, built at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens. Around the frieze joining the 14 columns are the words “Knowledge,” “Integrity,” “Courage,” “Culture” and “Intelligence.” The names of Chi Omega’s five founders are listed on the front of the stage on five large foundation stones.

“The University of Arkansas and Chi Omega are committed to maintaining the Chi Omega Greek Theatre and its grounds,” said Rogers. “Chi Omega is most grateful for the university’s significant financial role in the Greek Theatre’s upkeep and preservation. This rededication celebrates our long friendship and mutual enjoyment of a treasured landmark.”

Some of the recent improvements included repairs to the seats, steps and columns, as well as restoration of the stucco and limestone used in the structure. The theatre also received new windows, tower roofs, limestone plaques and tower doors. The landscaping was updated and the site lighting was also improved. Funding for the project, which cost just over $1 million, came from the university, a grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resource Council, the Chi Omega Foundation and numerous donations from alumnae and friends of Chi Omega.

The architect for the renovation was Steelman Connell Moseley of Little Rock and Fayetteville, and the general contractor was Flintco Constructive Solutions of Springdale. DCI of Fayetteville and Little Rock served as the civil engineer and landscape architect for the project.

The first renovation of the theatre occurred just prior to its June 23, 1980, rededication, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of its completion. In 1992, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1995, the structure underwent additional renovations in commemoration of Chi Omega’s centennial celebration, and in 2006 the theatre’s original wooden semi-circular pergola was disassembled, preserved and reconstructed.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.