Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

page 5 | University of Missouri Once an Alpha Chi Omega, always an Alpha Chi Omega. Involvement in the sisterhood doesn't stop when you graduate. As Lou Ann is retiring as co-editor of Lyre Notes, we would like to recognize her for her dedication to Alpha Nu and Alpha Chi. A lthough Lou Ann Pfeifer Wilcox '75 didn't realize it when she joined, the opportunities for leadership, friendship and service that Alpha Nu provided would be the motivation she needed to step out of her comfort zone. The encouragement and affirmation she received as a member inspired her to pass it on. "I thrived at AXΩ, and my sorority experience greatly influenced who I am today. Because of what I 'took' from Alpha Chi, I knew the right thing to do was to 'give back,'" she said. According to Lou Ann, one of the highlights of her time in the chapter was when her sister, Sue Pfeifer Carothers '77, joined Alpha Chi. She was eventually chapter president. "I have loved being able to share my Alpha Chi experience with her. In addition, I met women in the chapter who are still some of my closest friends." Lou Ann has volunteered for Alpha Chi in a variety of capacities since her graduation. On the national level, she served on the national nominating committee and in various regional roles. She recently co-chaired a task force recommending changes to Alpha Chi's policies and procedures to enhance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) during recruitment. She is also the head of a team that researches campuses where Alpha Chi may want to open a chapter. Serving Alpha Nu has been the most rewarding, she says. She served as recruitment advisor in the '80s, and again 2005-13, and is now the advisor to the vice president of public relations and marketing. "I have always enjoyed interacting with the collegians. Social media has allowed me to stay in touch with many of them through the years. Seeing them fulfill their dreams for their careers and personal lives is very gratifying." "My years on the House Corporation Board (2003- 15) were also some of my favorite times, as Alpha Nu embarked on its first-ever capital campaign and made significant upgrades to the chapter house by the end of my term as president," she recalls. "I cherish the friendships I made with the women on the board. We all were thrilled when the chapter had one of the most successful recruitments ever in the newly renovated house." She is most proud of her involvement in moving the chapter's parking lot from the corner of Rollins and Fifth Street to its present location behind the Gamma Phi Beta house. Members can now park closer to the chapter house, which resolved safety issues. She is grateful to Karen Knoblauch Neylon '79 and Tootie Grone Burns '86 for their roles in the success of the project. Although Lou Ann was a broadcast journalism major, she spent most of her career in communications, public relations and marketing. Her first job after graduation was as an editor for a national magazine in the decorating industry, and her last job was as editor of a St. Louis lifestyle magazine. In between, she spent 10 years as the public relations director for a national sports magazine and more than 20 years handling communications and branding for three large law firms in St. Louis. Lou Ann met her husband, Tom, through a blind date arranged by Caren Levick Squitieri '75, and they have been together for 32 years. He has always been supportive of her Alpha Chi roles. He had four young children when they met, and she had the privilege of being a part of their growing up. They now have four grandchildren. She and Tom love to entertain in their home and travel. In her spare time, Lou Ann enjoys playing tennis and golf, practicing yoga and watching sports events. She also likes to read and serves on the boards of several nonprofits. She resides in St. Louis. You can connect with her at lou.ann.wilcox@sbcglobal.net. Not Four Years, But for Life Lou A Pfeifer Wilcox '75 Remains Coied to Alpha Chi Omega Lou Ann and Sue at the 2016 AXΩ National Convention A lpha Nu joined Alpha Chi Omega sisters across the country to celebrate Healthy Relationships Week Feb. 12-18. Chapter members spent the week cherishing the friendships made within Alpha Nu and through out the PHA community. Collegians sent gifts and wrote letters to other organizations within Mizzou's PHA, MGC and NPHC councils. Showing Some Love Alpha Nu Celebrates Healthy Relationship Week in February Sedona Pearson '22 writes a letter during Healthy Relationships Week.

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