Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

alpha chi omega | page 6 R ecruitment week can be an extremely overwhelming time for many. After her daily visits to Alpha Chi Omega, however, Stacey Elfrink Kamps '93 had a growing feeling that it was the right sorority for her. Stacey remembers the sisters as welcoming, genuine, kind and engaged, leading her to find her forever home. "During my years at Alpha Chi, I was so fortunate that my sisters were true friends," Stacey said. "All of us were there for one another. I was surrounded by an army of sisters who wanted to succeed and have fun doing so!" Alpha Nu provided Stacey with leadership opportunities that helped shape who she is today. Like most, her collegiate years were transformative, as she began to frame what the rest of her life would look like. Little did Stacey know, her sisters encouraging her to run for chapter president would also end up benefiting her in the long run. "I was so humbled by their vote of confidence to lead the chapter when I had not even considered it," Stacey said. "I thank them all for pushing me to step outside of my comfort zone, as it has been part of the building blocks that made it possible for me to lead a corporation today. This is just one example of so many wonderful Alpha Chi Omega experiences that have had a lasting impact on me!" After graduating from Mizzou, Stacey returned to St. Louis to join a public accounting firm where she worked on a consulting team with many other Mizzou grads. Stacey worked there for several years before joining the finance and M&A department at Charter Communications (now known as Spectrum). "I would encourage our current collegiate Alpha Nus (and all Alpha Nus) to leverage their Alpha Chi Omega network inclusive of their alumnae network," Stacey said. "Continue to invest the time to network—just like you did in college—since you never know where that next conversation will lead you!" From there, Stacey was recruited by her current employer, Koch Development, where she is the chief executive officer. Her role is to lead both the commercial real estate and amusement attractions portfolios as well as the Koch Family Office. Although being the CEO entails a lot of work, Stacey says she continues to find new opportunities to lead and to grow. "Just like I never saw myself being the Alpha Nu chapter president, I never thought I would be the CEO of a company," Stacey said. "My CEO role has been a very inspiring and exciting experience!" Stacey has two wonderful children, Vivien (12) and Bennett (8). They are healthy, active and keep Stacey on her toes! In between being a mother and a CEO, Stacey finds great pleasure in going on fabulous trips. Looking back, Stacey cherishes wonderful memories of Alpha Nu's social events, including Mom/Dad Weekend, Homecoming, Greek Week and "Rockin' Against Multiple Sclerosis." "One consistent memory I have was living at the house and after a lifetime of growing up with only brothers as my siblings; I now had a household full of wonderful sisters," Stacey shared. "It still puts a smile on my face remembering when I would walk through the TV room and see my family of sisters lounging everywhere watching Friends, ER, Beverly Hills 90210 or CNN." Stacey is very hopeful that she will be able to attend Alpha Nu's centennial celebration in April 2022, where she hopes to reconnect with her sisters. "I know we are all busy, but we will each be so thankful if we make the time to attend," Stacey said. "Make it happen!" Aside from the celebration, Stacey hopes to reconnect even sooner with her sisters and would welcome hearing from any of them. You can connect with her at skamps@kochdevelopment.com. AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECONNECT Stacey Elfrink Kamps '93 Is Grateful for the Skills Learned at Alpha Nu D uring continuous opening bidding, Elizabeth Sutton-Crosswhite '06 visited several houses, but when she met the women of Alpha Chi Omega, she knew it was the right home for her. "The women were so down to earth," Elizabeth said. "Plus, there were many diverse types of women and they all seemed to get along so well. That's really what drew me to Alpha Chi and to accept an offer to bid." Elizabeth's decision ended up affecting her entire life: she was introduced to the man she would end up marrying through a sister and had numerous sisters in her wedding party. She has even named one of her sisters as a godmother to her son. Ten years after graduating, Elizabeth and her Alpha Chi sisters remain intertwined in each other's lives. "We're all still connected like we were in college, and it just feels good," Elizabeth said. "We're not friends anymore—we're family." The entire Alpha Chi experience is one that Elizabeth will forever cherish. "All of the little pieces that went into the entire experience, from Homecoming and Greek Weeks, to living in the house, to serving on different boards and committees, helped make A FOREVER FAMILY ELIZABETH SUTTON-CROSSWHITE '06 CREATED CONNECTIONS FOR A LIFETIME

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