REVISED 15 OCT 2024:

On September 27, 1924, the Brothers of Ohio Epsilon laid the cornerstone of the James Gamble Nippert Memorial Lodge. Our Chapter House was a gift from the Nippert family and a tribute to Jimmy. Since 1924, the Lodge has been home to thousands of brothers dwelling in “a pleasant unity.” We are planning to celebrate the centennial of our Lodge over two weekends: October 18th and 19th, 2024 (Homecoming) and March 7th and 8th, 2025!

As we approach the Centennial Celebration of the James Gamble Nippert Memorial Lodge, we look back to the fundraising mission from 1924, chaired by Gustavus Adolphus Ginter. “[The Lodge] will not be a club for rich men’s sons, nor for young men wasting their time. It will be a memorial home for S.A.E., supplementing the new University dormitories, and it will be occupied by…earnest students, many of whom are partially working their way through college. Local and other alumni will always be welcome.”

While the astounding generosity of the property and structure was a gift of the Nipperts, funding the furnishings, landscaping, and maintenance was a combined effort of the chapter men and the original alumni of Ohio Epsilon. Dolph Ginter continues by stating “THERE MUST BE AN ENDOWMENT FUND, to be started with our first contribution, and added to by each succeeding generation…” for the upkeep and maintenance of the building and grounds.

Donations to the Chapter Allocation Fund (CAF) of Ohio Epsilon continue to serve the purpose that Dolph laid out a century ago: funds are used for the explicit benefit of its members, particularly as they pertain to their education, well-being, and safety, and the evolving amenities of 21st-century college education.

Our 2010 “West Wing” expansion was funded primarily by generous alumni to our CAF. Two mortgages totaling 2 million dollars financed the remainder of the cost. We are now at one mortgage with 6 years remaining, serviced by undergraduate Brothers’ rents. DeVotie has managed the debt judiciously, and the Chapter strives to keep respect and occupancy high for the Lodge. DeVotie Hall continues to focus on the property's financial position while investing time and treasure in the Lodge's facilities.

Consider your time at 2707 Clifton, our SAE home, and please pledge TODAY to ensure our future is bright and financially strong. Tomorrow's undergraduates will enjoy the finest college experience as we did, and celebrate that vision of the Nipperts, Dolph, and the founding alumni of Ohio Epsilon. Keep checking back for updates and announcements, and we hope to see you during our year of celebration!

Phi Alpha DeVotie Hall Association