Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

3 Alpha Chi Omega M ichelle Corcoran Baumstark '95 knew very little about Greek life prior to starting school, but quickly realized that joining a sorority was something she wanted to do. She decided to join Alpha Chi Omega as a sophomore and embarked on an experience where she formed lifelong friendships, grew as a person and developed leadership qualities. "Everything I experienced with Alpha Chi Omega met and exceeded my hopes and expectations," Michelle explains. She reflects on her Alpha Nu experience with fond memories of recruitment week, Bid Day, late-night study sessions and attending special events with her sisters. She remembers a National Lampoon-like road trip with her sisters to celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square and painting, pomping, and costume making to earn Alpha Nu a Greek Week victory. Among all of the fun moments with sisters, Michelle discovered what it truly means to be an Alpha Chi Omega. Michelle recently found a note that she wrote to her college self as part of a Hall of Commitment ceremony. The note reads, "I think one of the best things that could have happened to me was Alpha Chi Omega choosing me and me choosing Alpha Chi." Michelle shares that the sentiments continue to ring true today. She is still grateful for the values of strong friendships, confidence, leadership, and self-worth that she acquired through her membership in Alpha Nu. "Being an Alpha Chi is more than just wearing your letters and being part of chapter activities. It's about finding a place that makes you feel comfortable, about finding kindred spirits and keeping them close to you for a lifetime." Michelle has continued her ACW friendships throughout her adult life—she and her sisters have been a part of one another's significant life events since college. She shares that Alpha Nu sisters were bridesmaids in her wedding and present when her children were born. They still take vacations together, attend events for each other's children and make time to hang out. "We still have many more years of laughs, adventures and funny stories to tell and that's pretty special!" Michelle says. She encourages other sisters to do all they can to keep in contact with sisters after graduation, as it keeps the Alpha Nu support system intact. "Being an Alpha Chi is about sharing a common bond with other women who genuinely want you to be the best you can be. Continuing those positive and influential relationships helps remind you of the goals and values Alpha Chi cultivated in you as a young adult." Alpha Chi Omega has provided Michelle with much of the support and encouragement necessary for professional success. As director of community relations for Columbia Public Schools, Michelle has combined the two professions she always wanted to be as a little girl—a teacher and a reporter. Michelle and her husband of 15 years, Frank, have two daughters, Tierney (10) and Emma (7). They reside in Columbia, Mo. You can contact Michelle at mbaumstark@cpsk12.org. A Sister for Life Michelle Corcoran Baumstark '95 Reflects Upon What It Means to Be an Alpha Chi Michelle Corcoran Baumstark '95 and her sisters celebrate Bid Day 1997. I t is with great joy and fervent excitement that I have the opportunity to connect with you through this addition of Lyre Notes. The women of the Alpha Nu Chapter have demonstrated extraordinary work in recent months and I cannot help but boast of my sisters' many accomplishments. We began the school year with an outstanding recruitment week, followed by the arrival of 84 brilliant, passionate women to our sisterhood. On behalf of all members, I want to cordially welcome these shining lights to our chapter. We are counting down the days to their initiation on October 17. Here's to the incredible Alpha Chi journey that lies ahead for our newest members! I am also thrilled to report that we enjoyed another year of academic excellence. Our women posted an average GPA of 3.39, continuing our trend of increasing academic success across recent semesters. Two members, Olivia Cunio '12 and Abigail Danielson '14, were also honored with the "Greek Geek" award for outstanding academic performance among PHA women. Congratulations to all on another successful semester—well done! We are thrilled to move forward into yet another academic year, with an abundance of great activities on the horizon. From school to service to spirit, our sisters are sure to shine brightly in this community. We will continue to support True North, holding our Desserts and Pies with Alpha Chis event on October 15. I am confident we will see great support of this event, which raised more than $10,000 last year. We would love nothing more than for you to share in some of these wonderful things with us! On behalf of the chapter, I want to warmly invite you to visit the chapter house any time you are in Columbia for a football game or just for a visit. Until then, we wish you all the best in everything you do! Loyally, Candice Mohapp '13 Chapter President cnmvy@mail.missouri.edu (314) 520-7840 Undergraduate Sisters Embark on Another Successful School Year Hannah Marcolla '14, Sarah Leick '13, and Kat Cua '14 throw what they know before day three of recruitment. Alpha Chi Omega lifeguards show potential new members our beautiful home during recruitment week.

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