Kappa Alpha Theta - University of Missouri

10.75" THE THETA UPDATE 2 H H ere at Alpha Mu, we continually strive for success by supporting our members to become confident, successful, leading women. For many of our members, this means holding leadership positions on campus and being recognized in prestigious groups such as Summer Welcome, Tour Team, and Mizzou '39. Many members were also recognized on Tap Day. We have women involved in Homecoming Steering Committee, Greek Week, Dance Marathon, Caring for Columbia, and many other organizations. A few Thetas have even started their own campus organizations! Other Thetas find success through jobs and internships in their chosen fields or through volunteering for a cause they're passionate about, including our beloved CASA. THETA REMAINS FIRST IN ACADEMICS In addition to demonstrating strong leadership, we also pride ourselves on our pursuit of highest scholarship. In spring 2015, Thetas again placed first in grades achieving a 3.44 average. 14% of our chapter (42 women) achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs and another 55% (164 women) earned a 3.5 or higher GPA. We are so proud to continue the tradition of excellence started by the Thetas that came before us, as well as to pass it on to those that are yet to come through the doors of 603 Kentucky! THE FUTURE OF ALPHA MU Showing off the beautiful changes to our home was another source of pride during this year's recruitment. We were amazed when we returned to the house in August and saw the renovations for the first time. Jaws dropped, and there were even a few tears shed. The time, care, and contributions keeping our home beautiful only makes us love it more. We hope to see you all this fall, so we can share our excitement with each of you! Loyally in Theta, Mariah Mathews '12, Chief Executive Officer mjmdp2@mail.missouri.edu Theta Continues to Prosper at Mizzou Members Stay Involved with the Chapter and on Campus Maggie Castillo '14, Malinda Foster '14, Shale Perconti '14, Abby Mennemeyer '14, Meghan Lally '14, Emily Sayre '14, and Jessica Van Eschen '14 before participating in the Color Run. Krista Gemelich '12 and Laurel Kasten '12 at the Today show. Executive team members Maraget Wendell '12, Maddie McMillian '13, Kelsey Ethington '13, Mariah Mathews '12, Haley Schemmer '13, Laurel Kasten '12, Rachel Jackson '13, and Sarah Gillespie '13. F or Rebecca Dunn '10, recruitment was a positive experience. Each chapter treated her with such kindness, but Alpha Mu stood out to her. "The women of Kappa Alpha Theta at Mizzou were more than kind—they were smart, driven, and inspiring," Rebecca says. "Every woman I met didn't want to just survive through life, they wanted to thrive. That's why I chose Theta." As Miss Missouri USA 2015, she has taken skills and lessons cultivated in Theta to touch lives across the state. She's been able to advocate for charities, support social causes, and meet incredible people. "Every experience is exciting and unique in its own way," Rebecca says. "One of my favorite things about having this title is being able to meet new people and hear their story. I love to learn where people come from and what they're passionate about." During her time at Alpha Mu, Rebecca held two positions, as Editor and the Vice President of Education. Rebecca felt so fortunate to be VPE because she got to know over 80 new sisters, while witnessing them fall in love with an organization that meant so much to her. "For me, the word 'sisterhood' has become even more evident after college," Rebecca says. "We're forever connected, and I feel so blessed and lucky because of that." She is constantly inspired and grateful for her sisters. Leanne Mathew '10 was her housemate and was with her every step of preparation for Miss USA; Nicole Minardi '10 just returned from teaching in Korea; and Kirsten Moen '10 has started her own bridal design business, Kirsten Paige, and made Rebecca a custom gown for Miss USA. Thetas Nicole Minardi '10, Sally McVey '06, Laura Eisenbeis '06, and Rebecca's sister Brianna Dunn Moss '06 were a part of a group of nearly 40 family members and friends who made the trip to Baton Rouge to see Rebecca compete in the national pageant. "Keeping in touch and fostering the relationships I've built through Theta has brought such joy to me," Rebecca says. Miss Missouri USA Treasures Theta Sisters Alpha Mu Gave Rebecca Dunn '10 the Tools to Confidently Succeed (Continued on page 4)

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