About 100 attendees recently helped the UALR Gamma Zeta Chapter of Chi Omega celebrate their 50th anniversary on campus, including Chi Omega National President Letitia Fulkerson and National Vice President Joellyn Sullivan.

To celebrate the milestone, the chapter has raised more than $28,000 for a student sitting area and courtyard near the Ottenheimer Library.

Their contribution stems from a national Chi Omega initiative to give back to the campus community in which the organization is located in recognition of milestone events.

Chi Omega has initiated more than 700 members since being founded at UALR in 1964. The chapter members represent the largest fraternal organization for women in the world.

The Chi Omega Courtyard is being designed by John Greer and will be located between the library and Charles W. Donaldson Student Services Center.

“We saw that spot needed something in it,” said fundraising chair and Chi Omega Martha Sawrie Stephenson.

“Hopefully, it will provide a nice little green space, where the students can mingle. It’s in a great central location and a perfect area for something like this.”

The Chi Omegas have also raised more than $25,000 for a scholarship through the Chi Omega Foundation.

“We were fortunate to have some large donors, but we are also selling brick pavers with member names and initiation dates through July 15,” said Stephenson.

Stephenson said about 70 pavers have been sold so far. For more information on how to contribute, email her at Mrsblue50@aol.com.