Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Missouri • Fall 2017 C ongratulations to Alpha Nu—winner of the prestigious 2017 National Council Trophy for large chapters and the 2017 Seeking the Heights Award – Finance. The National Council Trophy, presented annually, is based upon the chapter's overall performance; recognizing the chapter best excelling in all aspects of chapter life. The Seeking the Heights Award – Finance is given to the chapter that has best demonstrated the ability to work successfully within its budget and has taught members the value of financial responsibility. The National Council Trophy is the equivalent of "Chapter of the Year" distinction. Selection of the recipients is the responsibility of Alpha Chi Omega's National Council. To be eligible for the award, chapters must complete applications for the 13 Seeking the Heights awards. These awards cover chapter leadership, chapter relations and standards, finance, facility operations, philanthropy, intellectual development, recruitment, ritual appreciation, member education, risk management and programming, public relations and Panhellenic activities. The awards were presented by Alpha Chi's National President, Angela Costley Harris, Alpha Beta '86, during a surprise visit to the chapter the day before the start of recruitment on August 14. Chapter presidents from the previous two years were invited to attend the presentation as well as Province Collegiate Chair Jessi Caldera '03 and Chapter Advisor Kristin Hathaway, Iota Lambda '11. The chapter's 2017 executive board and advisory board are to be commended for Seeking the Heights for Alpha Nu. Alpha Nu Awarded 2017 National Council Trophy Best Large Chapter in the Country The executive board with the 2017 National Council Trophy and National President Angela Costley Harris, Alpha Beta '86. New Porch, Landscaping and Lighting Enhance Exterior W hen chapter members returned to campus to prepare for recruitment in August, they discovered the front of the chapter house at 900 Richmond had an entirely new look. The house corporation hired Helmi's Gardens of Columbia to create an English garden over the summer to complement the Tudor-style house that Alpha Nu has called home for so many years. The makeover included new landscaping, front porch, sidewalk and accent lights. According to Jeannine Bax Brickey '81, landscape committee chairman, boxwoods are the predominant feature in the garden area. In addition, two Shantung Maple trees were planted in the front yard. Large concrete planters, weighing 550 pounds each (when empty) and measuring 49 inches across, flank the sidewalk and sit atop the new patio. Two smaller urns stand on pedestals on both sides of the front door. There is hidden irrigation for all of the landscaping, including the planters. Plantings in the urns are tall red-veined banana canna and red velour cascading petunias to coordinate with the red front door. White lantana and other flowers make up the rest of the floral assortment. A curved porch and a wide sidewalk replaced the old porch and sidewalk, which was deteriorating. At the same time the other changes were made, new accent lighting was installed, which highlights the name Alpha Chi Omega and the Greek letters AXΩ affixed to the brick, as well as some of the landscaping. Alumnae have reacted positively to photos showing the new front of the chapter house on Facebook. Renovations were made to the chapter house's exterior this summer, including new landscaping, porch and sidewalk.

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