Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

2 Lyre Notes A fter meeting members of Alpha Chi Omega, Melissa Newman Anderson '74 knew Alpha Nu was the right fit. She genuinely liked the women and felt comfortable and welcome at the chapter house. Their candid excitement about the new member class influenced her decision to join them, too. Melissa took great pride in the chapter. "Every year our chapter grew stronger and enjoyed a great reputation," Melissa said. "We were among the most active chapters in campus activities and members held numerous leadership positions." Many members also worked to pass along leadership roles at Alpha Nu. "I'm still proud of our successes in that arena," she stated. Melissa still cherishes many fond memories from her time at Alpha Nu. "The ones I value the most are the celebrations of our sisters' successes," she explained. Melissa stays connected to the chapter as a member of the House Corporation Board and feels fortunate for the opportunity to still be involved. "I'm so proud of Alpha Nu. Our chapter is full of bright, personable and strong young women," she shared. Melissa also has a cousin, Gracie Wiberg '13, who is a member of Alpha Nu and helps keep her in the loop. Melissa is still in touch with several sisters from her era and is incredibly blessed by their lifelong friendship. Living with a large number of women with different backgrounds taught Melissa patience, flexibility and the ability to disagree with someone while still maintaining mutual respect. "My Alpha Chi experience definitely helped shape my life," she said. "Alpha Chi was the vehicle that helped me gain confidence in myself and that confidence manifested itself in the leadership positions I held in various campus activities." These activities included Homecoming, Greek Week and Alumni Association Student Board. Melissa also noted that having a sense of humor, being able to laugh and not sweat the small stuff were valuable lessons learned during her time as an active member at Alpha Nu. "I believe Alpha Nu currently is well-represented on campus and our alumnae should take great pride in their accomplishments," she stated. "I'm hoping our chapter will enjoy more alumnae interaction and support—both will benefit in so many ways." Melissa met her husband, Kim Anderson, who is the Mizzou men's basketball head coach, while they were in college and they married shortly after graduation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1977 and, along with her five siblings, owns Mr. LongArm Inc., a telescoping poles and accessories manufacturing company started by her parents in 1958. Melissa and Kim live in Columbia, Mo., and they have two sons: Ryan (26), who lives in Fargo, N.D., and is an assistant sports media relations director at North Dakota State University, and Brett (24), who is one of Kim's graduate assistants for the Mizzou men's basketball team. Although the busy Mizzou men's basketball schedule keeps Melissa extremely occupied, she still manages to find time to be on the advisory board for the local Boys and Girls Club, which she loves. Melissa is also a member of PEO and King's Daughters, and she is a huge KC Royals, Chiefs and Sporting Kansas City fan. "My family lives and breathes sports!" In her spare time, Melissa enjoys reading, gardening, riding bikes and water sports. Melissa can be reached at and4@embarqmail.com. Alpha Chi Omega Taught Melissa Newman Anderson '74 Invaluable Life Lessons Lifelong Friendships Created through Ties to Alpha Nu Melissa Newman Anderson '74 and Lynn Badalamenti Ratkey '74. I n search of a sense of belonging to something bigger than herself at a large university, Megan Schaeperkoetter Jahnsen '04 was inspired to join Alpha Chi Omega during her freshman year. Following in her sister's footsteps, Molly Schaeperkoetter Steinbeck '06 also found a second home at Alpha Chi Omega. Megan and Molly made many awesome friends, created wonderful memories, and cherish their time as active members. "I have always been so proud of the amazing accomplishments Alpha Nu made while I was a collegiate member," Molly said. Megan noted her delight when her younger sister followed her lead and joined Alpha Nu chapter. "The support and friendships made me stay part of the sisterhood," Megan said. Looking back, Molly recalls what an amazing friend and role model Lou Ann Wilcox '75 has been to her and her sisters. "Our chapter would not be what it is today without her," Molly said. "She was always there for encouragement and the best advice." Molly says that with Lou Ann's guidance and the support of her sisters, her experience at Alpha Chi Omega helped her to interact with different types of people, grow as a person and learn from a variety of leadership opportunities. For Megan, her Alpha Nu membership gave her access to a large and widespread network of people and opened several doors of opportunity while simultaneously supporting her in times of need by providing her with many successful women as mentors. As an active member, Megan assisted the chapter with Homecoming and served as house manager as well as a recruitment assistant. Molly was involved with the chapter at the executive level and held the position of vice president of recruitment. Megan and Molly both obtained a business marketing degree. Megan works as a business engagement officer for the Office of Economic Development at the University of Missouri while Molly worked in banking after graduation and most recently worked for the American Cancer Society before becoming a stay-at-home mom in July of 2015. Molly looks forward to returning to work this spring. Family Ties to Alpha Chi Omega Keep Megan Schaeperkoetter Jahnsen '04 and Molly Schaeperkoetter Steinbeck '06 Connected to the Sisterhood

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