Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

L isa Cornett Schmitz '84 is so thankful to have joined Gamma Phi Beta. Lisa, raised mainly in central Missouri, came to Mizzou and found what she was looking for in her college experience from Alpha Delta Chapter. "The community, bonds, and sisterhood are exactly what I needed to venture into college," she says. "Our house provided the open arms that gave me inclusion and a sense of place. The sisterhood, commitment, and responsibility became my home." Lisa, who obtained a degree in housing and interior design, went on to start her own interior design firm. She is now the principal of Lisa Schmitz Interior Design, where she specializes in modern, luxury design for residences and commercial spaces. She says she draws her inspiration from her artist grandparents who built their own modern, yet warm, homes. Lisa credits much of her success as a business owner today to her active involvement in Alpha Delta Chapter. "I was very active in the chapter, planning events and formals. This responsibility reflects project coordination in my business and life," Lisa says. "I also took this experience into my volunteer work, planning fundraisers and events at the Nelson-Atkins Museum." Some of Lisa's fondest memories of Gamma Phi Beta are simply having the closeness of her sisters. "The ability to have friends available at any time, simply by walking through the halls and house," she says. Since graduating, Lisa and her classmates have been busy with their careers and raising children. However, she does her best to stay in touch with her Alpha Delta sisters. She doesn't live as close to many of them, but they still have an opportunity to connect every once in a while and over Facebook. "I love how whenever any of us are together, we pick up right where we left off–laughter and conversation," Lisa says. For alumnae who may have lost touch with Alpha Delta, she encourages all to reconnect. "I consider my sisters just that, and really miss that closeness. As life happens and hard times hit, your sisters will be there for each other." When Lisa is not running her interior design business, she spends parts of her summers traveling through National Parks in her vintage Airstream trailer. On her trips she likes to fish, hike, and document her travels with her sketchbook. Lisa is also very active with the Nelson-Atkins Museum and has been volunteering there for over 25 years. Lisa lives in Kansas City, Mo., and can be reached at lisa@lisaschmitz.com. 2 ALPHA DELTA HILITES A t the University of Missouri, tear-down and rebuild seems to be the norm for dorms and for sororities and fraternities. All over campus over the past couple of years, there is construction of housing facilities. In order to remain relevant on campus, we as Gamma Phi Beta had to make some very tough decisions. We had to face the facts that our house was outdated. Our bedrooms and closets had remained the same since our house was built in 1928. The "new wing" was added in 1966. We need to keep up with the times throughout the house or be left behind. The house is no longer big enough for nearly 300 members to live, socialize, sit down for meals, and conduct chapter meetings. The ladies have to go to a lecture hall on campus for chapter; therefore, sisterhood is not as strong as it should be. As your AHC (Affiliated House Corporation), we decided something had to be done. We chose to add on to and update our current facility rather than tear down. The ever-popular columns, front steps, and beautiful front yard will remain. We can draw on the equity we have in our current house and add a wing to the other side of the house and achieve a balance. Every part of the house will be remodeled and a dining and chapter room will be added in this new wing. We plan to offer a meal plan for nearly 200 ladies who live out of the house and chapter meetings will once again be held at the house. We will also be ADA compliant so anyone with a disability will be able to get in and out of the house with ease, use all parts of the facility, and travel and/or live within the house with no hindrances. The equity does not cover all the expenses, so we are asking for your monetary support in order for Gamma Phi Beta to continue to thrive as one of the top sororities on campus. Remember your experiences and the home you found at 808 Richmond—the lasting friendships, the mentors, the bridesmaids, the growth into the woman you are today. Now is your opportunity to give back so future Gamma Phi Betas can have the same opportunities we had and our beloved sorority can continue to thrive in Columbia. Love in IIKE, Cindy Gates Wood '77 cwood@micro.com (816) 223-9847 Alpha Delta Plans for Updates and Additions to 808 Richmond Improvements to Strengthen Sisterhood and Keep Gamma Phi Competitive Lisa Cornett Schmitz '84 Thankful for Alpha Delta Alumna Contributes Career Success to Gamma Phi Beta

• Cover