Kappa Alpha Theta - University of Missouri

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE Carol Banta Brewer '42 Recounts Her Years with Theta W hen Carol Banta Brewer '42 thought about how her experience as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta would compare to a current member's experience, she let out a coy giggle and a long sigh. Carol recounted a time when the house was locked tight at 10 p.m. sharp, or 11 p.m. on weekends. She loved how close the women in the house could become while playing cards or spending time with their beloved housemother. "I thought Theta was a good experience because it taught you leadership and cooperation and wonderful friendship. It was a really wonderful experience to me," Carol said. Those skills were put to the test when she became involved in World War II. The war created an influx of positions in Washington, D.C. Representatives for the U.S. Armed Forces visited colleges to recruit women to fill those positions. Carol, an English major at the time, decided that was work she was willing and able to do and began working for the government in 1944. To this day, Carol is still not allowed to reveal the exact nature of her work. She admits to have been in the code-breaking business. After the war ended in 1945, her division became part of the CIA and NSA. She continued working until 1948 when she met her husband of nearly 69 years. Carol stayed involved with Kappa Alpha Theta as a district alumnae president. Visiting other alumnae clubs gave her a chance to meet women from all parts of the country. "I love that connection that wherever you go, you can find Thetas that are always welcoming and accepting." One of her favorite aspects of the job was meeting women of different ages. As her own member class continues to mature, she jokes that she feels like, "one of the last of the Mohicans." Carol demonstrates her appreciation for the wonderful people she has come to know by supporting Theta financially. Her donations are more of an expression of gratitude than a gift. "I feel as if I'm giving back to something that meant a lot to me after all my life." Carol resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Spring Is Bright for Alpha Mu Theta Members Enjoy Updated Spaces T he semester started off with cheerful smiles when members came home to the newly renovated 603 Kentucky Boulevard— fresh paint, new floors, beautiful furniture, and more! The girls were so excited to show alumnae their revamped home at the Founder's Day celebration at the chapter facility in late January. "I loved the Founder's Day brunch because I got to show Theta alumnae all of the new renovations," Mackenzie Nelson '16 said. "Walking around 603, they loved thinking back on all the memories they made, and I loved thinking about all the memories I will make." February began with a Netflix-themed social where members and their dates dressed up as their favorite Netflix characters, and a Super Bowl watch party on the new flat-screen TV. "I loved coming back after winter break and seeing the beautiful new furniture," Bree Minger '15 said. "By living in Theta with the construction, I've really seen the progress. I've enjoyed spending time on the first floor studying at the new tables in the Morning Room and watching movies on the new TV with my sisters." In mid-February, Theta helped raise $86,593 to support multiple sclerosis research and placed first overall in Rockin' Against Multiple Sclerosis. Later in February, three members of Kappa Alpha Theta were selected to be members of Mizzou '39, which is sponsored by the Alumni Association Student Board and recognizes 39 of the most influential seniors. Abrea Mizer '13, Lily Zacharias '13, and Meg Rasche '12 are three of the best and brightest seniors and are so deserving of this honor. This March, Alpha Mu partook in MizzouThon, a 13.1-hour dance marathon to support the University of Missouri Women's and Children's Hospital. Theta raised $10,652 of the $304,605 total and sponsored Carli, a 9 year old with cerebral palsy. The Theta women also had a wonderful Mom's Weekend with dancing, brunch, and perfect weather. At a chapter meeting in mid-March, Theta hosted Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge as a speaker for the Leading Women Series. Later this spring, Alpha Mu looks forward to Greek Week with the men of Phi Kappa Theta and Phi Delta Theta, the annual CASA Carnival and Bump Set Kite philanthropic events, and a Mizzou Alternative Breaks weekend service trip. Loyally, Abby Peoples '14 Chief Executive Officer alp3w3@mail.mizzou.edu Thetas and their Miracle Kid, Carli, had a blast at MizzouThon on March 11. Theta's intramural soccer team celebrated a win at their first game on February 28.

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