Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

B efore she had even decided on attending Mizzou or going through recruitment, Emily Merlo '19 had Gamma Phi Beta on her radar. She knew that her mother, Jennifer Stelmach Merlo '90, and grandmother, Carol Buchmueller Stelmach '58, had found lifelong friends and connections at Alpha Delta, and she wanted to find something similar during her college years. "I loved the genuine, bubbly, and classy personalities of the members and the confidence with which they presented themselves," Emily said. "I share the same qualities and values with this sorority and its members." Jenny had a similarly great first impression during her own recruitment, and Gamma Phi proved to be a strong, positive influence in her life. "Alpha Delta taught me to get along with others, respect one another, and appreciate our differences. All of those things have given me the confidence to excel in my professional career as well as strengthen my personal relationships." Carol was introduced to the sisterhood through a family friend, and her time in the Alpha Delta chapter house taught her the true meaning of friendship while providing her with valuable leadership skills. As an active member, Emily has loved talking about their shared experiences. "A lot seems to have changed over the years, but the gist of everything is still the same. I feel even more bonded with them because of this connection." She added that the three family members are even planning to get matching crescent moon tattoos! Carol and Jenny both acknowledged a big change in housing from their years: members no longer live in-house as long due to the growth of the chapter. "It makes me a little sad, but the bonds of sisterhood are just as strong," Jenny said. Emily feels fortunate to have lived in the newly remodeled chapter house this past year. "It's been so fun, and we've made lots of memories despite the challenges." She looks forward to a more normal year this fall, with everyone enjoying game days and formals together. She also has her grandmother in part to thank for the house, as Carol was a generous donor to It's Our House! The Campaign for 808 Richmond. "The sorority gave me a support system all through college, and I cherish my four years in school with Alpha Delta," Carol said. "I wanted others to have the positive experiences I did." "I really feel I have come out of my shell to find long-lasting friendships," Emily said. "I have been pushed to feel confident about myself, try new things, and be the best version of myself. Through this past year's challenges, I have found my true self and people I am proud to be associated with." Carol and Jenny have both been devoted Gamma Phi alumnae and are immensely proud to share the sisterhood with family. "I will continue to talk about my years in Gamma Phi with great fondness," Carol said. She was overjoyed to share the initiation ritual with both her daughter and granddaughter. "Both times were memorable, special moments for me." "Sharing the Alpha Delta experience with not only my mom, but now my daughter, has been very special," Jenny said. "It is a bond that we will forever share, and it has brought us closer together as friends and sisters." You can connect with Jenny at jendanmerlo@gmail.com, Carol at cstelmach67@gmail.com, and Emily at emgymnast9@gmail.com. Forever under the Crescent Moon The Stelmach-Merlo Family Reflects on Three Generations of Alpha Delta Stelmach-Merlo family outside the chapter house. GAMMA PHI BETA 3 2 1 N E W M E M B E R S ! *Legacy Lilly Hernandez Abby Hoene Ella Hoene Natalie Huy Maddie Lepp Gianna Malek Ena Mesan Dorothea Mueller* Megan Nelson Alanna Nguyen Kristin O'Hanlan Lexington Olsen Tess Owens Maggie Pelter Ella Phillips Lexie Pilz Ann Marie Poremba Angelina Rita Kate Rubin Alexa Rush* Leah Schoch Havana Schubert Riley Selby Molly Shively* Kayley Sides Alex Skorupan Kaylin Smith Liliana Sparks Sydney Stokes Allie Swehla* Kennedy Thuet Mollie Unes* Sophia Valenti Mackenzie Victor Savannah Vogel Pryce Ware* Brooklyn Watkins Megan Wilhelms* Sarah Wloch Isabella Wooten

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