By Ann Donnelly Hamilton

She deserves to be mourned…

Well over 100 years ago, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Ohio Alpha chapter, notably, pioneered the construction of the first fraternity house in the country, specifically built for fraternity use; a piece of magnificent history and point of pride for Ohio Alpha, Greek Life, Ohio Northern University, and Ada.

On July 10, after much thought from many generations and decades of decision-making, gut-wrenching fundraising and fiscal realities, this always precious gem and home to thousands, filled with so many memories, will be raised.

I was not Greek as a student, but I served as their advisor for 17 years, spending many Sunday evenings at the house, listening and learning about their brotherhood, their love for one another, and their desires to become and make others better men. I attended Carlson during the Balanced Man years and appreciated all sides of where we were and what we became.

I let Grady walk around (barefoot ), as a baby/toddler in the formal room. I have been to formals in Canada, welcomed hundreds of them into my office for anything they needed, and was surprised at receiving a lavaliere one year. I have been to weddings of alumni like Gary Royer, and funerals of a few who were taken way too young.

Every year, each new pledge class would come to the Alumni House m, first, then to the President’s Suite after 2017 so I could meet each one of them. I sat in many planning sessions for the future of the house, both on campus and in other cities. They still include me when they come back to Ada. I spoke at their 100-year celebration in Columbus with more than 100 alumni in attendance; it was such an honor. I helped Dr. Freed plan several ice cream socials for his favorite neighbors.

I am not a brother, but they are my people. And my heart is sad for them.

Tomorrow, the house will come down, but the memories will rise from it - and will live on forever in the hearts of these men and all who passed through the house with the red door.

I remember one of them telling me once: “From the outside you can’t understand it; from the inside you can’t explain it.” I have never forgotten that.

The end of an era. 1915-2026

She deserves to be mourned; she has earned it.