Sigma Kappa - Missouri State University

ATTENTION: This newsletter is intended for alumnae and parents. If your daughter is attending Missouri State University, she will receive a copy from the chapter. If she has graduated, please send us her permanent address to update our records. Thank you. DELTA UPSILON CHAPTER OF SIGMA KAPPA P.O. Box 771661 St. Louis, MO 63177 Address Service Requested Delta Upsilon Update I n 1981, MSU's mascot, deemed "The Bear," was a suit comprised of a head only slightly better than paper mache and little mittens, and was in need of a much- needed transformation. In 1982, Traci Sooter '81 returned from spirit camp with the training she needed to bring "The Bear" to life. It was her time to help the university by giving the mascot a whole new personality, equipped with a new name, walk, gestures, and suit. Working with the then-athletic director, Traci created a contest to choose the new mascot name and fundraise for a suit. On December 8, 1983, it was official. "The Bear" was now Boomer. As the first Boomer, Traci helped design the original suit and was able to unveil the new costume before she graduated. Traci had quite the experience during her time as Boomer, and found herself in some dangerous situations from time to time. During the unveiling of the new suit, Traci found herself running toward a four-wheeler while partially blinded after her bandana fell down from around her head. Later, she nearly drowned in the costume after attempting to jump into an inner tube. Thankfully, Traci, and Boomer, were able to bounce back from these situations, and for her work as a mascot, she was awarded on several occasions. Traci retired as Boomer at the last basketball game before her graduation in December 1984. Today she works as the director of design/build programs and professor of architecture at Drury University, but the legacy she left continues at MSU today. Boomer's Beginnings Newly Elected Chapter Officers President Alexis Layton '16 Executive Vice President Halley Parmele '16 Vice President of Programing Madie Osvath '16 Vice President of New Member Education Tori Peters '16 Vice President of Recruitment Annie Rhoades '15 Vice President of Alumnae Relations Julianne Fears '16 Vice President of Scholarship Abigail Clark '16 Vice President of Communications Bailey Durbin '16 Vice President of Philanthropic Services Mackenzie Stdko-Simon '16 Vice President of Finance Lexi Beaman '16 Panhellenic Delegate Gina Amato '16 ALUMNAE NEWS Joy Winters Morgan '60 had open heart surgery in June 2017 to replace her aortic valve. Joy went on her first cruise in April/May 2017. E-mail: joymrgn262@aol.com Sonya Bourquin Busch '77 is working two part-time jobs, which keep her busy and help her afford home projects and travels. Sonya enjoys visiting her daughter in St. Charles, MO, and her son and grandson in Warrensburg, MO. She also lives nearby her parents and is active in her church. Sonya lives in Rolla, MO. Virginia Francis Chamberlin '77 recently retired from teaching and is looking forward to getting involved with a Sigma Kappa alumnae group. She lives in Springfield, MO. E-mail: vchamberlin1@mchsi.com Lesley Strange Robinson '85 has taught in various teaching positions at the Springfield Public School system for 28 years. She has two children, a boy and a girl, and spends her free time at the lake. E-mail: llrobin417@aol.com Marcy Rolfs Brockett '03 gave birth to a baby girl, Payton, on December 12, 2016. Marcy lives in Marion, AR, and is a coordinator for A.T. Still University. E-mail: lv2swim_2000@hotmail.com Sarah Beckmann '04 is planning her wedding to Scott Price, which is set for April 2018 in Jamaica. Her Sigma Kappa sister and roommate will be her matron of honor. Sarah works at Crider Health Center and lives in Sullivan, MO. E-mail: sarahe212@gmail.com Dana Hillyer Ivancic '07 has served on Sigma Kappa's National Extension Team for six years. They started a new chapter at Austin Peay State University this fall and are currently prepping one at the University of Alabama in the fall of 2018. E-mail: ivancic.dana@gmail.com Samantha Hogenson '07 and her fiancé, Michael, moved to Charleston from Washington, D.C., last year for a change of pace. They just finished their first house and are getting married in Charleston on December 30, 2017. E-mail: samantha11@gwu.edu Caroline Frogge '10 graduated from MU Veterinary School in May 2017 and is now an official doctor. E-mail: cfrogge19@gmail.com Aimee Westrich '11 graduated with a B.F.A. in photography. She now runs her own photography business in which she does anything from senior photos to weddings. Aimee also works for a sorority apparel company, GetSomeGreek, doing photography, running social media, and managing the Brand Ambassador program (in which Josie Dinsdale '15 has also participated). She lives in St. Louis. E-mail: aimeewestrich@gmail.com

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