Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

Omicron Chapter Always Alpha Phi Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Fall 2016 OMICRON PREPARES FOR CHANGES AT MIZZOU Your Involvement Ensures Alpha Phi's Future A lpha Phi holds a special place in my heart. As a 1983 Omicron initiate, I learned the value of true friendship and many life lessons. It was at 906 S. Providence where I decided on a major, learned good study habits, followed great '80s fashion advice, and developed many important leadership and social skills that have carried me throughout life. It's been 30 years since I graduated and left my home away from home. In the years since college, life has been great. My husband, Mark, and I live in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. With our twin daughters, Jessica and Jordan (Omicron fall 2016 new member), attending college this fall, we have become empty nesters. Now is the time for me to give back and continue the legacy of Alpha Phi through my service. I served on the House Corporation Board from 2002 through 2008. After taking a six-year break, I returned two years ago. During both terms, I was the human resources committee chairperson responsible for recruiting, hiring, and overseeing the house staff. As the newly elected president, I am excited to lead a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers. Changes Affect Omicron's Competitive Edge Mizzou is going through significant changes. Last fall's events combined with smaller high school graduating classes (across the nation) have affected Mizzou's enrollment and will, in turn, give the Greek system a smaller pool of potential members. With fewer incoming freshmen, it is imperative that we stay competitive with other chapter houses. All over campus, fraternities and sororities are making dramatic changes to their houses. Twelve women's groups have rebuilt and completed major renovations, or are in the process of starting work. By next year, Omicron will be adjacent to two new builds: Chi Omega and Delta Gamma. These homes feature modern interiors, fingerprint entry systems, and large gathering spaces. Our own home is nearly 100 years old. We've made many improvements to the physical structure in the last 15 years, most recently with the basement renovations and beautiful improvements to our interior décor this summer. We need to keep up with our Greek neighbors, so as we look to the future, we must care for our facility with regular maintenance and repair while also covering the cost of basic operations such as landscaping and utilities. We are proud of the way Omicrons have stewarded resources and want to continue providing a beautiful, safe, and functional home for collegians as well as alumnae. Your Support Sustains Omicron's Preservation Each fall and spring, we send you a letter appealing to our shared sisterhood, asking you to contribute to the needs of our beloved home and young sisters. When you receive your letter in the coming weeks, please consider a contribution to Omicron Chapter. Your annual gift makes a significant impact in preserving the precious history of Alpha Phi at Mizzou and ensuring that Omicron's facility is the best it can be amidst the many changes happening at Mizzou. AOE, Tammy Csolak Grzeskowiak '83 House Corporation Board President, 2016-18 tammygrzeskowiak@yahoo.com At Convention this year, Omicron received the Loyalty Award for having the most alumnae volunteers for Alpha Phi. Omicron has initiated just over 3,600 members since its founding. Of the 2,204 women volunteering for Alpha Phi, 46 are Omicron graduates. Current volunteers Catherine O'Haire Stewart '84, Beth Owens Schwab '84, Kim Larsen Watson '84, and Amy Jordan Tvrdik '87 attended Convention.

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