Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

Lyre Notes Alpha Nu Chapter of ΑΧΩ at the University of Missouri Spring 2022 I t was a phenomenal weekend celebrating 100 years of Alpha Nu in April. Enjoying time with old friends and meeting sisters from the 1950s to collegians was truly a joy! Our home at 900 Richmond Avenue was bustling with visiting sisters—for many, the first time being back since graduating. All were quick to recall fond memories of living in the chapter house and to compare the décor and amenities of the house from their time to its current state. We heard many compliments about the beautiful improvements that have been made over the years. The original section of our chapter house was built in 1925, three years after the chapter was chartered. Alumnae have volunteered since the beginning to make sure it is a home away from home for our collegians. The house corporation board is a separate corporation from the chapter, per its organizational document: "The exclusive purpose and object of the corporation shall be to promote the pleasure, recreation and other nonprofit purposes and activities of its members and to assist worthy women in their pursuit of courses of study at the UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI in COLUMBIA, MISSOURI, by providing a comfortable, safe, adequate and attractive chapter house for the use of the members and guests of ALPHA NU Chapter of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity and to engage in any lawful business or activities related thereto." Over centennial weekend, several asked, "Who does all the upkeep to the house, and what does serving on the housing board entail?" The answer is that a lot of work goes into providing a comfortable, safe, adequate and attractive chapter house for our collegiate sisters, and those who do that work are committed and tireless. House corporation board members aren't always recognized for their efforts. Several current board members have served more than 30 years, and their detailed knowledge of every nook and cranny is irreplaceable. I thought it appropriate to ask a few current and former board members why they served; their answers are heartwarming! "I wanted to repay the chapter for all it gave to me." –Ginny Shellhorn Hermanson '90 "Serving on the housing corporation is a labor of love. I want the collegians to have the same experiences as I had when I was living in the house." –Karen Knoblauch Neylon '79 "I joined the house corporation board in 2014. It is one way of staying involved with the sorority that helped shape my future. Joining the house corporation was my way of showing appreciation, not only for what I gained as a member at Mizzou, but also for all the years of sisterhood since then." –Mary Ann Eggers Beahon '65 "I do it to honor those who came before me and helped me and to ensure that the future generations have the same opportunities that I had." –Bev Wood Nichols '75 (Bev has served on the board since she was chapter treasurer in 1976!) "I want to help preserve the legacy of our chapter house. Its unique Tudor style distinguishes it from the others. I have used my love of gardening to stay true to that style by creating an English garden feel within our landscaping." –Jeannine Bax Brickey '81 "I loved being able to help and participate in the future of the chapter." –Sue Taylor '80 (Sue is a former president of the board.) I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the chapter's wonderful house director, Gwen Larson, and all she did to prepare the facility for the centennial weekend. The collegiate and housing board members love her! Gwen has made 900 Richmond her permanent address, staying in the house year-round. If you were fortunate to meet Gwen, you witnessed firsthand the special gifts she brings to her role. She is the "hostess with the mostest" and her attention to detail is impeccable! Our beautiful Symphony, "…to appreciate every little service rendered; to appreciate all that is noble in another…" reminds us to be thankful. I'm forever grateful to all who have served on our house corporation board for your hard work, talents shared and time given, as well as those who have contributed financially these many years, allowing our sisters the opportunity to Seek the Heights! Loyally, Julie Erselius Abeln '84 President, Alpha Nu House Corporation Board House Corporation Board Members Dedicated to Providing Top-Notch Housing Experience for Alpha Nu 2011 1927 2022 See Centennial Weekend Coverage Inside

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