Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

page 7 | University of Missouri L inda Choun Rydberg '63 knew that she wanted to be part of a sisterhood at Mizzou. She appreciated how down-to-earth the women of Alpha Chi Omega were; however, that wasn't the only thing that struck her about Alpha Nu chapter. Linda loved the diversity of the members. "There were so many different interests and abilities among the members that just being a part of them was stimulating," Linda said. "It was clear that these were women who wanted more out of college than just taking classes, and that really resonated with me." Being a part of the chapter opened a world of valuable resources for Linda. The older women in the house mentored her and encouraged her to join them in various activities so that she could learn new skills to guide her on her career path. Karen Eddy Smith '61 introduced her to the world of theater at Mizzou, which opened many doors. "The access to good leaders in the house also paved the way for me to learn how to work well with others, plan events and solve problems," Linda said. "All critical areas of development for life after college." One of the most important parts of Alpha Nu Chapter was the supportive relationships that formed. "I was not an athlete, so I did not have that kind of experience of belonging to a team. Alpha Chi became my team experience," Linda said. "With all kinds of different backgrounds and goals, we still had to find ways to encourage each other, overcome problems and celebrate wins." These supportive relationships have lasted a lifetime! Over 50 years later, Linda and three of her sisters, Mary Preston '62, Sally Forker Lee '62 and Diana Dunbar Ross '63, make sure to catch up weekly over Zoom. They also love to travel together at least once a year. Linda has so many fun memories from her time at Alpha Chi. She especially enjoyed group activities. She and her sisters had roller-skating parties, planned skits and built Homecoming decorations. Linda also recalls having a great weekend on a pledge getaway trip to St. Louis. While Linda had fun with her sisters, she also focused on her education. It prepared her to be a high school teacher for a variety of subjects. She taught speech, drama and English for 15 years. She loved coaching debate and creating curricula. Linda taught in St. Louis, Mo.; Brecksville, Ohio; and Littleton, Colo. Wherever there was an opening, Linda's husband, Carl, who is a Lambda Chi from Missouri University of Science and Technology, took advantage of job changes. Linda took a break from teaching in 1973 to finish her master's degree in communication at Denver University. This was a catalyst for her passion in business and leadership. Linda's new interests were paused when she and her husband adopted their son, Robert, in 1984. When he started school in 1989, Linda began a training business aimed at working with small businesses on their communication issues. Women as leaders are important to Linda; she and three other women joined forces at the perfect time to create The Women's Leadership Institute in Denver. During this time, there was pressure for companies to have more women in executive leadership positions. Their studies showed that 80% of participants advanced in their job position within two years of taking the yearlong program. "It was a wonderful career change for me that, again, forced to me draw on those same Alpha Chi values of being a part of a team and finding ways to support and encourage women," Linda said. Linda retired in 2007. Her program has since changed its name and now includes both women and men. Linda and Carl live in a golf course community in Aurora, Colo., and try to stay active. She teaches water aerobics three days a week and they love to play golf. They enjoy visits from Robert and his fiancé, Mercedes, along with their grand-dog, Nora. She is also fortunate to have another Alpha Nu sister, Linda Raidt McKee '61, and her husband as neighbors. You can connect with Linda at rydberg114@comcast.net. A Supportive Team of Sisters LINDA CHOUN RYDBERG '63 APPRECIATES HOW ALPHA CHI OMEGA PREPARED HER FOR A CAREER such a great and lasting memory for me," Elizabeth recalls. "It sticks with me to this day. It was such a life-shaping experience." Elizabeth is eager to attend Alpha Nu's centennial celebration next year. She plans to travel with a handful of sisters from St. Louis, Mo., who are all excited to see how the chapter has evolved since they were last there. Elizabeth works as a realtor and enjoys the variety each day brings through each client's unique needs. She has even been able to reconnect with old friends looking to move. For one friend who was due to have her baby soon, the stakes were high, but Elizabeth succeeded in helping find her forever home. "It was a huge relief to close on the property before her due date because they were living in her parents' basement after having recently relocated from out of town," Elizabeth said. "So, it was good to have a home for them to bring their new baby to." Elizabeth, her husband and her 11-month-old son, Graham, recently moved to Wildwood, Missouri, where her husband opened a State Farm agency. "We're excited to see what this next chapter holds," Elizabeth said. "A new home, a new job, a new baby and everything else that's coming down the pipeline." In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys practicing yoga. She also looks forward to getting back to traveling and volunteering once things settle down. You can connect with Elizabeth at elizabeth.sutton@cbgundaker.com. Can You Help Find Missing Composites? In preparation for our centennial celebration, we are looking for composites (which are either missing or damaged). If you have a composite from any of the following years, please mail it to Julie Erselius Abeln at 1284 Bluffview Ridge Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63005. Her phone number is (314) 973-6400. She will arrange to have it scanned and return it to you. Do you have a composite from any of the years listed below? All composites prior to 1964 1967-68 1970-71 1971-72 1972-73 1973-74 1974-75 1976-77 1977-78 1982-83 2007-08

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