Alpha Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Missouri
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/537976
Our Needs and Opportunities W hile the Alpha Mu experience is certainly more than the bricks and mortar of the chapter house, our home undoubtedly plays a significant role in the Theta experience. Built in 1939, it is the home where we learned the values we share as Thetas, and it is the place where lifelong memories and friendships are made. Just as the women who have lived there, the house has witnessed the march of time. The Mizzou Greek system remains strong, and in fall 2014 1,700 women chose to participate in formal recruitment. This desire to participate in Greek life has caused our membership to exceed 300 women. Our home serves as the residence for 84 women, but the Theta chapter house is also an on-campus haven for all of our collegiate members, including the 93 women from the 2014 new member class. Like any home, our house must keep up with the daily demands of its residents. PRESERVING OUR LEGACY The expansion of the chapter house in 1967 successfully addressed the facility needs at that time to accommodate the undergraduate membership. When updates in the early 2000s were needed, Alpha Mu alumnae responded generously—over $800,000 was committed to the project. The chapter house was remodeled, allowing Alpha Mu to remain competitive with other renovated houses at Mizzou. As with any home, the need for continual improvements is critical. In the last five years, the Facility Corporation Board has grown their surplus, paid off all remaining debt, and after an extensive planning process is excited to embark on a multi-phase renovation project. A TRADITIONAL HOME WITH COMPETITIVE EDGE Recently, other sororities at the University of Missouri have responded to their chapters' needs and increased competition within the Greek community by substantially investing and upgrading their facilities, including Alpha Delta Pi, Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Kappa and Sigma Sigma Sigma. In addition, numerous groups on campus have rebuilt or are planning to rebuild their facilities, including Chi Omega and Delta Gamma. In the face of this environmental and financial commitment of other chapters on campus, we cannot allow Theta to be left behind. Recognizing the opportunity to maintain the home we've all cherished, the Facility Corporation Board is excited to begin a remodel that will take 603 Kentucky into the next century. "Currently we do not even have enough beds to let an entire pledge class live in the house at one time. Expansion would allow members to live in with their pledge class and stay as upperclassmen as well. This would also help us remain competitive with other chapters during recruitment that have recently renovated or expanded. I loved the semesters I have spent living in house, but I have several sisters who will never get to experience those impromptu study breaks or late-night chats that make Theta that much more special." - Casey Gergen '11, Chapter President 3