Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi 5 While house corporation members were cleaning and organizing this summer, they came across a beautiful sterling punch bowl ladle. Upon inspecting the engraving on the back side of the handle, they realized it was a gift of the 1912 pledge class (their initials are engraved on the back of the handle). Pledge classes were much smaller back then; they had nine that year. This dear treasure of Omicron's history is now on display in the library—an inspiration to this year's 92 New Members! Thank you, Abby Holman '12, for the photographs. House Mom Reflects on Changes in Greek Town, Role in Sorority By Mary Gordon Achor '64 Excerpts reprinted from the Missourian's From Readers section on March 20, 2014. O n March 21, 1964, I was initiated into Alpha Phi, Omicron Chapter, here in Columbia on the Mizzou campus. Fifty years! Who would have dreamed that it would fly by so swiftly? And today, I find myself as the "house mom" for my same chapter, same house. Some things are very different. I need a map to find my way around campus, what with all the new structures. In the Alpha Phi house, the room that was my pledge mom's (as we called them then) is now a lounge. It was where we learned that President Kennedy had been shot; when I again walked in, all the hair on my arms stood up, and all the grief rushed back in. Such things do not change. We now have a full-blown dance troupe with intricately choreographed routines; our old dance group consisted of me and three friends. What has not changed is the joy, and the love, and the support of one Sister for another. I sit in the dining hall with a silly grin on my face, as I listen to the laughter and the chat, and let it fill me with energy. Ostensibly, my task is to make sure the house stays standing, as efficiently as I am able to do so, and to supervise the food service. More than that, however, my job is to support my young Sisters, and to be sure they know how proud of them I am, of all their hard work, of all they accomplish. As I say all the time, "You are a good woman." And they are. B eing raised with three brothers, Barbara Taylor Riepl '60 was thrilled to have a house full of sisters when she joined Omicron at Mizzou. She made the most of her experience, fully embracing her time as an undergraduate. "I'm grateful for the leadership opportunities Alpha Phi gave me, both in the house and on campus. Alpha Phi made me who I am today. Without Omicron I would not have had such a rich college experience. The parties, formals, working on Homecoming decorations, and being in the house with the other women sharing experiences gave me an expanded college experience." Barbara's involvement didn't end at graduation. As an alumna she gave back to Alpha Phi, serving as a District Governor. She continued to pursue her Alpha Phi friendships, finding a group of women who she could count on well beyond the college years. "I had the opportunity to get involved through Alpha Phi and the Sorority gave me a great deal. Now I have an opportunity to give back." Barbara is a special Alpha Phi sister who continues to inspire alumnae in her home city of St. Louis and beyond. As Jayne Gebauer Kasten '59, Barbara's pledge mom, puts it, "Barbara was the epitome of an outstanding Omicron Alpha Phi. Scholastically, she excelled; in chapter and campus leadership, she was involved in activities that were significant; and personally, she was admired, respected, and loved by her chapter sisters. As my pledge daughter, roommate, and maid of honor, she is truly a friend that has made Alpha Phi my lifetime joy!" This Shining Alpha Phi Inspires Others

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