Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

x W hen Shelley Pulliam Roither '85 went through recruitment at the University of Missouri, she experienced a bond among the women of Gamma Phi Beta that was unlike any she had seen. She wanted to experience that level of sisterhood and to have a home away from home. Shelley considered being a member of Alpha Delta a privilege and believes her experience played a significant role in who she is today. "Being surrounded by a group of strong, passionate women provided me with life lessons, too many to count. Learning to exist, thrive, and enjoy life in a house of 100 girls challenges you to be diplomatic, understanding, cooperative, contributory, forgiving, selfless—all of which have made me a better person along the way." After graduating with a degree in marketing and then earning a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri Law School, Shelley accepted a job offer with a St. Louis boutique law firm. During her 12 years there, she became an equity partner. One of the firm's clients was Enterprise Holdings Inc. When they were seeking to create an in-house employment 3 GAMMA PHI BETA I n 1894, when women were discouraged from attending college, four women chose to defy the obstacles placed by society and dedicated their lives to creating an organization with the mission to inspire the highest type of womanhood. More than 100 years later, as Audrey Walsworth '54 became the first woman to visit every country in the world, no founders could be more proud of Gamma Phi Beta achievements and how far womanhood has come. Audrey came to Columbia as a transfer from Marquette University. She met the women of Gamma Phi Beta and treasured the support she had from such a close group of friends during her time in college. "I was perfectly happy while I attended Mizzou. I made some wonderful friends and have lots of good memories." After graduation, Audrey worked in Chicago as editor for Continental Can Inc. on their house magazine, Inside Clearing #5. Audrey remained in the position for 18 months before she and her husband, Don, were married and she joined him in his hometown of Marceline, Missouri. She then served as alumnae editor for The Crescent magazine, an opportunity she came upon through the mentorship of Betty Haverfield '40, who later served as grand president. In 1969 Audrey went on her first international trip to Lithuania to learn about her family heritage. Her next international trip wasn't until 1980 when China had been opened for travel, and her passion to learn about different cultures was ignited. Since then, Audrey has traveled to all 321 countries and territories identified by the Travelers' Century Club. In contrast with the United Nations, which identifies 193 countries, the club accounts for differences in cultures in geographic areas, for a total of 321 places. When asked about her favorite place, Audrey has difficulty limiting her experiences to one top choice. "For a long time I couldn't name a favorite place and I still can't say if there is one place that I would rave about, because there are so many different elements to consider when you are traveling." All things considered, Audrey said she would choose Vietnam—for both the culture and scenery. "There are beautiful beaches, tribes in the north that still wear tribal clothing, but then are big cities like Hanoi and Saigon. There are two completely diverse systems both economically and physically." Although Audrey often travels alone, these days she most enjoys taking her seven grandchildren on trips with her. "I've been taking them every year for the past 12 years, our next trip will likely be on a safari," she said. This will be Audrey's fourth safari, but a first for three of the grandchildren, since she previously has taken the three oldest boys. "I never started out intending to do something like this, but each trip I took I found myself adding places that I wanted to go." Audrey and Don have three children, two of whom are also University of Missouri graduates. Don, who is a member of Delta Tau Delta, served as president of the Board of Curators and, through the years, the couple has donated $14 million to various Mizzou projects, the last being the Golf Center for the men's and women's golf teams. You can contact Audrey at audreywalsworth@hotmail.com. Alumna Becomes First Woman to Visit Every Country in the World The Adventures of Audrey Walsworth '54 Shelley Pulliam Roither '85 Encourages Alumnae to Reconnect with Alpha Delta (Continued on page 4)

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