Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi 5 L eaving a legacy of personal sisterhood is a cornerstone of Alpha Phi membership. A few Omicron alumnae also bestowed a legacy to benefit the academic side of future Alpha Phis' college experiences. Scholarships honoring these distinguished Omicron alumnae—Ann Williams Muhl '28, Sarah Jane Willier Johnson '61, Val Lawlor '71, and the Tenorio family (Dr. Gema Tenorio Simmons '91, Elizabeth Tenorio Davis '92, Monica Tenorio Lakin '94, Teresa Tenorio Walsh '96, and Genoveva Tenorio '10)— financially reward chapter members who meet vigorous academic and leadership requirements. Val Lawlor '71, a Columbia native and now long-time resident of Texas, built a 45-year career as a dedicated volunteer to Omicron, Alpha Phi International, and Panhellenic. Alumnae and collegians alike benefitted from her service on International's Alumnae Strategy Team Steering Committee, Housing Committee, and International Executive Board and as Vice President. Val served on Omicron's House Corporation Board, helped to coordinate the chapter's revitalization in 1998, and has mentored chapter officers and advisors. She maintains strong personal relationships with Alpha Phis of all generations. Beginning in 2011, the Val Lawlor Outstanding Senior was chosen by the chapter members and the award was funded by the chapter, House Corporation Board, advisory board, alumnae, and friends. The Alpha Phi Foundation manages this as an endowed scholarship recognizing an Omicron member who is a "well-rounded upperclassman who has demonstrated a history of selfless service to Omicron through consistent participation, leadership, scholarship, and positive representation of the chapter." The most recent recipient is Victoria Workman '15. For about 50 years, the Ann Williams Muhl Scholarship has been awarded to Omicron members majoring in liberal arts. Ann Williams '28 graduated in 1930. She spent some time living in northern California. The scholarship honoring her was likely an estate gift for future Omicron members. Catherine Argo '16 earned this award for the 2019-20 school year. Devoted Missouri and Alpha Gamma Sigma alumnus Dr. Bruce Johnson established the Dr. Sarah Willier Johnson Memorial Scholarship to honor his late wife, Sarah Jane "Sally" Willier '61. Sally majored in home economics education and graduated from Mizzou in 1963. She also earned her master's of science in textiles and clothing and doctorate of education from MU, as well as a specialist degree in school administration from Missouri State. Sally was an instructor in the Department of Home Economics at MU from 1968 to 1970 and later taught high school home economics. Sally contributed to countless community and professional groups and served as an advisor to Alpha Phi's Delta Tau Chapter at LSU while living in Louisiana. She lost her battle with breast cancer in 1995 at age 53. This award recognizes a rising sophomore, junior, or senior who demonstrates academic achievement, student involvement, leadership, and career readiness. The scholarship is managed by Melissa Ferguson Wittenborn '76. Applications and essays emailed to melissa@momotivation.com by the end of April are reviewed by the award committee. The scholarship is endowed and Alpha Phi will receive it every other year (odd years). The Johnson family enjoys receiving the written account of the winner's activities and learning experiences resulting from the scholarship. The recent recipients are Kaitlin Skubic '12 (2014), Sabrina Reed '14 (2015), Jessica Wolfe '14 (2016), Emily Chac '17 (2017), Victoria Workman '15 (2018), and Claudia Szymala '16 (2019). Several MU Greek chapter presidents receive a stipend because the time commitment of this office precludes them from holding part-time jobs. Omicron's own Tenorio family (Dr. Gema Tenorio Simmons '91 and Elizabeth Tenorio Davis '92 both served as chapter president) recently established an annual financial award to benefit Omicron's lead officer. However, qualification isn't automatic. The chapter president must meet a minimum GPA and other requirements. Alexa Santangelo '17 qualified during her 2019 term as Omicron's President. Scholarships Honoring Omicron Alumnae Reward Chapter Collegians Alpha Phi Foundation Sponsors Scholarship Opportunities T he Alpha Phi Foundation manages need-based scholarships and grants to undergraduate and graduate members. To apply for any scholarships managed by the Alpha Phi Foundation, collegians complete one master application to be considered for any and all the need-based and merit-based foundation scholarships. An essay and a recommendation from an Alpha Phi alumna must be included. Applications received in early March are evaluated by a volunteer team of scholarship readers and awarded each July for the following academic year. For tips, eligibility requirements, instruction guide, application preview, FAQs and more, see alphaphifoundation. org/vital-programs/scholarships and alphaphifoundation.org/vital-programs/ assistance-grants. Planning for the Future at Alpha Phi E stablishing a scholarship through a family foundation or an estate gift is a lasting way to support the future of Alpha Phi. For questions or more information about such a gift, contact Jenn McNay '92 at j_mcnay@yahoo.com.

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