Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi at the University of Missouri
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1488033
6 KICKING OFF PHASE II THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR OUR CHAPTER HOUSE Our collegiate sisters just moved into the new house at 906 S. Providence in August, and it already feels like home. This house represents more than somewhere to eat and sleep—it's a place where Omicron women host our most important events and milestones throughout the year, from Bid Day and Initiation to chapter meetings, philanthropy fundraisers, and Mom's and Dad's Weekends. For the first time since the original house was demolished in May 2021, Alpha Phi no longer needs to rent space on campus to be together. Thanks in large part to the tremendous support of our alumnae who contributed to the Sisterhood Begins at Home campaign, Omicron now has the space we need to welcome everyone. Now that construction is complete and more than 80 Alpha Phis are living in the house, Omicron's House Corporation Board is focusing on the next phase of this project, including: • Identifying and scheduling general maintenance of the facility. One of our key priorities is ensuring our sisters feel and are safe, so we are investing in a state-of-the-art security system. Additionally, because the house is large and takes a considerable amount of time to clean, we recognize the need for housekeeping efficiencies, such as hiring additional staff and purchasing an industrial floor cleaner. • Creating a comprehensive design plan to finish furnishing the house. While we have incorporated most of the furniture from the old house into the new, there are still several spaces that are incomplete. Julie Walberg Riggin '01 of Colorado-based Julie Kay Design Studio is developing a plan to complete these spaces—including two study areas, two student lounges, the alumnae lounge, and an outdoor patio— as well as install window coverings for privacy, replace some dated bedroom furniture, and enhance the house's overall interior. The women who live in the house have provided helpful, ongoing feedback about how they're using the rooms to inform our plan. • Completing the entire lower level. We had planned to finish and furnish the basement during the first phase of this project, but timing, supply chain issues, and budget prevented it. As we continue raising funds, we are also developing a strategy to bring the lower level to life, ultimately including a guest bedroom, executive council suite, exercise room, and craft center to serve the needs of collegiate members and chapter leadership. Please remember that even though the house is built, the Sisterhood Begins at Home campaign continues—and the HCB stills need your support to fully realize this vision. Lastly, during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony weekend in October, the HCB was thrilled to welcome more than 350 sisters into the new house and share our plans for the future. We couldn't achieve any of this without our committee volunteers, and we thank them tremendously for their vision and hard work. Loyally, Amy Jordan '87 House Corporation Board President "The house is even better than I imagined. Walking in for the first time, I was overcome with emotion." –Kelly Brenner '19, Chapter President Julie Walberg Riggin '01 Visiting Columbia and hope to see the house? Local Columbia alumnae are available for house tours upon request. Please reach out to Jennifer McNay '94 at j_mcnay@yahoo.com to schedule a time to visit the new 906. (Please note that if you go to the house without scheduling a tour in advance, you may not be able to access the house due to security and student/tour guide availability.) Anna de Marco '21 leads a house tour during the Ribbon Cutting event. WANT A HOUSE TOUR? UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION Be sure you stay up-to-date with all things Omicron Chapter. Are you getting our email blasts? If not, or if you've moved recently, let us know your updated contact information by filling out the form at tinyurl.com/apomicronupdate, or scan the QR code to the right to access our update form. Thank you for staying connected!