It is something students do not expect to see on Greek row, but Zachary Kerns is hopeful his new campus ministry will flourish despite what goes on across the street.
Kerns, a pastor at the Sandia Church of the Nazarene, is opening a Christian Living community in the Sigma Chi house.
Kerns, executive director of UNM's Telos Campus House, said he has no problem with the parties and drinking frequent in the area.
"If you are not Christian, and you don't say you are, you have no reason not to party," Kerns said. "Telos to me means mature and complete. It is the means to becoming wholly, the whole being."
Kerns acquired the lease to the house in March after negotiating with the Sigma Chi housing board, a group of Sigma Chi alumni who maintain ownership of the property. The UNM chapter of Sigma Chi lost its charter April 20, 2002.
As part of the stipulations for leasing the building, Kerns has agreed to make several repairs.
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"We have plans to do plumbing repairs, electrical repairs and just get the stank out," Kerns said.
He also said Telos is working one day at a time on a slow renovation process that includes new paint, flooring and cleaning before opening the house to renters June 1.
Kerns said during renovations, Telos is considered a guest. If the national Sigma Chi organization renews the UNM chapter, tenants will have to leave the house.
Because the "assumption" is that Sigma Chi members will eventually return to the their home, certain things are off limits for the fix-up list. Various Sigma Chi symbols will remain on the walls, and the doors to the fraternity's chapter room will remain locked.
Kerns said when the plans are finished, the house will have fully livable rooms without the boarded up windows.
The renovations are being funded by private donations, and Kerns said the house will be open to the UNM community.
"The house will be open to anyone who wants to study or hang out," Kerns said. "It will be the place to be if you are looking for free coffee at seven in the morning."
While residents in the house are not required to have any specific religious beliefs, they are required to respect the house rules, which differ slightly from the dorms.
According to the Telos House Rules, residents are not permitted to use profanity or watch pornography on the property. Alcohol and tobacco use is also prohibited. A "den mother" named Steve, will be on hand to supervise the residents.
Christopher Reyes, a member of the Navy ROTC program, is looking forward to moving into the Telos house this summer.
"It is on campus, but without the dorm prices," Reyes said, adding that rent prices are about $200 a month. "It is a lot better to get here for (physical training) than leaving at four in the morning."
Kerns has a lot of plans for his new endeavor, but said for the operation to work, it is up to the renters. He urges anyone interested to stop by the house for an application.
"This is something that is open for everyone," he said.
