Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

alpha chi omega | page 4 A s Blythe Snyder Heits '00 looks back on her time at Mizzou, she is happy that she chose Alpha Chi Omega and that the sisterhood chose her. Alpha Chi already seemed like a natural fit, as her sister, Jessica Snyder Green, was a 1996 initiate of Delta Chi Chapter at William Woods University, and after seeing several women from her dorm become members of Alpha Nu, Blythe later chose to join the sisterhood. "Joining and being an active part of the house during my college career helped to grow my leadership skills and made Mizzou feel not so overwhelmingly big," Blythe said. Blythe treasures the lifelong friendships she made and the amazing opportunities she had as a member of Alpha Chi, and she holds her memories close. The most special moments from her undergraduate years include performing in the RAMS competition and enjoying TV nights in the house with the other members. She also remembers a few Christmas socials at the house with a special Santa (her now husband) in attendance. As an alumna, she loved welcoming her sister-in-law, Mallory Heits Hawkins '08, into Alpha Chi. "Since graduating, one of my very favorite memories was when I brought my oldest daughter into the house for the first time as a new mom and chapter advisor," Blythe shared. Blythe is proud to be a part of Alpha Chi and enjoys supporting the sisterhood, most recently through the Centennial Scholarship Fund. "I am in awe of the amazing things and people that have come into my life because of joining," Blythe said. "That inspires me to want to give back to the house and Alpha Chi Omega anytime I am able." Blythe is an occupational therapist in St. Luke's Health System in Kansas City. When she is not at work, she enjoys volunteering as an official for competitive swimming and serving as co-troop leader for two Girl Scout troops. She also serves as treasurer on the Line Creek Figure Skating Club board, a position that is very similar to her role as vice president of finance in Alpha Nu. Blythe's family keeps her busy; she and her husband have three children, ages 7, 11 and 13. The family loves theater, and they have recently enjoyed Kansas City Starlight's Broadway Series. You can connect with Blythe at bbheits@gmail.com. Happy to Be an Alpha Chi Sister Blythe Snyder Heits '00 Fondly Reflects on Her Alpha Chi Experience A llison Wemhoener Bodenmann '74 always knew she wanted to join a sorority, mainly because her mother was in one (Kappa Alpha Theta) at Mizzou. Allison saw how close she was to her sisters many years after college, and she wanted to have those relationships as well. Being a part of Alpha Chi had a huge impact on her life. Allison was able to gain a tremendous amount of confidence in herself during college, despite some brief setbacks. ALWAYS AND FOREVER Through serving as president during her junior and senior year, Allison gained the confidence to move to New York and start a career in advertising after graduation. "I developed a network of friends and business associates, and I have attributed much of that success to my sorority experience." Allison stayed in New York and didn't know whether she would keep up with her sorority sisters, but over the last 45 years, they have. Many sisters were there to support Allison as she was married and have had many fun weekend reunions along the way. "There are quite a few sisters I keep in touch with through Facebook and Instagram, but also quite a few through regular phone calls and email," Allison said. "In addition, a dozen or so of us try to plan an in-person weekend trip somewhere every year." Allison recently retired from advertising sales at The Tennis Channel after spending seven great years there. "We did a lot of client entertaining and I frequently referred to my two weeks at the U.S. Open as similar to sorority recruitment!" BUILDING THE BONDS Coming back for the 100th anniversary was a nice reminder of the beautiful house that Allison lived in with close friends and good food. Seeing the girls living in the house and enjoying it as much as she did was a lovely experience, she said. Donating to the Centennial Scholarship Fund was personal for Allison because she valued her experience with Alpha Chi and hopes others will have the same experience in years to come. Allison wanted to help girls who need financial assistance to remain members. "I would encourage everyone to give back and support the scholarship fund so that others can enjoy the same experiences that we had—and continue to have—well past our time in college," Allison said. "It will take all of us in this day and age making contributions to keep the experience going for other generations." ALL IN THE FAMILY Allison's husband is very supportive and has strong relationships with many of her sorority sisters as well. Although he was not in a fraternity in college, he has the same bonds with the friends he made on the Rutgers Swim Team. "The experience I had in college and have credited with many of my successes in life led my daughter to join a sorority," Allison shared. Allison is an avid reader; there is never a moment when she is not reading a book. Cooking is her passion, and she enjoys sharing recipes with her daughter and her son-in-law, who were married in October 2022. You can connect with Allison at allison.bodenmann@gmail.com. Finding Her Way Home How Allison Wemhoener Bodenmann '74 Ensures the Future of Alpha Chi

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