Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

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 2024 As I wrote my final article for this newsletter, I reflected on what led me to serve on the Affiliated House Corporation Board for the last 20 years. My involvement with the Greater KC Alumnae Association began during my freshman year when I helped bake apple pies with the Northland group and worked in the cafe for the GKC Antique and Garden Show. I served in the latter capacity for many years before being asked to co-chair ticket sales until the final show in 2006. By that point, I had joined the GKC board and had been serving as an Alpha Delta representative on the House Corporation Board (now known as the Affiliated House Corporation). During one of my stints as VP of the AHC, I served as president of the GKC Alumnae Association. Since Sue Dorsey Durrett '59 had brought me on the board, the board felt I should take her place as president. Sue called and asked me to serve, and it was an initiation by fire for me! I came on board during a whirlwind of activity, as the AHC was tearing down the annex and turning that space into a parking lot. Luckily, I only had to experience one house director search during my term, as Donna Pulliam served for 20 years and Kim Berry has been in the house for over 15 now. I was involved in two capital campaigns and one total renovation and remodel of our beloved 808 Richmond. I have held a leadership role as either VP or president since I joined the board 20 years ago. It is time for some new leadership blood, new ideas, and new growth. I would not have been able to thrive and survive without the many True and Constant dedicated collegiate and alumnae sisters who have served along with me and continue to serve on this AHC Board. I feel honored and blessed to have been able to serve the AHC Board for all these years. You can engage with Gamma Phi Beta locally, through an alumnae or undergraduate chapter in your area. You can also join the Alpha Delta advisory board or AHC or mentor undergraduates by sharing your expertise in your profession via Zoom or in person. You can also support monetarily by giving to the ongoing fund that makes improvements to the house. The one-time building fund fee the new members pay is not enough to cover major, necessary improvements. You can give whenever and however you choose; the anniversary of Alpha Delta Chapter (May 20, 1921), the anniversary of your initiation (IH sends you a letter each year on that date), or the anniversary of Gamma Phi Beta (November 11, 1874) are just a few dates that are easier to remember! Any amount helps to maintain big-ticket items like the HVAC system. Another way to get involved is on the international level with Gamma Phi Beta by serving on committees and boards, running for office, or giving to the Foundation. I have served on the Foundation scholarship committee for a number of years, which means I get to read scholarship and fellowship applications for undergraduate and graduate students. It is truly a blessing and honor to read applications and to see the many amazing sisters we have in our sisterhood, the impact they are making in the world today, and the impact they can make in the future. If anyone wants to get involved with the chapter advisory board, contact McKenzie Veselic '12 at maveselic17@ gmail.com today. She can let you know what positions are open and find a way for you to help. Many advisory positions can be filled remotely, so don't let that hold you back! Near or far, you can be involved. So, what's next for me? I am transitioning from the AHC to serve the chapter advisory board as rituals advisor. Since COVID-19 forced initiation and chapter to be entirely virtual for a few years, our rituals have fallen by the wayside. The women in the house haven't had the chance to know and understand the traditions that distinguish Gamma Phi Beta from other sororities. I love our rituals and I'm excited to still give to the chapter in a meaningful way! Thank you to all for the love and support I have found in our True and Constant sisterhood. Forever faithful to the bonds of Gamma Phi Beta. Love in IIKE, Cindy Gates Wood '77 AHC President cwood@kcmicro.com (816) 223-9847 Chapter Goals Maintain high recruitment rates and continue to pursue members after formal recruitment. Increase approachability by gathering input from all members to utilize during decision-making. Continue encouraging member responsibilities and establishing clear expectations. This Is Not Goodbye A L E T T E R F R O M P R E S I D E N T C I N D Y G A T E S W O O D ' 7 7 Sisters, I would encourage each of you to get involved in some way, be it time, talent, or money!

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