Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

D on't you just love the word reunion? That one word takes you back to wonderful Alpha Phi memories. We all look forward to reuniting with our sisters. Well, the weekend of September 27-28 was a joyful reunion of Alpha Phi sisters in Columbia. Over 100 alumnae reconnected at the planned dinners and mixers held at local favorites, including Harpo's, Shakespeare's Pizza, The Heidelberg, and Sparky's Ice Cream, which featured their newest flavor, Phi-licious Fudge! Saturday featured a brunch in the dining room along with tours of the house highlighting the newly redecorated rooms. A specialty Alpha Phi Boutique was set up for shopping in the living room. Alpha Phis cheered together for the Tigers at the MU football game later that evening. Thanks to the House Corporation Board Alumnae Relations Committee headed by Carla Zimmerschied Hunter '82 for planning this fun fall get-together. Summer at Alpha Phi is always busy as we tackle projects to keep Omicron's chapter house up to date and competitive with the other sororities. This summer's project is the living room. It is a well-used and loved room, but after 15 years the time has come for a facelift. So next fall when you are in Columbia, check out the new, younger and fresher look! As always, thank you for your continued support of Omicron. AOE, Marcia Jones Lane '73 President AF House Corporation Board alphaphi2010@aol.com Omicron Chapter Omicron Chapter Always Alpha Phi Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Spring 2014 Alumnae Weekend a Success Living Room Update Planned for this Summer Sisters stopped by to sample the Phi-licious Fudge ice cream specially made by Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream just for AF's September 2013 reunion. From left: Carla Zimmerschied Hunter '82, Robin Richart Beck '81, Nancy Theissen Peters '82, Andy (Sparky's ice cream maker), Mary Reardon '81, and Linda Dieckhaus Mayer '81. C arla Zimmerschied Hunter '82 credits AF at Mizzou for preparing her for a life of strong friendships, a multi-faceted career, and the pleasure of serving her sorority. Before going through re- cruitment her sophomore year, Carla already knew Alpha Phis, so her decision to pledge was easy. She im- mediately connected with her sisters and created strong bonds. "I felt pride because of the quality of the women in the chapter and appreci- ated the opportunity to spend time with them." Her pride and dedication grew over the years as she served as Pledge Class President and Corre- sponding Secretary. The leadership and communication skills that Carla learned as a collegian in AF impacted her career path. Serving as the office manager for a family-owned business, she wears many hats including marketing, accounting, payroll, and social media. Carla says, "I can't imagine who I'd be without my experiences as an Alpha Phi." Carla notes the positive influence of Val Lawlor '71 greatly helped with recruitment during her senior year. "I was impressed by how much she cared about Omicron's success." Today, Carla models that same dedication for active sisters. She has spent a lot of time at Omicron and is pleased with the changes over the years. "Today, women face new challenges and have exciting opportunities. Omicron offers sisters resources and support to succeed at Mizzou and in their lives after graduation," she notes. She has enjoyed working with the scholarship directors and chapter advisors who are dedi- cated to helping sisters succeed academically. Six years ago, she joined the house corporation board and became involved with food services. For the past two years, Carla has served as the Alumnae Relations Chairman and enjoys visit- ing with many Omicrons and planning events like last September's reunion. Carla's commitment to service is an excellent example for all Alpha Phis, and she encourages others to serve AF too. "You never know where it might lead you. It's a wonderful way to meet and work with an outstanding group of women." Because of the lifelong opportunities the sorority provides, Carla feels it is important to support Alpha Phi financially as well. Belonging to Alpha Phi enabled her to form enduring bonds with sisters, learn lifelong skills from leadership roles, and develop a heart for philanthropy. Giving back to back to Omicron is vital so that future sisters will have similar opportunities. Love of ALphA phi inSpireS ALumnA to Give BACk to omiCron (Continued on page 2)

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