Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

Omicron Chapter Omicron Chapter Always Alpha Phi Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi P.O. Box 1001 Columbia, MO 65205-1001 Address Service Requested NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ZIP CODE 66044 PERMIT #570 Stay Connected to Omicron Omicron Chapter: http://omicron.alphaphi.org Alpha Phi International: www.AlphaPhi.org Omicron Chapter: alphaphi.mizzou@gmail.com f https://www.facebook.com/MizzouAPhi http://instagram.com/mizzoualphaphi l https://twitter.com/MizzouAlphaPhi t http://mizzoualphaphi.tumblr.com b http://mizzouaphi.blogspot.com 8 @ D iet Pepsi and popcorn. That's how Denise Blankenship Joyce '71 began her journey with Alpha Phi; one that has lasted well beyond her years at Mizzou. In her sophomore year, a friend began inviting her to the Alpha Phi house. She fondly recalls lots of laughter, fun, Diet Pepsi, and popcorn. She had no idea she was actually participating in informal recruitment until Omicron offered her a bid. She gladly accepted and always looked forward to going back each semester to the house full of lively girls who would become lifelong friends. Denise credits Alpha Phi with molding and preparing her for future successes. She gained confidence and valuable leadership skills, particularly during her time as chapter president, that helped her throughout her professional career. Following college, Denise had a successful journalism career. In 1973, she began working at the Houston Post in Houston, Texas. The following year, she moved to the Suburban Trib, which was an independent subsidiary of the Chicago Tribune. Although the Tribune closed the Suburban Trib in 1980, the newspaper absorbed most of its staff. Denise continued working for the Tribune in news and feature editing until February 2012. She felt very fortunate to have worked for a major metropolitan daily newspaper during the heyday of print journalism. One of the features that she worked on at the Tribune led to her to publish her book, Scared of Santa. Now retired, Denise continues to pursue her love of writing. She enjoys freelance writing and writes an occasional personal column for a local paper in her hometown, Hinsdale, Illinois. Denise has also been involved in many organizations that focus on feature editing, in particular the Association of Sunday and Feature Editors, where she served as president. Alpha Phi continues to be one of Denise's great loves. She's been a loyal donor and active alumna since graduation. When asked what inspires her to give back to Alpha Phi, she said, "I contribute for two main reasons: first, as a thank-you for what I was given as a member there. Second, because I want other young women to have a great experience. Not everyone will feel as connected as I did and still do, but I'm confident that right now some young women are forming lifelong connections in the same space and in much the same way that I did. That continuity feels special and worth preserving." Denise is still in contact with many of her Alpha Phi sisters, including her pledge daughter, Marcia Jones Lane '73, and had the recent pleasure of running into one of her role models, Elaine Mogelnicki Turski '69. She also stays connected to Omicron through her daughter, Amanda Joyce '99, who married Drew Dies in October 2011. Denise was thrilled to attend her daughter's initiation. Denise and her husband, Joe, enjoy camping, canoeing, hiking, and traveling. Their most recent trips include New York and Italy. With Joe still employed, she traveled to Paris, England, Wales and Scotland with other family members. In 2015, Joe and Denise are expecting two grandchildren, making them first-time grandparents. Drew and Amanda's baby is due in June and their son, Jonathan, and his wife, Nicole, are expecting their baby in August. Denise loves hearing from her sisters and can be contacted at djoyce435@mac.com. Diet Pepsi and Popcorn Denise Blankenship Joyce '71 Reflects on Her Commitment to Alpha Phi

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