Kappa Alpha Theta - University of Missouri

KAPPA ALPHA THETA P.O. BOX 30166 COLUMBIA, MO 65205 Address Service Requested THE THETA UPDATE Mizzou Home Football Games September 10 Mizzou vs. Eastern Michigan September 17 Mizzou vs. Georgia September 24 Mizzou vs. Delaware State October 22 (Homecoming) Mizzou vs. Middle Tennessee October 29 Mizzou vs. Kentucky November 12 Mizzou vs. Vanderbilt November 26 Mizzou vs. Arkansas M y time with Alpha Mu began after my sister, Patty Gee Nicholson '76, attended the 100th anniversary of Homecoming in October 2011. She had gone by the Theta house and learned of the need for a new Housemother. She told me about the job, and soon I was hired. On November 17, 2011, she and her husband, Nick, drove from KC to help me get settled in my new home. Patty had lived in the Theta house for three years when Mom Hardy was here. When she saw the apartment again she joked, "I forgot it was like a cross between a nun's cell and a prison cell in terms of space." It has been the perfect "space" for me because it has afforded me the opportunity to get to know, serve, and love around 500 women over these last four-plus years. I am inspired and in awe of all of the women's talents, academic excellence, perseverance, service, compassion, faith, sense of fun, and love for one another. Why am I leaving? As many of you know I had a hip replacement in 2013. During my recovery, I learned that I have torn ligaments in my left foot. This condition will not improve without surgery, which will require a three-month or longer recovery time. I knew it was time for me to retire. I have been zapped of a lot of my energy, and I am hoping to regain some zip after my recovery. The undergraduates' travels have inspired me and there are still places on my bucket list I want to see. I also want to continue to use my mentoring and coaching skills in some way. I want to thank Advisory Board Chair Rebecca Jones, Delta '89, who helped me learn about the chapter and how things were done at Alpha Mu. I also want to thank our longtime Housekeeper, Denise Dodson, who is any Housemother's dream partner. She taught me so much about this beautiful house, and how to care for it. I always told Denise that I would have to retire if she ever decided to leave. Thankfully, she is still dedicated to you all. Sophie Pyrtle Chambers '04, FCB president, has so much energy and passion for Alpha Mu. Her work on the building project has been incredible. Brian Hulett, husband of Jennifer Pendleton Hulett '92, has been our "savior" on so many occasions. And of course, I want to thank my sister, Patty, for being at the right place at the right time, and for sharing her love for 603 Kentucky with me. She is the Capital Campaign Chair and will be very involved over the next few years. Thank you for all the love and joy you have brought into the life of your one and only Mama Gee. Theta Love and Mine, Mama Gee Alex Kickert '15 and Alex Lady '15 with Paula during our holiday celebration before winter break. Paula announced that this semester would be her last as Housemother of our chapter. Her kindness and dedication will definitely be missed. Paula Gee to RetiRe at end of SPRinG SemeSteR Alpha Mu Housemother Says Farewell Carly Heutel '14, Martha Allen '14, and Kristen Holleman '13 sing traditional Kappa Alpha Theta hymns at Founders Day. Look inside for a special announcement.

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