Travel Wednesday, University of Washington Greek Row

For anyone who still doesn’t know, I am a proud alumna of Alpha Gamma Delta (ΑΓΔ)! M and I had planned on visiting the University of Washington campus during my trip- even I, a Canadian girl from the prairies, know that UW is known for being an incredibly prestigious school and gorgeous campus. As an Alpha Gam, I knew that our Iota chapter is one of our oldest chapters. As such, I knew that I would have to visit the Greek houses when we stopped by campus. M was not Greek, but he put up with me wanting to walk all the way to the houses- once again, best boyfriend ever!! 
A post on the rest of campus will be coming soon, but I had to share some of the houses that I saw at the University of Washington campus. North Dakota State University is really the only other Greek houses that I have seen in person, and those are more bungalow style. When I saw these houses, I was taken aback. They are gorgeous. I now understand why Property Coordinator positions are such a big deal- because you are maintaining million dollar properties with dozens of people living in them, and over a hundred visiting daily. While I will never trade away my own unhoused and tiny chapter experience, this really made me wonder what it would be like to live in a house like this.
I loved this red door with letter etching for AOII- it really stands out!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a better shot of the KKG house, but it was a beautiful brick house. I was a little surprised to see the Greek houses in such a high traffic area, but then again, I suppose with chapters of 100+ girls wherever you are would become a high traffic area.

Sigma Chi’s house looks absolutely massive, and I love the Tudor style mansion. It appears that they have a bar on their balcony, which I didn’t know was a thing. I’m not a party person but I could see how a house like this would be conducive to parties (and there may have been some remnants of one around the side…).

This Delta Gamma house is probably one of the most beautiful buildings that I’ve seen on a campus. The white with navy and slight gold accents looks so clean and well-kept! Although it is clearly on the west coast, it is very New England. I looked about a little, but alas, no anchor spotted!

And then of course, the Alpha Gamma Delta house. I was so excited to see the Alpha Gam house. The Iota chapter was founded in 1909 at the University of Washington, and is one of our strongest chapters, in my opinion. Being a historian, I have a weird thing for visiting the older chapters in the fraternity.
Yes, it was a weirdly hot day and we had to trek all the way across campus, but it was totally worth it for me. It is massive and sprawling, and so well kept! (One of the biggest differences I noticed between the sorority houses and fraternity houses is that the sorority houses have landscaping and flowers.) Of course, I had to take some pictures in front of our house for proof that I was actually there… I would have loved to have quickly seen the interior, but I didn’t want to drag M around, or creep the collegians currently there out. Next time I’m in Seattle, I might try to set something up where I actually meet them!


Overall, it was absolutely wonderful to be able to see the University of Washington’s Greek houses. I’m sure that there are more tucked in the back, but all of the houses I saw were beautiful and well-kept. I would love to see the houses during regular session- I’m sure it becomes an incredibly busy place to be! I can understand why Greek Life at UW is considered to be one of the best experiences in the country.
Are there any hidden gems on your university or college campus?
Until tomorrow,
The Historian!