Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Multicultural Greek Council gathered on SMU’s campus Sunday for a Garden Dedication Ceremony, celebrating the work that both the organizations and the chapters have contributed to SMU’s diverse community. The garden, which is located on the corner of University Boulevard and Airline Road, honors each of the organizations’ chapters with individual stone markers for each sorority and fraternity.

The ceremony opened with “Lift Ev’ry Voice in Song,” sung by Ethan Kent, and speeches from President R. Gerald Turner and Vice President of Student Affairs Lori S. White. President Turner spoke of the importance the commemoration had as a symbol of a unified student body. “We are family,” Turner said, “that is what we are here to celebrate.”

The presidents from Multicultural Greek Council, Amy Chen, and National Pan-Hellenic council, Faith Miller, also spoke.

“Today we gather in unity to reflect on our time at SMU and the impact of our organizations on this campus,” Miller said.

The national presidents of both councils also spoke, and mentioned the importance that both organizations have for fostering a multicultural community at SMU that welcomes students of all races and religions to the campus.

“My heart is racing because of the significance that this dedication has,” said Christine Medrano. “I don’t see this happening around the nation very often.”

National president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Jennifer Jones, added, “I am so moved by this.”

The dedication ended with a prayer from Sudent Body President Ramon Trespalacios and a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the Garden.