Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

2 ALPHA DELTA HILITES W hen choosing a sorority, many young women are drawn to a chapter because of the sisterhood, the values, or because they are a legacy mem- ber. Barbara Odell Nichols '65 had all this and more in mind when she joined Alpha Delta. "My mother, Vesta Spurgeon Odell Voss '33, was the most elegant and de- voted Gamma Phi Beta I have ever known," Barbie said. "My sister, Jeanne Odell Abbot '64, and I were Gamma Phis in the womb. We cherished every Gamma Phi moon that appeared in the sky. Mom served the sorority with grace, dignity, and dedication for lifelong involvement in the sisterhood." Barbie has striven to do the same in the years since her time as an active member. A retired elementary and gifted education teacher, Barbie earned both a bachelor's and master's in education from Mizzou. In the '60s, the house had lots of education majors, and they would study together, sharing notes and books. "The upperclassmen helped us quite a bit," she said. "I learned time management and accountability from my sisters." Barbie went on to serve as new member educator and vice president, not- ing that this was long before the officer structure changed in the 1990s for more equitable distribution of work among members. In addition to all the hard work, she has fond memories of Homecoming, Savitar Frolics, and fraternity serenades. Notable alumnae from when she lived in the house include Betty Luker Haverfield '39, who was editor of The Crescent and grand president of GFB, and Mary Kay Dorman Kabler, Sigma '34, a vi- vacious presence in the house who called herself "an almost Alpha Delta." Barbie keeps in touch with sisters through Christmas cards and social media. In 1973, Barbie joined the house corporation board (now Affiliated House Corporation) and has been a fixture there ever since. She went on hiatus a few times when her chil- dren were extra busy, but she has a long and rewarding history of giving back to GFB. "It is very fulfilling be- cause the core values of Love, Labor, Learning, and Loy- alty are as relevant today as they were at our founding in 1874." While on the board, Barbie has seen the active chap- ter climb to 300 members and meet new sets of challenges; she praises the executive officers and chapter advisors for their leadership. "They handle themselves with such poise and self-confidence. They know that Gamma Phi Beta is relevant, life-changing, and forever." She hopes that her fellow alumnae will rise to the active chapter's fine ex- ample by supporting the capital campaign. "Our wise four founders created a women's society to develop a higher spiritual, mental, and social order at a time when women were discouraged from attending college. Gamma Phi Beta lives on 144 years later. Please honor our past, celebrate our present, and embrace our future by giving back!" The celebration of the new house will take place in 2021, Alpha Delta's 100th anniversary. Barbie and her husband, George, live in Golden City, Mo. They like to travel, fly fish, and spend time with their four grandchildren. Their son, Richard, was a Beta Theta Pi, and their daughter, Natalie, was a Pi Beta Phi—both at Mizzou. Barbie can be reached at barbnichols69@gmail.com. Barbie Odell Nichols '65 on Alpha Delta Through the Years W e have been co-chapter advisors since January 2015 and have an amazing group of alumnae volun- teers who serve on our advisory board. All of these incredible women donate their time and talents to the Alpha Delta Chapter, and we are so grateful. The chapter is lucky to have so much alumnae sup- port. If you are interested in serving on the advisory board or looking to work with the chapter in any way, please feel free to contact us. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers. Our current executive board is a fantastic group of women. The current chapter president is Han- nah Weller '15, who previously served on the ex- ecutive board as the financial vice president. We are so grateful to have a chapter pres- ident who is a senior and has previ- ously served on the executive board. As you should know by now, our chapter house renovation is underway and we could not be more thrilled! The executive board had a lot to do with cleaning out the house and moving everything into storage. It was a very big job, as the house is nearly 90 years old, and there were hidden treasures everywhere. It has been amazing to work with this incredible group of women during our chapter house remodel. We cannot thank you enough for your generous donations to make this new house a reality. If you have not yet made your donation, please visit https://www.gammaphibeta.org/ foundation/donatenow. • Select donation amount • Set up a one-time or recurring gift • Select Alpha Delta- The campaign For 808 Richmond in the drop-down designation list • Provide your personal and payment information • Click submit This summer, Gamma Phi Beta held its 78th Con- vention in Dallas, Texas. Danielle Roden went as Alpha Delta chapter's advisor. Education VP Mia Oberg '16 served as the chapter's delegate, and Panhellenic VP Olivia Grantham '17 served as the chapter's alternate delegate. The chapter also sent two up-and-coming chapter leaders who are both Alpha Delta legacies, Meredith Yalden '17 and Audrey Wind '17. We look forward to seeing all Alpha Deltas and area alumnae at Initiation on October 25 and Founder's Day on November 4! Love in IIKE, Megan Valli Minnick '05, Co-Chapter Advisor mevfz2@gmail.com Danielle Roden '09, Co-Chapter Advisor droden1874@gmail.com Legacy Alumna Continues to Serve Gamma Phi Beta STRONG UNDERGRADUATE LEADERSHIP AT ALPHA DELTA Advisors Grateful for Alumnae Support

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