Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

alpha chi omega | page 2 T he house at 900 Richmond Ave. has been a home to members in a very different way for the past 18 months. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, Alpha Nu has followed University of Missouri and Alpha Chi COVID-19 safety protocols, demonstrating great resiliency and creativity during difficult times. At one point, only live-in members could enter the facility. With no library access, open classrooms or favorite spots to study, sisters spread to all corners of the house to remain productive and keep healthy. Our house was well used and well loved! Now, all members and guests are allowed inside, but everyone must wear a mask no matter their vaccination status. At the end of spring semester in May, house corporation board members were able to enter the facility, quickly assess the house's needs and start summer projects. At the top of the list was a new security system, as member safety is a top priority. The former system, which used fingerprint identification, was problematic for several reasons. For example, chapped fingers could deny access or bright sunlight caused issues due to a glare. Working with our alarm and security camera company, we researched various options. Alpha Chi now has a contactless mobile entry system. When approaching the front door, members pull up an app on their mobile devices and the door unlocks as they move within two or three feet from the door— all protected behind their smartphone's security parameters. Other summer improvements included: • Tuck-pointing on the north side of the house • Purchasing a new sectional and coffee table in the TV room • Purchasing a new sofa in the formal room • Replacing mattresses where needed • Painting of bedrooms as needed • Cleaning rugs, carpet and upholstered furniture • Deep cleaning the entire house, including windows • Changing air filters in all HVAC units • Changing to new batteries in all smoke alarms, emergency lights, etc. • Purchasing a bright red KitchenAid mixer for use by the members at their request In other news, the house corporation board would like to thank Jo Ann Rottman Benne '70 for donating her elegant silver tea service to Alpha Nu! While visiting, she shared wonderful memories of her time living in the house with her sisters. The chapter's beloved handyman, Steve Lewandowski, deservedly retired after more than 30 years of service to Alpha Chi. Steve was a familiar face and helping hand to many over the years, and he took great pride in maintaining our house. Best wishes to Steve! We were fortunate to find another awesome handywoman, Mary Jane Worstell. With Steve's support, the transition went very smoothly. Another warm welcome goes to Alpha Nu's new house director, Dr. Gwen Larson. Board members have been working closely with Gwen to familiarize her with the house and to make her feel at home. Originally from the Kansas City area, Gwen has a background in music education—a perfect fit for Alpha Chi Omega! Gwen is an Alpha Gamma Delta alumna from the University of Kansas, where she received her bachelor's degree in music education and music therapy, a master's degree in education and reading education, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and higher education instruction. She taught music in the Shawnee Mission school district for 32 years. Welcome to Alpha Nu, Gwen! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. The house corporation board truly appreciates your support of Alpha Nu! Loyally, Julie Erselius Abeln '84 House Corporation Board President juliedoug26@yahoo.com New Security System Highlights Summer Updates to Chapter Home ALPHA NU WELCOMES NEW HOUSE DIRECTOR AND HANDYWOMAN President Julie Erselius Abeln '84 Vice President Bev Wood Nichols '75 Treasurer Karen Knoblauch Neylon '79 Secretary Ginny Shellhorn Hermanson '90 Members Mary Ann Eggers Beahon '65 Anna Whitman Binggeli, Delta Chi '69 Jeannine Bax Brickey '81 Lori Rigdon Herman '81 Krystin Lemon Cooper '87 Megan Schaeperkoetter Jahnsen '04 House Corporation Board If you are interested in serving, please contact Julie Erselius Abeln '84 at juliedoug26@yahoo.com.

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