Rho Delta (Samford U) Dedicates New Home

On Saturday, September 27, nearly 400 guests gathered to celebrate a momentous milestone for the Rho Delta (Samford U) Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi: the official dedication of its brand-new chapter house at 402 Neal Road.

The new AOII house, completed in summer 2025 as part of Samford’s initiative to upgrade all sorority housing, marks a significant chapter in the organization’s 30-year history on campus. This build was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a labor of love, a symbol of sisterhood, and a home created through thoughtful collaboration.

In partnership with Samford, AOII Properties oversaw the selection of several enhanced finishes beyond the standard build. These included upgraded flooring, detailed decorative moldings, custom built-ins, and beautifully elevated kitchen finishes. To make the space feel like home, AOII Properties collaborated with designer Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25 to fully furnish the common areas, including the parlor, lounge, and a spacious chapter room—creating warm, welcoming spaces for connection and community.

The dedication ceremony featured remarks from several special guests, including Samford University President Beck Taylor, Rho Delta Chapter President Mary Claire Nimon, Chapter Advisor Carmen Boehme, and AOII Properties Board Director Dina Ariza. Each speaker reflected on the meaning of the new house, which is not just a place to gather, but is a representation of Rho Delta’s growth, legacy, and enduring commitment to the values of Alpha Omicron Pi.

“This house is a physical representation of our chapter’s growth and success,” said Chapter President Mary Claire Nimon in her address. “It will be a place to grow, to lead, to laugh until midnight, and to find the kind of support that only authentic sisterhood can offer.”

Following the speeches, AOII Properties presented the chapter with a special gift—an original watercolor painting of the new home. The celebration continued with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where Mary Claire was joined by President Taylor, Carmen Boehme, and Dina Ariza to officially open the doors to guests.

Inside, attendees were treated to breakfast refreshments and guided tours led by AOII members, proudly showing off their beautifully curated new home. For many families visiting during Samford’s Family Weekend, it was the first opportunity to see the new space their daughters now call home.

“This house is more than just a building—it’s a reflection of the legacy, leadership, and love that define AOII,” said Chapter Advisor Carmen Boehme. “We are proud to celebrate 30 years of sisterhood with a new home that honors our past and inspires our future.”

As the dedication ceremony closed, sisters joined hand in hand to sing the Epsilon Chapter song—a heartfelt moment of unity, pride, and gratitude.

With this new chapter house, Rho Delta begins a new era rooted in tradition, built on ambition, and filled with promise.

Read more about the value of the live-in experience at our AOII facilities in the “Where Sisterhood Lives” article on page 10 of the Summer 2025 issue of To Dragma.