By: Maggie Baker, Contributing Writer, and Katherine Waters, Staff Writer
On Sept. 24, Delta Delta Delta hosted a dedication ceremony for their new house in honor of Marsha Gibbs, whose husband Jimmy contributed money for the new Greek Village in her honor.
Mr. Gibbs- who Wofford’s Gibbs Stadium is named after- is the owner of Gibbs International, a global leader in the textile industry, and he and his wife are the founders of the Gibbs Cancer Center located in Spartanburg. At the ceremony, the Gibbs were present and spoke in honor of the dedication. Plaques were added on the front and back of the house with Mrs. Gibbs’ name.
Because of their significant contribution, Mrs. Gibbs got to choose which sorority house she wanted her name associated with. She chose the Tri Delta house because their philanthropy, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, coincides with her family’s charity and efforts in cancer research.
“What a beautiful and elegant alignment we have found between the efforts of these young women and the efforts of Marsha and Jimmy Gibbs,” observed David Wood, senior vice president of advancement. “It is indeed a pleasure to unite these two ‘families’ together in the naming of this space for gathering, studying, celebrating and developing lifelong friendships.”
Other speakers included Reverend Doctor Ron Robinson, President Samhat and Tri Delta President Abby Umberger.
“The new house means that current Tri Deltas will be able to connect with future generations of women,” said Umberger. “It gives us a space to grow our sisterhood, as well as share it with other women. We’re super excited to use the house for chapter meetings, philanthropy events, studying, sisterhood events and so much more.”
In the new Greek Village, all four sororities and Wofford’s multicultural organizations now have houses that they can claim as their own. Umberger emphasized the significance that the space now holds for the members of the chapter and how the house represents the bond that the sorority has.
“As a first year student navigating the sorority recruitment process at Wofford, I immediately found a home with the sisters of Delta Delta Delta,” she said. “It’s surreal standing here today as a senior in the Greek Village, and as the president of Tri Delta, to dedicate the place that my sisters and I now call home. The Marsha Gibbs house is a tangible reminder of the fact that Tri Delta gives each sister a place to belong, where everyone is embraced and celebrated for who they are. This house will bridge the gap for generations of women to come.”
After the opening ceremony, Tri Delta hosted their annual silent auction, “Bid For Kids,” which raises money for St. Jude’s and contributes to the national goal of raising $60 million. The event also coincided with Wofford’s family weekend, allowing the families of the Tri Delta members to attend the ceremony.
