Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi 3 Omicron House Corporation Board President Kate Hendley Wood '80 President-Elect Tammy Csolak Grzeskowiak '83 Secretary Janet Papageorge '76 Treasurer Andrea Hoemeyer Wilt '79 Board Members Cherie Stephens Bock '89 Lisa Bollman-Uphoff '81 Bailey Davis '14 Hannah Hartlieb '14 Cathy McCrady Heinsohn '81 Nancy Manring Holman '80 Bree Hunt '14 Katy Morrison Klick '99 Sharon Williams Korte '65 Marcia Jones Lane '73 Nancy Niemann Magee '81 Cheri Hall Marks '91 Sarah McMillen '96 Jennifer McNay '92 Karen Miller Montalto '77 Carrie Moreland Reid '01 Sharon Wilkinson Repper '73 Beth Owens Schwab '84 Jill Waldrop '86 Elizabeth Bornhauser Weinsting '79 G rowing up, sports always held a special place in the heart of Paula Primus Cunningham '87. After high school graduation, Paula decided to attend Southwest Missouri State, now known as Missouri State, to play college-level softball. But after a year, it was time for a change of scenery. In the fall of 1986, Paula transferred to the University of Missouri to pursue a journalism degree and join MU's track team. She also decided to participate in recruitment, eventually choosing Alpha Phi. "At the end of the week, we chose each other! It was a good feeling, but I remember being glad it was over because the whole process had a lot of anxiety around it," Paula said, looking back. For any college student new to campus, getting familiar with everything and everyone can be a daunting task, but with the help of Alpha Phi, Paula's transition was easier. "The University is so big; I appreciated being a part of Alpha Phi because it helped make school seem a little smaller. I enjoyed the girls in Alpha Phi and we had a great sisterhood." For the next three years, Paula balanced her time running track, studying, and being with her sisters at the house. "My schedule was different because I was on the track team; sometimes I was at practice when there were meetings, so I missed out on a few things at Alpha Phi," Paula reflected. "Journalism school kept me busy too, along with a few clubs related to my major." But Paula was still able to enjoy many sorority activities. "I remember studying together, going to parties together, hanging around in the living room and watching TV sitcoms together—and that was fun. It helped us get to know each other better. It was just fun girl stuff." Paula always appreciated Alpha Phi, and having sisters nearby was a great relief from the stress of sports and schoolwork. "The best part were the friendships. I remember there were girls I felt I could count on; there was always someone to do things with." In December of 1989, Paula earned her journalism degree. Although many of her sisters moved away after graduation, she stays in contact with several of them. She looks back on her college experience with many pleasant memories and lasting friendships. Paula would advise Omicron's current collegians to, "Make the most of your time in college and have as much fun as you can. It's only four years. You'll be surprised how fast they go by." With her daughters, Sophie and Lindsay, now star players on the Mizzou women's basketball team, Paula is overjoyed she gets to see them live a similar college experience to hers. "It's so incredible having them both here at Mizzou. Both my husband and I are alumni, so we were thrilled they chose to go to school here in Columbia. I feel blessed about it. I'm excited for them, and so proud of them. All those good emotions mixed into one." Read more about Omicron alumna Paula Primus Cunningham here: http://www.komu. com/news/competition-runs-in-the-family Paula Primus Cunningham '87 Reflects on Alpha Phi's Impact By Tatum Pugh '14 Paula Primus Cunningham '87 divided her time as an undergraduate between track practice, journalism classes, and Alpha Phi. Paula now watches her daughters, Sophie and Lindsay, as they play on the Mizzou women's basketball team. AF Omicron Chapter Omicron Chapter

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