Womens’ social club Sigma Theta Chi kicked off its Homecoming weekend and the 50th anniversary of the club with a ground blessing that is to be the sight of the new Sigma Theta Chi park and pavilion. 

Claire Sladek, president of Sigma Theta Chi, said the pavilion, being built for the 50th anniversary of their club is accompanied with a vision and goal of providing a space for fellowships and relationships to grow across campus. 

“We want the students, faculty, staff and the Abilene community to use this space to relax and grow closer to each other and God,” Sladek said.

For its 25th anniversary, Sigma Theta Chi raised over $25K for flag poles that mark the official entrance of campus. The flag poles are incorporated into pledging each year. 

The grounds blessing took place Oct. 18  on the lawn east of the Zona Luce building and north of the Hardin Administration building. The event included pledges, members and alumni. 

“We had a great turn out; leaders of the pavilion effort, Amanda Pittman and Lisa Johnson, discussed the vision of this pavilion. Then, I was able to assist founding members of Sigma Theta Chi as well as key donors in the ground “breaking,’” Sladek said.

The club has not yet raised all of the funds necessary to complete the pavilion, hence the ground blessing not breaking.

“This time of blessing was a super exciting time that kicked off our Homecoming weekend and specifically our 50th anniversary celebration for Siggie alumni and current Siggies,” Sladek said.