Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

2 REMEMBERING NANCY MANRING HOLMAN '80 DEVOTED SISTER WAS MICHAELANEAN AWARD RECIPIENT Surely there are few groups of Omicrons who have more fun and long-standing traditions than the Columbia-area alumnae. More than 20 years ago, Paula Jones Brown '78 and Karen King Mitchell '78 decided to start a monthly breakfast get-together, and it's still going strong today. Sisters from as far as Lake of the Ozarks and St. Louis have met up over the years, and, this past summer, they held their first breakfast in the dining room of the new chapter house. They have plans to host future gatherings, such as their annual holiday gift exchange, in the Alumnae Lounge where they can enjoy this welcoming room of the house. Another long-standing tradition is holiday decorating at the chapter house, which started an amazing 18 years ago. Paula, Jeri Tinsley Hofen '78, and Janice Jones Nelson '75 took it upon themselves to add some holiday cheer to the chapter and began putting up a Christmas tree, lights, and a menorah; they have followed through each year since. It's a great opportunity for the sisters to get together (usually in matching PJs!) and share their love for Alpha Phi with the collegians. They will continue the tradition this November when they decorate the house to bring cheer to the new 906! The Columbia-area ladies have also generously donated their time to support HCB and the chapter and their events over the years—from the simple things like being available for deliveries at the house and conducting house tours to handling the registration processes for both the Centennial Celebration and the Ribbon Cutting events. While they are never the type to look for the spotlight, they deserve a lot of credit for making sure things go smoothly—sometimes on a moment's notice—when other advisers and volunteers cannot be present. What's the secret to their longevity? "On Bid Day, we became sisters, quickly grew as friends, and the tradition remains today. We have grown and our lives have changed, but the commitment to our sisters and 906 hasn't changed. Plus, we have fun!" Paula said. Our beloved sister, Nancy Manring Holman '80, entered the Silent Chapter on January 17, 2023. The fifth of eight children, Nancy grew up in Albany, Missouri, and graduated from Mizzou in 1982 with a degree in counseling and educational psychology. She went on to have a long career with State Farm in Columbia and, for a short time, in Bloomington, Illinois, where she started an Alpha Phi alumnae chapter. Nancy was a dedicated volunteer for Omicron for decades and held a series of financial roles, including Finance Adviser both before and after the chapter's recolonization in 1998-99. She implemented the difficult project of moving the chapter to Billhighway, the financial tracking system used by Alpha Phi International. Nancy also served as HCB President in the 1990s. Her dedication was evident through her leadership during Omicron's Centennial Celebration in 2010, where she led the registration process and the group of local volunteers who served on the committee. The event was executed with near flawlessness, thanks to Nancy's skill and organization. She supported the registration committee for last year's Ribbon Cutting Weekend, as well. Nancy was recognized by Alpha Phi International in 2014 with the prestigious Michaelanean Award, which is given to local volunteers who show outstanding dedication and loyalty to Alpha Phi. A devoted sports fan, Nancy loved cheering on Mizzou, the Chiefs, and the Royals. In 2012, Nancy had the pleasure of watching her daughter, Abby Holman '12, pledge Alpha Phi at Mizzou; her example of service was surely realized as Abby also became an involved collegiate member of Omicron. Carla Zimmerschied Hunter '82 credits Nancy's dedication to Alpha Phi as the reason she volunteered for the chapter upon moving to Columbia in 2005. Nancy, a huge lover of music, also brought Carla to her first Jimmy Buffett concert, converting her into a Parrothead. "It's a memory I'll always cherish," Carla said. Nancy was highly engaged in the Columbia-area alumnae group, regularly attending the monthly breakfast and get-togethers for years. She will be missed for her friendship, frankness, and character; she always did the right thing—for herself, for her family, and for Alpha Phi. Sabrina Graham, ΔX '78, Janice Jones Nelson '75, Sherri Jacobs Redmon '80, Jeri Tinsley Hofen '78, Paula Jones Brown '78, and Donna Westhoff '79 at breakfast in August 2023. Karen King Mitchell '78, Nancy Manring Holman '80, Chris Schulte Beck '80, Cathie Shook Loesing '79, Katie Hendley Wood '80, Lee Lamm Smith '78, Jeri Tinsley Hofen '78, Janice Jones Nelson '75, and Paula Jones Brown '78. COLUMBIA ALUMNAE KEEP SISTERHOOD AND TRADITIONS ALIVE IVY LEAVES S P R I N G I V Y L E A V E S F A L L I V Y

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