Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

W here did the summer go? At the Alpha Phi house, this summer was spent renovating the living room and moving the computers and printer into the mail room to make a bright colorful space where our collegians can work. The living room has new furnishings and drapes to update its look. We always work to keep our house competitive with the others on campus, several of which have gone through multi-million-dollar renovations. House Corporation Retreat Brings Focus Did you know Omicron has the best house corporation board in the world? And they are great bowlers too! This summer, the board gathered in Columbia for a two-day retreat with a focus on enriching our board skills to better serve Omicron. We were led by Val Lawlor '71, who leads board retreats and development as her profession. Our discussions focused on duties as board members and our fiduciary responsibility to the chapter and Alpha Phi International. We set goals, tweaked our committee structure, and set our budget for the next year. Then we took a break! Everyone had a goodie bag that included a ridiculously bright pair of socks, perfect for our after-dinner surprise—bowling at Lazer Lanes. Passing the Reins I've had the pleasure of being our house corporation president for the last five years—what a wonderful journey. During that time, Omicron turned 100 with a rousing celebration, we repurposed the formal living room into a library, bedroom furniture from the 1950s was replaced, and we installed sprinklers and security cameras. All of the rooms in the house were updated, with the exception of the kitchen, which I know you will generously support as we begin the project next summer. In August, I turned the president's gavel over to Kate Hendley Wood '80. Kate has served the house corporation as treasurer for two years, providing for a seamless transition to her new responsibilities. Kate also served as chapter president while an undergraduate. Please join me in congratulating her on this new role. We could not be in better hands. I'm looking forward to continuing on the board, helping where needed and working on the upcoming kitchen project. It's been my pleasure to serve, and I look forward to supporting Alpha Phi in any way I can. AOE, Marcia Jones Lane '73 Past President AF House Corporation alphaphi2010@aol.com Omicron Chapter Always Alpha Phi Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Fall 2014 Summer Renovations Completed and New Goals Set Amidst planning for the coming year, members of the house corporation board, Debbie Fischer Shanahan '81, Kate Hendley Wood '80, Andrea Hoemeyer Wilt '79, and Val Lawlor '71, enjoyed a little break at Lazer Lanes during the board retreat. In August, Kate Hendley Wood '80 moved from the treasurer position to become president of Omicron House Corporation. E ach summer I have the pleasure of spending a long weekend with some of my sorority sisters. There are eight of us spread across the country, and while kids, work, and other obligations vie for our attention, we try to make this yearly trip a priority. This year, while reminiscing about college, I was asked why I'm still involved in Alpha Phi. Sure, we all had a blast at Mizzou and Omicron led us to each other; but hadn't I already received what I was supposed to from Alpha Phi? College was a long time ago. So why am I still involved? As chapter advisor, I work closely with the undergraduates. Watching them grow from overwhelmed new members, to chapter leaders, and later to college graduates who will conquer the world is gratifying. They're hard-working, smart women finding their footing as they prepare to set out in the world. They are silly and fun girls who love to laugh, dress up, and be goofy. They are beautiful and strong ladies. And, above all, they are sisters. They are just like my own pledge class and the classes before us. I'm still involved because Alpha Phi made me the woman I am today. Leadership opportunities increased my self-confidence. Chapter meetings helped me hone my public speaking skills. Several hundred sisters gave me a new-found ability to empathize. Competing in Homecoming and Greek Week taught me teamwork. And living with 73 women taught me patience and the ability to sleep through anything. The reason I had a life-changing experience during college was there were women who gave their time, energy, and sanity to keep this wonderful institution alive and thriving. People often ask why I volunteer. It's simple, I want to make sure Alpha Phi is here to help develop girls into amazing women for the next 100 years. If alumnae hadn't volunteered during my time, Omicron might not exist, and thus, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. To reach Carrie; e-mail her at carrie.mizzouaphi@gmail.com. Why I'm Still Here—Chapter Advisor Carrie Moreland Reid '01

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