Alpha Phi - University of Missouri

Always Alpha Phi 4 U pon arriving at the University of Missouri, Mary Laffey '76, an elementary education major, knew little to nothing about Greek life. It was only when her roommate pledged Alpha Phi that Mary's interest about the Panhellenic community was piqued. "My roommate took me with her on a visit to the Omicron chapter house and I liked it right away," Mary recalled. That spring, the second semester of her sophomore year, Mary pledged the sorority. Mary felt the immediate support of her chapter sisters when she moved in the Omicron house. The women and the chapter's mission aligned seamlessly with her personal goals and the family values she had growing up. "I realized early on that one of the perks of living in the chapter house was that there was always somebody around for me," she stated. Mary was friends with many Omicron sisters, including Julie Nolle Allen '77, and became well-acquainted with loyal alumnae, including Val Lawlor '71, Nancy Whitesides '69, and Carrie Francke '73, who had been involved with the active chapter during her undergraduate years. After her graduation from Mizzou, Mary earned her master's in education and Ph.D. in educational administration. She worked for the Columbia Public Schools in Columbia, Missouri, performing as teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent over the course of her 33-year career. "It was my time in Omicron, and the leadership opportunities I experienced there, that prepared me for my career," said Mary. "I now work at Mizzou, so I go past the chapter house every day and fondly remember my experiences." Mary hopes today's active members will take advantage of the numerous opportunities their Alpha Phi membership affords, and that they will also contribute to the chapter once they become alumnae. Mary stays in touch with some chapter sisters and she knows her local alumnae group meets for breakfast monthly. She is a fan of playing golf, volunteering, and being a part of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, of which she is an associate member. You can connect with Mary at maryalaffey@ gmail.com. The Omicron Effect How Sisterhood Prepped Mary Laffey '76 for a Career in Education Omicron Chapter Omicron Chapter Silent Chapter Nettie Terry Brown '41 entered Silent Chapter on May 18, 2017, at the age of 94. Upon graduation from MU, she enlisted in the WAVES in 1944 and was stationed in Philadelphia, Pa., where she met and married Capt. Richard "Dick" Brown. The couple relocated to Dallas, Texas, in 1957, where Nettie taught at the Hockaday School from 1975-88 and served as chairman of the history department. She was a past president of the Texas Old Missions and Forts Restoration Association and had three sons and three granddaughters. Susan Bredall Dickmann '43 entered Silent Chapter on October 4, 2017, at the age of 94. She grew up in Perryville, Mo., and attended Southeast Missouri State University for two years before transferring to the University of Missouri. On October 8, 1944, Susan married Dr. Howard Dickmann. The couple moved to Fort Devens, Mass., where Howard served in the Army Veterinary Corps until 1947. They later returned to Perryville and opened the Dickmann Animal Hospital, in which Susan was actively involved. She kept busy with her children's activities and was on countless civic and school committees. An extensive traveler, Susan visited all 50 states and Canada. She is survived by her daughter, son, and grandchildren. Sylvia Patek Coughlin Porter '44 entered Silent Chapter at the age of 91 on April 9, 2017, in Winter Park, Fla. Sylvia received her journalism degree from Mizzou and had a long career in public relations. She was loved and well-respected in Detroit media circles, before moving to Cleveland to be near family in 2009. In 2016, Sylvia moved to Winter Park. She will be remembered as a loving and generous mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. Sandra Caylor Pierpont '52 entered Silent Chapter on November 5, 2016, at the age of 83. She was happily married to her husband, John, for six decades. Sandra worked in elementary education with the Springfield School District for more than 34 years, was a skilled golfer, a swimmer, and a member of the Springfield Association for the Blind. She and John had two children, Catherine and John III, and one granddaughter. Alumnae Update Charlotte Karl Walker '47 is astounded that she has lived 90 years. She resides in Dallas, Texas, and is a retired reporter, editor, and library assistant. Charlotte suffered a stroke, which made writing difficult, but she is able to speak without issue. She and her husband, Tom, have been a pair for 68 years and have two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Melodie Powell '75 was the commencement speaker for MU's College of Arts and Science last December. E-mail: melodieap@gmail.com Jennifer Pratt May '93 was selected as the chief compliance officer for University of Missouri Health. She previously served as the acting chief compliance officer and the director of compliance effectiveness for the department, but has also performed as an Officer of Research, Graduate Studies and Economic Development leader at MU. E-mail: mutiger-jennifer@hotmail.com ALUMNAE NEWS Melodie Powell '75 conducts Marching Mizzou at the game against Auburn last September. AF

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