History

The Cheever Program is rooted in the traditions and values of Adelia Cheever House, a former University cooperative (co-op) for women. Cheever House opened in 1921 and became a lasting legacy to Adelia and Noah Cheever, Ann Arbor residents who were well-known for their generosity to UM students. Cheever House offered women a beautiful and supportive living environment, as well as financial assistance in exchange for sharing household responsibilities. Later residents also became eligible for scholarships funded by Cheever House alumnae and friends.

The original Cheever House was located on Madison Street. The Cheevers frequently hosted students in this home and provided many with free or subsidized room and board. Adelia's sister, Pamela Noble, inherited the home in 1905 and continued to offer accommodations for students until her death in 1921. At this time, the home was bequeathed to the University for use as a women's residence hall. Pamela requested that the hall be named Adelia Cheever House in memory of her sister.

Cheever House moved to Haven Street in 1949 and then to the Oxford residence hall complex in 1963. Cheever House evolved into the Adelia Cheever Program, which was first offered at Newberry in Fall 2003.

Although Cheever is no longer a co-op, residents may still receive scholarships based on financial need, academic goals and participation in Cheever activities. Cheever also continues to foster an environment which can cultivate lifelong friendships while teaching and learning from one another.