Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

In October of her freshman year at Mizzou, Suzanne Gallais Skelly '66 was invited to dinner at the Alpha Phi house. Although initially a bit nervous, she immediately felt comfortable and welcomed by all the women once inside the chapter house; Jane Eyre McDonald '65 and Gloria Rottman Olson '65 especially impressed her with their friendliness and wonderful sense of humor. From there, Suzanne (known as Suz) made countless memories with the women of Omicron chapter, but the most consistent memories revolve around dinner time at the house with her sisters. "Usually, 30 minutes before dinner, many of us would gather either in the informal living room or cardroom. This was our social/fun time—singing songs around the piano or squeezing in a quick game of bridge," she explained. "Our daily dinners were where I learned dining room etiquette, learned to be open minded about what we were being served, and enjoyed being served by the houseboys. The meals were generally good as we had a great cook, Marge." Time spent under the same roof and around the same dinner table with her sisters has held a special place in her heart for more than 50 years. And it was within the walls of the chapter house where Suzanne made lifelong friends and was shaped into the woman she is today. "College was an amazing and challenging experience. Omicron made me feel like I had found a home and expanded family. It taught me patience and tolerance of others in a communal living situation," she stated. "It taught me I could love someone but not always agree with them. I learned about my own strengths and weaknesses, and I learned to be more open and understanding of others." "UNION HAND IN HAND" UNDER ONE ROOF Suzanne with her sisters in the '60s. WHY SHE SUPPORTS THE CAMPAIGN Suzanne's Alpha Phi experience undoubtedly inspired her to support the future of Omicron chapter and contribute to Sisterhood Begins at Home. "It's time to move forward. We need to have a new house that can offer more versatility and flexibility. If we want to remain competitive in today's Panhellenic system at Mizzou, we need to have a newer and more flexible floor plan," she said. "I'm thrilled that the new house will once again provide the ability for the chapter members to share a meal together, have chapter meetings at the house, and even have the ability to do Initiation in the house." Omicron has grown so much since Suzanne lived at 906 S. Providence, and with that growth has come many strengths. However, she realizes as numbers increase, some things must change. "I am hopeful that with this new house, Omicron collegiates will once again have more opportunities for bonding with their sisters and enjoying time under the same roof." For Suzanne, and other alumnae who support the campaign, the encouragement offered to Omicron today sets an example for future generations to follow. "Omicron chapter had such an impact on my life and more than 50 years after my graduation, it still does. The friendships and life lessons I learned will stay with me forever," she remarked. "I want to give other young women the same opportunities that I received, and I want today's young Omicron sisters to see the reality that Alpha Phi is a sisterhood which lasts a lifetime—not just four years." Through the years, Suzanne has been blessed in many ways, both personally and professionally. She's learned, sometimes the hard way, who she can count on in life. At the top of the list is her husband, Phillip, their children and grandchildren, and very close behind are her wonderful Omicron sisters who hold a huge place in her heart. Connect with Suzanne at scskelly@msn.com. 2 SUZANNE GALLAIS SKELLY '66

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