Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

Finding a Sense of Purpose Shay McAlister '11 Shares Her Passion for Storytelling Hilites G A M M A P H I B E T A A T T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M I S S O U R I Alpha Delta Spring 2023 Sisters snuggle to stay warm during a winter-break gondola ride! Spring has sprung in Columbia! GPhiB members are making the most of the warmer weather. Through Thick and Thin Shay McAlister '11 felt like she was home the first time she walked into the Gamma Phi Beta house, and that feeling continued during her time at 808. She didn't have sisters growing up, so she loved having live-in best friends with whom she had unforgettable moments. She remembers watching movies on "big red" and how the best part of going out was really getting ready with her sisters. She also loved discussing every detail of their lives over Sunday dinners in the basement. Even though she and her sisters now live in different states, Shay loves reuniting with them. They have been there for each other through thick and thin, whether they were celebrating exciting moments and career wins or comforting each other through loss. "When my boyfriend died unexpectedly in 2019, I received flowers, texts, calls, and visits from so many of my Gamma Phi sisters— some I hadn't spoken to in years—but they were all there for me, no questions asked. I'll never forget that kindness." Someone to Count On Shay is an evening news anchor at WHAS- TV and feels like she has the best job in the world. She has found her sense of purpose through her career as a journalist and is honored to have a backstage pass to some of life's biggest moments. "I like being a familiar face in my community that people can count on—during our city's moments of great success as well as the tough times," she shared. "I appreciate the trust people put in me to tell their stories and get their news." Throughout her career, she has received the Edward R. Murrow Award, five Emmys, and numerous recognitions from the Associated Press. In 2021, her investigation was featured on the Netflix documentary series, Tiger King. Shay is also the host of Beyond Bardstown, a podcast that highlights unsolved missing or murder cases; through her platform, she strives to help tell stories of people who no longer have a voice. "Losing my partner unexpectedly gave me a new appreciation for life, tragedy, and grief," she shared. "If I can use my platform to bring hurting families comfort, I absolutely want to do that." In 2019, Bardstown reached #1 on the Apple True Crime chart. Shay is most proud of her work with the ACE Project; she currently sits on the board of directors as board president. In 2015, she met grieving mother Rose Smith at her son's vigil while covering a story. Roses' son had been murdered the year before. They kept in touch for years, as Smith started a non-profit in her son's honor. In 2017, Rose told Shay about her dream to build a community center on the property where her son was killed. Shay helped collect grant money and partnerships to open the neighborhood center, The ACE Place, in May 2019. Shay lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her partner, Jimi, her black lab, Bonnie, and her rescues, Monday the kitty and Junie the pitty. She also feels blessed to live in the same town as her parents. Shay loves her community, and outside of work, you can find her exploring Louisville's foodie-scene, checking out art shows, the farmer's market, and festivals, seeing live music, and volunteering. You can connect with Shay at shaymcalister@gmail.com. Look inside to Look inside to see what else your see what else your sisters are up to! sisters are up to! "The Gamma Phi gals are ambitious women who work to make the world better, know how to have fun, and cherish their friendships."

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