Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Missouri • Fall 2014 Alpha Nu Wins Top National Award for House Renovation Support Still Needed to Complete Transformation T he spotlight shone brightly on Alpha Nu at the ACW National Convention in Palm Desert, California, in July when the chapter was recognized five times within the four-day gathering of more than 1,000 Alpha Chis. Chapter President Gina Olsen '12, VP Finance Candice Mohapp '13, Chapter Advisor Jessi Meredith '03, Financial Advisor Krystin Cooper '87, and House Corporation President Lou Ann Wilcox '75 returned with a trove of beautiful awards to display at the chapter house. CHAPTER RECOGNIZED FIVE TIMES Alpha Nu won the coveted Major Renovation of the Year award for the remodeling of the first floor and lower level. The chapter also was recognized as one of three chapters with a renovation of more than $1 million. The House Corporation received a gold certification, which is the highest level, in the House Corporation Certification and Recognition Program. The program promotes adoption of best practices through a rating system for house corporation boards covering organizational policies, implementation of sound business strategies, and providing safe and attractive living-learning facilities. Key areas are alumnae relations, financial stability, board governance, property performance, campus/community relations, and risk management. Only 19 ACW house corporation boards received a gold certification. In addition, Alpha Nu received a $5,000 Keystone Grant from National Headquarters, which was used to help pay for a new lock system at the chapter house. Thanks to HCB Treasurer Karen Neylon '79 for writing and submitting the grant application. The ACW Keystone Grant distributes $10,000 annually to local house corporations. The criteria for awarding grants is based on financial need of the local house corporation, positive impact on the collegiate chapter, and urgency and timeliness of the project. Finally, Alpha Nu was lauded and listed among the most generous chapters contribuing to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation's For Now - Forever campaign. RENOVATION OF TWO BATHROOMS HIGHLIGHTS SUMMER 2014 WORK The House Corporation continues to make improvements to the chapter house following the 2013 renovation of the first floor and lower level. Recent highlights include the complete remodeling of the north bathrooms on the second and third floors. The new bathrooms feature private dressing areas outside of the showers and a retro décor. Other updates include the installation of a new lock system that incorporates a fingerprint scan for the front, kitchen and south side lower level doors. This computer-operated system upgrades the security of the chapter house. Other improvements were a new, brighter lyre light for the outside of the house, eight new mattresses, moving the members' mailboxes to the lower level to provide more space and better traffic flow, and a new refrigerator with indoor icemakers in the kitchenette area of the dining room. Artwork, accessories, and floral arrangements for the first floor and lower level were added, as well as wallpaper and accessories in the first floor powder room (more to come), and new vanity, accessories, and artwork for the lower- level powder room. Carbon monoxide monitors were installed throughout the house and the joint chapter/house corporation green committee arranged for an energy audit of the chapter house. Numerous green initiatives will be considered throughout the year. ONLY $10,000 NEEDED TO MEET CAMPAIGN GOAL The Seeking New Heights for Alpha Nu capital campaign is about $10,000 short of the $500,000 goal established two years ago. Since we are so close to achieving our goal, we have decided to extend the campaign to December 31. The campaign board will be contacting alumnae this fall as the campaign draws to a close in hope of raising additional funds and increasing participation. The generosity and enthusiasm of our alumnae have been gratifying. The chapter house has been transformed, and the pride and confidence of the members have increased. The result has been enhanced recruitments, more members spending time at 900 Richmond, and a deeper sisterhood. In addition, dozens of alumnae have reconnected through the process. To date, about 14 percent of our sisters have participated in the campaign. Typical participation is between 22 and 25 percent. To those who have donated, we thank you. Your generosity has made our Columbia home more beautiful and safe, and reinergized the chapter. If you have not yet donated, we hope you will do so. Contributions of any amount make a difference. We have enclosed a donor form for your convenience or visit http:// alphanu.kintera.org/campaign and make your contribution today. Thank you for your support! Lou Ann Pfeifer Wilcox '75 Deirdre K. Hirner '73 Campaign Co-Chairs Upgraded bathrooms feature dressing areas outside of the shower and retro décor. Our House Corporation accepts the Major Renovation of the Year Award at convention. Join Your Sisters on Our Donor List! Donate now at http://alphanu.kintera.org/ campaign.

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