Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

Omicron Chapter Always Alpha Phi Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Fall 2018 NEW HOUSE CORPORATION BOARD PRESIDENT Welcome, Cathy McCrady Heinsohn '81 A s I begin my new role as the president of the House Corporation Board and think back on my years at Omicron, I realize how much those collegiate years shaped my life. I could not have known as I walked through those doors on a hot August day the impact that Alpha Phi would have on my life. My experiences at Omicron shaped my future through the values of sisterhood, leadership, philanthropy, and of course the always useful social skills acquired during recruitment. In the years since college I have been busy raising three daughters with my husband, Mike, with whom I just celebrated our 30th anniversary. I am proud my Alpha Phi legacy continued with Christen Heinsohn '08 and Victoria Heinsohn '17 pledging Omicron. I am sure our middle daughter, Paige, would have loved to continue the legacy if Alpha Phi had a chapter on her campus. I have worked in healthcare sales throughout my career and have been in my current role as a sales director for Express Scripts for 11 years. In my free time, I love to travel, volunteer, and enjoy our expanding family. Renovation Projects a Success It has been a busy summer at Omicron getting ready to move in our sophomore class. Summer projects this year focused on general repairs and maintenance, and renovation to the annex. In the main house, the dining room and front door received fresh coats of paint, the exterior was power washed, and a broken HVAC system was replaced. The annex went through a transformation as several interior walls were removed to change two- man rooms into four-man rooms. Collegiate members told us that they prefer larger rooms with more roommates. The entire annex received an updated coat of paint and decor updates are planned. University Greek Life Updates As I take on this new role, I realize what a pivotal time this is in our chapter's history. Mizzou is a campus that is seeing unprecedented changes. How those changes will affect the Greek system and Omicron remain to be seen. Recently the university commissioned a study of the Greek system and the results of the study were published in July. The purpose of the study was to ensure that the fraternity and sorority members thrive in a safe environment. Five working groups were formed and tasked with developing plans in the following areas: 1. Diversity and inclusion 2. Hazing prevention and member education 3. Academic calendar and recruitment 4. Freshman in Greek housing 5. Social event risk management Recommendations with proposed effective dates were made in each area. While we don't know the entire impact of these recommendations, we know the Greek system at the university is under review. As you know, the House Corporation Board has embarked on a two-year study regarding the renovation to our current house. Our strategic planning committee will incorporate the campus-wide recommendations into the analysis. We continue to work with chapter leadership and advisors as we understand not only these recommendations, but any changes to campus enrollment, Greek participation, chapter finances, and chapter recruitment and retention. As we continue to do our due diligence, we are confident the knowledge we are gaining will lead us to make a well-informed, thoughtful decision on the future of the chapter house. In the meantime, we hope to see you at Homecoming the weekend of October 19-20 and the Red Dress Gala the weekend of November 9-11. If you are interested in getting involved in Omicron House Corporation Board, we would love to hear from you. AOE, Cathy McCrady Heinsohn '81 House Corporation Board President heinsohnc@charter.net Christen Heinsohn '08 and Victoria Heinsohn '17 (daughters of Cathy McCrady Heinsohn '81) at a Mizzou football game. ALUMNA CONTINUES TO SEE THE IMPACTS OF OMICRON Kim Larsen Watson '84 Stays Involved from Across the Country K im Larsen Watson '84 didn't go to the University of Missouri thinking she'd join a sorority. "I was encouraged to go through recruitment by my mother, who was a Chi Omega at K-State," she said. After joining Alpha Phi, she never looked back and enjoyed years of wonderful memories. "When I lived in the house, the four of us in room 18 had an amazingly fun semester in our never-orderly room. The Alpha Phis were smart, genuine and fun loving, and they represented many majors and personalities. Alpha Phi felt like home." While at Mizzou, Kim served as recording secretary and Homecoming co-chairman. The Alpha Phi experience has had a dramatic impact on Kim's life as an undergraduate and alumna. "It provides an amazing support group and an opportunity for leadership, personal growth, and friendship. Omicron continues to be a special place for women to meet, grow, and continue their friendships over our lifetime. Plus, (Continued on page 2)

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