Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

above, 300 women for the last several years. We need to nurture those lasting relationships with our sisters that many of us experienced when we lived in the house for more than one year. aLpHa DeLta Looks aHeaD As our centennial approaches on May 20, 2021, Alpha Delta Chapter understands the significance of planning for our future. Our chapter house needs to remain competitive, as many other Greek and off-campus facilities continue to make necessary and modern updates. We are working through the process with a management company and an architect to come up with a viable plan. Through this process we are learning possibilities and seeking answers. We are hopeful to eventually accommodate all chapter members for formal dinner, offer a meal plan to the women who live out of the house, have space to just hang out with one another, and have chapter meetings at the house! We are still in the beginning stages of planning, so stay tuned for updates in a future edition of the Alpha Delta Hilites. Don't miss tHe speciaL submission As I reflect, the poem that Jules Taggart '99 wrote during recruitment of 2001 comes to mind (shared on page 1). Jules was a junior at the time and wrote the poem to be read on three-party day during recruitment. I think it reminds all of us, no matter when we lived at the Alpha Delta Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta, or at the 808, as it's referred to today, of how special it is to live within the walls of 808 Richmond. I was initiated more than 20 years before Jules was initiated in 1999, but from reading her poem, I feel like we were in the chapter together. Forever Gamma Phi Beta! In PKE, Cindy Gates Wood '77 cwood@micro.com (816) 223-9847 P.S. If anyone knows the whereabouts or has a copy of the original blueprints from the chapter house, please contact me immediately. 2 alPha Delta hilites (Continued from page 1) G reat moments are made by the people you surround yourself with. Once you've found your group, it's almost impossible to let go. For Angelia Rendina Romanelli '10, it's as simple as walking through the doors of Alpha Delta. She came to the University of Missouri as a transfer student knowing she wanted to join Gamma Phi Beta. "I had heard wonderful things from my mom and sister, who were in sororities, about the lifelong friendship they gained, and I wanted that." Angelia said. She recalls one of her first experiences with Alpha Delta. "There was something special about the women in that house," she said. "They were genuine, bright, compassionate women, and they were the kind of people I wanted to surround myself with. I immediately clicked with several of my soon-to-be sisters, and those same women wound up being in my wedding." Living in the chapter house is an exciting way to make great connections and long-lasting friendships, but it's also an important learning experience. Many of Angelia's favorite memories took place her sophomore year. "My sisters became my best friends and being able to spend time with and learn from them every day was amazing. The house was full of love and laughter," she said. "The most rewarding aspect from being a Gamma Phi Beta is what I continue to learn from fellow sisters. The women of Gamma Phi inspire me with their love to serve others and their communities, even after graduation." Keeping those bonds you create in college isn't always easy, but it truly makes a difference. "I have kept in touch with several of my sorority sisters since graduating from Mizzou, including Kristen Hood '09, Mary Sheehan '09, Lauren Dempski '09, Shelbi Hayes '09, Leah Miener '09, Kaitlyn Noble '09, Julia Hense '09, and Sam DeSalvo '09,"Angelia said. "We try and get together at least twice a year since we all live in different cities." Angelia also points out, "It's important to stay in touch with the chapter because I believe it is what shaped me to be the woman I am today." Angelia says all the women of that house— including Mom Kim—were there for her in a time of need and she knows they will be there for her in the future. "It is not a commitment for four years; it's a commitment for life," she said. Angelia works with the Illinois Senate Republican staff as deputy director in the communications and public affairs department. She manages 12 state senators' teams, provides strategic communications support, and plans events related to legislative issues. She recently worked for the Presidential Inauguration Committee, where she worked on the swearing-in ceremonies team. She plans on doing more events for the President in the future. Angelia has a piece of advice to offer to undergraduates: study abroad. "It changed my life, not only for the friends I made and people I met, but for the truly life-changing experience it was to be immersed in another culture," Angelia said. She and her husband (who she met while studying abroad in Bergamo, Italy) reside in Springfield, Ill. If you are interested in reaching out to Angelia, you can send her an e-mail at angeliaromanelli@gmail.com. angeLia RenDina RomaneLLi '10 is gRatefuL foR HeR gamma pHi beta sisteRs The women of Gamma Phi inspire me with their love to serve others and their communities, even after graduation. Planning for Our Future

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