Members of the Greek Life community gathered Friday afternoon for the groundbreaking ceremony for Sigma Sigma Sigma’s new home.

Eta Chi House Corporation President Beth Maddox spoke first at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“The other day, I heard an interesting quote, and it made me think of the students who stand in front of me,” Maddox said. “It made me think of Mizzou. It also made me think of today. It read, ‘I maybe here for a short while, gone tomorrow into oblivion or until the days come to take me away. But, in whatever part you play, be remembered as part of a legacy of sharing dreams and changing humanity for the better. It’s that legacy that never dies.'”

Maddox then gave way to Sigma Sigma Sigma National President Kaye Schendel. She remarked at how far the Eta Chi chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma has gone.

“The completion of this project is really only the beginning of the legacy here at Mizzou,” Schendel said. “The Sigma values of wisdom, faith, hope, power and love will reside not only in each and every room but also will reside in this campus and the community.”

Schendel said the women who reside in the house will be held to the highest standards of conduct and demonstrate leadership and dedication, fitting of MU.

“As you can see, there’s a lot of work to be done before we can occupy,” Schendel said. “Ever forward is our motto, and it is with great pride and anticipation that I ask everyone here today, the Greek community at Missouri and the entire University of Missouri, and the citizens of Columbia, to join us as we live that motto and move ever forward.”

Since fall 2009, the sorority has resided at 909 Richmond Ave. That site formerly housed the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Sigma Sigma Sigma’s new house will be located at 507 Rollins St. It is expected to be completed by July 2012.

The new house will house 60 women within approximately 27,000 square feet. It will be three stories and will also include an underground parking structure. An elevator will allow access to all four floors, making the home accessible to all.

“The goal of our architect, partners, national officers, advisers and local housing corporation was to provide a place at Mizzou, that Tri Sigma could call home, during and long after their college careers at Mizzou,” Maddox said. “The site you’re on today will be the foundation of a new, 27,000 square foot Tri Sigma home.”

Greek Life Coordinator Julie Drury said the Sigma Sigma Sigma colonization was the first Panhellenic Association colonization in six years. The groundbreaking of their new home will mark the first new structure in Greektown in decades.

“Over the last three years, the women of the Eta Chi chapter have built a solid foundation that will support Sigma Sigma Sigma for years to come,” Drury said.