Iota Beta Chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity was founded at UMass Amherst in 1941
The original chapter house at 315 Lincoln Ave was built in 1934 as a single-family Colonial Revival style home on a quarter acre lot by Fred & Margaret G. Moore and meant for the Iota Beta chapter of Chi Omega.
It featured a brick and clapboard front, beautiful hardwood floors, staircase and doors, and coffered ceilings. Inside, there are three floors with 8 large bedrooms and two separate common living areas, including a 2nd kitchen, living room and butler pantry presumably for past use as servant’s quarters or house director. There is also a back yard with deck and sitting area.
In Feb 1944, the Iota Beta chapter became proud owner of its own house, the first sorority on campus to have this honor.
When Greek Life migrated to the new Fraternity/Sorority Park in 1971, a new chapter house was built at 47 Olympia Drive alongside Phi Mu Delta and Alpha Delta Phi. Iota Beta moved into the house in Sept 1941 and held a Dedication event in Sept 1971.
We are pleased to announce that Iota Beta House Corporation has secured the original Chi Omega house at 315 Lincoln Avenue for our sisterhood as we look to align with a national trend towards smaller chapter houses and return home to a place that is special to Iota Beta’s history. When it is time to return to campus, you will see the Chi Omega letters hanging at 315 Lincoln Avenue to welcome everyone home.
A Look at Iota Beta Then and Now
‘44
‘47
‘49
Iota Beta experienced much excitement in the last few months of the school year. Most noteworthy of the happenings was a fire which did $15,000 dollars damage to the chapter house. After temporary repairs were made the chapter was able to move back into the house for the rest of the term. Damage or loss to personal property was high but the spirits and cooperation of all concerned was of special importance.
‘54
The return to Massachusetts this September was even more of a pleasure for Chi Omegas than usual because of a newly decorated dining room and additional furnishings in the living room and music room.
‘62
May ‘71
The new house in Fraternity-Sorority Park is near completion and the girls are anxious to move in fall semester.
Nov ‘71
Iota Betas were especially anxious to return to school this semester due to the completion of the new house in Fraternity-Sorority Park. Housewarming took place on September 18 and the chapter received several beautiful gifts from the other houses on campus. Plans are in the making for the House Dedication.
Feb ‘72
The Dedication for the new chapter house in Fraternity-Sorority Park on September, proved to be an impressive affair.
‘79
‘80
‘84
‘91
‘14
‘18
“She was full of life and loved to cook and share delicious food”
“She loved her Iota Beta’s so much, her family even made certain her time with Chi Omega was mentioned. ”
‘19
Iota Beta’s very own Caroline Murphy become a National Leadership Consultant, working to help Chi Omega Chapters’ across the Nation through Spring ‘21. In addition, she made Iota Betas’ original artwork for the Chapter’s new living room gallery wall!
“I am so grateful for a job where I can lead, motivate, and learn from collegiate members and alumna.”
‘20
Chapter of Excellence
The sisterhood earns the Chapter of Excellence award during the 2020 Convention!