Thanks to Your Support, All Campaign Projects Completed House Corporation Plans for the Future and Renews Annual Fundraising

It’s been a very busy summer at Alpha Phi. Throughout the house, workmen installed sprinklers; removed asbestos from the dining

room ceiling; painted all the bedrooms; skim coated and painted the hallways; added can lights to the ceilings in the upstairs hallways, living room, and dining room; hung new foyer wallpaper; and laid new dining room flooring and added security cameras. Whew!

r SPRINKLERS FULLY INSTALLEDWe are now 100% sprinkled and, with the completion of the fire-suppression system, the library and new lofted bedroom furnishings, all the projects promised to donors in the capital campaign are now complete. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort and made these dreams become reality. The good news is that Omicron will now receive a 40% rebate on our insurance premium because both facilities are now fully sprinkled.

To date, 57% of alumnae donations or $330,882 of the $581,240 pledged has been received; so please keep those pledge payments coming! Short-term financing was obtained to complete these projects, relying on the fulfillment of those financial commitments.

Special thanks go to our youngest alumnae sisters who committed to the Omicron campaign before they graduated. These women pledged $90,764 and are now giving back to the chapter. This past spring alone, the graduating seniors donated an additional $3,500 to redecorate the third-floor TV lounge.

r LONG-RANGE PLAN DEVELOPEDIn July, members of the house corporation, along with past board volunteers and the chapter’s executive council, met in Columbia for a weekend retreat led by Melodie Powell ’75. The focus of the gathering was to plan for the chapter’s future facility needs looking forward 15-20 years! As many of you know, the Chi Omega house was razed this summer and construction began on their new 33,000 square-foot building, which will house 84 women beginning fall 2013. Their estimated $6 million project includes an auditorium, study areas, and underground parking. They are the first sorority to start over, although several fraternities have already done so. Chi Omega’s house was built in 1922, just a year before ours. There is a nice article in Mizzou Magazine about their renovation: http://mizzoumag.missouri.edu/2012/07/will-the-circle-be-unbroken.

Perhaps you’re asking why Omicron has spent so much money on a house that may be razed someday. Rest assured, we’re not at that point, but we will be at sometime in the future. As a board, fiscal responsibility is always foremost in mind. The board’s strategic plan ensures that decisions made in the near-term will be considered with a strategic eye toward Omicron’s future. The recent renovations should maintain the house for at least two decades.

r STILL ON THE BUCKET LISTThat being said, there are still a few items on the bucket list to make Omicron’s home livable and competitive, namely replacing the 14-year-old bedroom carpeting and a modest kitchen remodel. The metal cabinets and vent hood in the kitchen are from the 1950s, and space utilization makes serving a large membership a challenge. To fund these projects, we are reinstituting an annual fundraising campaign. The chapter sincerely appreciates all the generous donors who are still supporting the capital campaign, but if you haven’t given lately, would you please consider a gift to Omicron? Just a reminder, you can make your check to the Alpha Phi Foundation for tax deductibility; just be sure to designate Omicron on your donation.

With sincere thanks,Marcia Jones Lane ’73President, House Corporation Boardalphaphi2010@aol.com

Dining room flooring and lighting were updated.

New fire-suppression system in the hallway soffits. The sunroom under construction this summer.

Third-floor TV lounge, partially underwritten by senior gifts.

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Always Alpha PhiOmicron Chapter of Alpha Phi

Fall 2012

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Always Alpha Phi 2

Hanging on the living room wall is a mirror with a story. In August 1998, when many thought Omicron was lost, a few intrepid

alumnae gathered to host open house parties in hopes of bringing the chapter back to health. To prepare for the 18 parties, furnishings were rearranged and a few things were borrowed from a local interior designer to dress things up. A lovely gilt mirror was among the loaned items.

At the end of the day, as everyone spoke excitedly about what would happen next, someone suggested that keeping the lovely mirror would be a wonderful way to begin anew. Within minutes, each woman there made a financial pledge that allowed the mirror to remain at the chapter house permanently. To mark the occasion, they signed the back side of the mirror and took a photo together.

Though many have seen the mirror hanging on the wall, until now few knew this story, which symbolizes the steadfast confidence and support our alumnae demonstrate when it comes to sustaining this chapter.

COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTWith each year since, Omicron has grown and gathered speed. As mentioned on page 1, although pledge payments are still being fulfilled, the fundraising campaign and the construction to create more study space and add life-saving fire sprinklers have been completed.

But there is still room for improvement on Providence Road—made even more evident by recent changes in student housing on campus and in Greektown. Great things have been achieved

at Omicron, yet the chapter remains committed to continuous improvement. The same relentless spirit of success that relaunched Omicron propels Alpha Phi today!

HOW OLD IS YOUR KITCHEN SINK?Any homeowner knows that in between the fun projects come other expensive but necessary ones. The last time Alpha Phi’s kitchen was updated was more than 50 years ago. We also have about 10,000 square feet of carpeting that was installed about 13 years ago. In plain terms, Omicron has initiated more than 1,000 members at Mizzou since that carpet was new.

Before it’s time to carbon date the existing kitchen fixtures and flooring, let’s join together again to support Omicron. The house corporation wants to begin work on these important updates before this fall’s New Members are graduating seniors.

ALUMNAE, HELP OMICRON LOOK FORWARDAlpha Phi knows it can count on your help when it’s needed. A two-year goal of $150,000 will make these projects possible, and your pledged donation may be paid over a period of years. Gifts to the Alpha Phi Foundation, earmarked for Omicron are also eligible as a tax deduction.

To borrow the words of former International President Betty Mullins Jones, DePauw ’41, “What is past is prologue—history repeats itself.” Omicron’s renewal has become the hallmark of its success. Your help is needed to ensure today’s Alpha Phi is among the most desirable sororities at Mizzou.

Thank you for making great things possible and for your ongoing support!

What Is Past Is PrologueMirror Reflections

Yes, I want to help Omicron look forward to the future! I will help Omicron reach its $150,000 goal by making a two-year pledge of:

r $1,000 r $500 r $250 r $100 r Other $_________

$____________ enclosed now, and $____________ by ____________, 2013.

Please make your annual campaign check payable to Alpha Phi Foundation (tax deductible) and return your gift/pledge today using the enclosed envelope.

First _________________ Maiden _________________ Last _________________ Year ____

Address _____________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State ______ Zip Code ______________

Home Phone ______________________________ Cell Phone ___________________________

E-mail ____________________________________________________ Date ______________

Alumnae who hosted Omicron open houses in August 1998: Sitting in front row from left: International President Linda Long Boland,

CSU-Long Beach ’81, Gretchen Uhle Willis ’91, Amy Jordan Tvrdik ’87, Alicia Peabody

Kessler ’84, Val Lawlor ’71, Emily Lampton Monroe ’92, Dr. Nicole Clark ’96, and Felicia

Siragusa Bondi ’93. Standing in back row: Sara Keltner Ellis ’87, Karen Seibold Evans ’89,

Suzanne Shenkman Crook ’91, Janet Brown Clanton ’78, Beth Hrdlicka ’88, Karen Frick ’79,

Michelle Serres Williams ’90, Melissa Davis Unruh ’88, Denise Rehkemper Williams ’88,

and Terry Shoemyer Brown ’75.

Liz Underwood Drouin ’99 displays the signatures of the alumnae who purchased

the decorative mirror to launch Omicron’s renewal in 1998.

Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi3

Coming to Mizzou as a transfer student from Southern Illinois University, Tammy Csolak Grzeskowiak ’83 made

a connection in her dorm that had a lasting impact on her life. “Christie Hart Lips ’82 spoke highly of her own experiences as a member of Alpha Phi and encouraged girls on my floor to go though rush.” Tammy took her advice and soon found out how right Christie was. “The Alpha Phis were outgoing and positive, and they welcomed me into the chapter,” Tammy says with fondness.

Tammy moved into the chapter house her sophomore year and, because she was part of a smaller spring pledge class, she was able to live in the house through her senior year—a time period and experience she cherishes. “With Mizzou being such a large campus, Alpha Phi was my home base. It helped me feel a part of something and connected to the University. Most importantly, I found true sisterhood within Alpha Phi.”

Reminiscing on her undergraduate days, Tammy recalls when the “big man on campus,” Brad Pitt, was the chairman for Sigma Chi’s Derby Days. “That year, Alpha Phi was in it to win, pulling

out all the stops to bring home the Derby Days championship trophy—and we did!”

Tammy also recalls how campus “was on fire with excitement” during the ’85 World Series between the Cardinals and Royals. “There were a lot of fun challenges between the KC and St. Louis Alpha Phis,” Tammy says. Other special memories include the Homecoming house decorations with the SigEps, the choreographed

dance she and her roommates performed during Greek Week with the ZBTs, singing “Lovely Girl” or “Time” to the theme of Ice Castles, and impromptu snowball fights with the Pikes.

After earning a B.A. in communication and a master’s in marketing, Tammy has worked in various fields throughout her career. Today she is an area director of human resources for

UTi, a contract logistics and freight forwarding company with more than 25,000 employees. Tammy has enjoyed sharing her business knowledge and experience with active members of Alpha Phi during career workshops. She has also given back to Omicron financially to both the capital and annual campaigns and by serving on the house corporation for three years.

Explaining why she gives both time and money to the chapter, Tammy says, “I want to make sure my daughters and other young women have the same opportunity to experience Alpha Phi. Plus, I’m giving back for the four years they gave me.” She notes, “I wouldn’t have had the same connection to the university without Alpha Phi. It’s what brings me back to Columbia each year.”

Today, Tammy is able to maintain her Alpha Phi friendships more easily than ever thanks to Facebook. She also enjoys a monthly dinner with three other Omicrons. In her free time, Tammy enjoys reading, traveling, and keeping up with the activities of her twin 15-year-old daughters, Jessica and Jordan. Tammy and her husband, Mark, live in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, and you can connect with her at tammygrzeskowiak@yahoo.com.

Thankful for Alpha Phi Experience, Sister Works to Ensure Others Have the Same Opportunity

““

I wouldn’t have had the same connection to the university without

Alpha Phi. It’s what brings me back to Columbia each year.

Remember the song “Lovely Girl?” The phrase in the song “many honors you will take” sure holds true for two lovely Omicron alumnae, Marcia Jones Lane ’73

and Melodie Powell ’75. This past June at the Alpha Phi convention in Phoenix, they each received an award from International President Linda Boland, CSU-Long Beach ’81. Marcia received the Michaelanean Award and Melodie received the Ursa Major Award.

The Michaelanean Award is named in honor of Rena Michaels Atchinson, who was the first president of Alpha Chapter in 1872 at Syracuse University. This award was first presented at the Alpha Phi centennial convention held in Washington, D.C., in 1972. It is given to volunteers who have shown outstanding loyalty and continued devotion to Alpha Phi at the local level. This year, there were 10 recipients of the award.

Marcia has served as president of Omicron Chapter’s house corporation for more than three years, during which time the board successfully mounted a capital fundraising drive that enabled comprehensive renovation of the chapter house and honors lodge (aka Annex) facilities. You may remember that Marcia and her sister, Pat Jones Stevens ’67, were the chairmen for the Alpha Phi Centennial Celebration in 2010. They worked with a committee of nearly 50 Omicron

alumnae to coordinate a wonderful forget-me-not, three-day anniversary event attended by more than 600 Omicrons.

The Ursa Major Award was first presented at the 1974 convention held in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This award honors alumnae members of Alpha Phi who have achieved success in their chosen field, whether professional or volunteer, on a local, state, provincial, or regional level. This year, there were six Ursa Major Award recipients.

Melodie has more than 20 years of litigation experience, including expertise in worker’s compensation and tax law. An avid Mizzou fan, Melodie has held several leadership positions with the University of Missouri Alumni Association, including national president of the organization in 1999-2000. She is past chairman and current secretary of the Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners, a member of the Junior League of Kansas City and a member and volunteer for the Girl Scouts. In her spare time, Melodie enjoys watching Mizzou football and basketball. Melodie also serves on the Omicron house corporation.

Marcia and Melodie are great examples of Alpha Phi’s Lovely Girl as they have taken honors and are true to Alpha Phi. Thank you, Marcia and Melodie, for your years of service to Alpha Phi, Mizzou, and the community.

Alpha Phi International Honors Omicron Alumnae

Marcia Jones Lane ’73

Melodie A. Powell ’75

Always Alpha Phi 4

Omicron’s spring semester started off at full speed with our Greek Week partners Phi Gamma Delta and Theta Chi. Our

Barbie and Ken theme helped us receive third place overall, a great achievement! Our events during the spring consisted of an Olympics-themed social, our annual Ace of Hearts poker tournament, and a Kentucky Derby-themed formal. This spring was bittersweet when more than 30 seniors graduated. While sad to see them go, we are excited for them as they start graduate school and begin their careers.

This summer, I had the opportunity to attend the 69th Alpha Phi biennial convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Omicron Chapter was nominated for our 2011 Bid Day theme, and won an award for Outstanding Recruitment Event. It was an incredible experience to see Alpha Phi as a whole and the effect it has on women all across North America. I realized that being a member of Alpha Phi extends long beyond college and will impact me for the rest of my life. Going to convention made me proud of Omicron Chapter and what we contribute to the lives of others.

We have many new things happening around the chapter house this fall. We started off on a great note with a strong recruitment. We revamped our themed days with a brand new Alice in Greekland skit and a 1980 workout-themed Philanthropy Day. On Bid Day, we welcomed 90 new members with the theme A League of Our Own, complete with baseball t-shirts, caps, foam fingers, and decorations to match. This is Omicron’s largest pledge class in history, thanks to Mizzou’s record-breaking enrollment and high interest in Greek life. Panhellenic welcomes

Sigma Kappa back to campus this fall, making a total of 15 sororities on Mizzou’s campus.

Another new face at Omicron is our new house director, Deb Wysocki. She comes to us from Indiana University where she was a house mom for Delta Zeta sorority. She has fit in nicely with our women and has quickly become a favorite.

Here’s hoping for a strong finish to an already exciting year. Thank you to all the wonderful advisors and alumnae for the many ways you lend your helpful encouragement and generous support to us. Because of you, Omicron is better than ever!

AOE, Rachel Neff ’10Chapter President rknqm9@mail.missouri.edu

Convention and Recruitment Set the Pace for a Great Semester

Omicrons prepare to greet prospective members during the 2012 recruitment parties. Back row

from left: Melina Loggia ’10, Jessica Puckett ’10, Rachel Neff ’10, Taylor Amberg ’10, and

Molly Jeanne Lovewell ’10. Front row from left: Lauren Spak ’10, Meg Dawes ’10, Jenn Elliott ’11,

Tessa O’Neill ’10, and Claudia Tran ’10.

Christina Laidlaw Kimmel ’84, Jill Waldrop ’86, and newly elected Alpha Phi International Vice

President Amy Jordan Tvrdik ’87 at the 69th biennial Alpha Phi convention in Phoenix,

Arizona, during the Foundation’s Red Dress Gala.

2012 Omicron Executive Officers

President Rachel Neff ’10

VP Program DevelopmentJessica Puckett ’10

VP New MemberMeg Dawes ’10

VP Social ProgrammingTaylor Amberg ’10

VP Member RecruitmentEmmy Martin ’09

VP MarketingMelina Loggia ’10

VP Facilities and OperationsTessa O’Neill ’10

VP FinanceLauren Spak ’10

VP Campus RelationsJennifer Elliott ’11

VP ScholarshipAllison Pohle ’10

VP AdministrationClaudia Tran ’10

Panhellenic DelegateMolly Jeanne Lovewell ’10

2012 graduating seniors at the Columns.

Stay Connected to OmicronWebsites Omicron Chapter www.mizzouaphi.com I Alpha Phi International www.AlphaPhi.org

E-mail Omicron Chapter alphaphi.mizzou@gmail.com

Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi5

Rachel Ahlemeier St. Louis, Mo.Ladue Horton Watkins HS

Jessica Albright Grover, Mo.Eureka Senior HS

Katy BartramFenton, Mo.Rockwood Summit HS

Camryn BatesChesterfield, Mo.Parkway Central HS

Christina Bertarelli St. Louis, Mo.Lindbergh HS

Kim BinghamHomer Glen, Ill. Lockport Township HS

Taylor Blumenthal St. Louis, Mo.Oakville Senior HS

Gracie BohlLibertyville, Ill. Libertyville HS

Emily BondJefferson City, Mo.Jefferson City HS

Kylie BoyerWarrensburg, Ill.Warrensburg-Latham HS

Jenna Bradenberg St. Louis, Mo.Ursuline Academy

Ashlie Bryant Overland Park, Kan.St. Thomas Aquinas HS

Rachel BurkeRiver Forest, Ill. Oak Park River Forest HS

Hannah Bush St. Louis, Mo.Parkway South HS

Maddy Chance Dallas, TexasPlano West Senior HS

Katy Combs Lake St. Louis, Mo.Wentzville Holt HS

Sophia Conforti Glen Ellyn, Ill. Glenbard West HS

Kirsten Corder Lee’s Summit, Mo.Lee’s Summit North HS

Kate CoxCamas, Wash.Mountain View HS

Danielle Cutler Long Grove, Ill. Adlai Stevenson HS

Chandler Davis Lakeville, Minn. Ladue Horton Watkins HS

Rachel De Rose Ballwin, Mo.Marquette HS

Lauren DiTaranto Sarasota, Fla. Cardinal Money HS

Kate Dohm Arnold, Mo.Fox C-6 HS

Grace Duncan St. Charles, Mo.Orchard Farm HS

Kristine Dvorak Naperville, Ill. Waubonsie Valley HS

Jackie ElkinChesterfield, Mo.Parkway Central HS

Abigail English Chesterfield, Mo.Parkway West HS

Kelsey Fairchild Eureka, Mo.Eureka HS

Katie FeeNaperville, Ill. Waubonsie Valley HS

Sonya Francis Columbia, Mo.Rock Bridge HS

Sally GiangrecoEvanston, Ill. Evanston Township HS

Anne GilbertBolckow, Mo.St. Joseph Christian School

Lauren GniadekO’Fallon, Mo.Francis Howell HS

Alida GormanSouthlake, TexasCarroll Senior HS

Andrea GraggSt. Louis, Mo.Lindbergh HS

Kia GrantKansas City, Mo.Winnetonka HS

Audrey Greffin Oak Park, Ill. Oak Park and River Forest HS

Clare HanksLake Villa, Ill. Grayslake North HS

Katie Hanneken Wentzville, Mo.Timberland HS

Maddie HansenStilwell, Kan.Blue Valley HS

Rachel Hansen St. Louis, Mo.Nerinx Hall

Katie Harris O’Fallon, Mo.St. Dominic HS

Megan Heydon Kansas City, Mo.Notre Dame De Sion HS

Paige HildebrantCrystal Lake, Ill. Crystal Lake South HS

Grace HofheinsRolla, Mo.Rolla Senior HS

Haley HoltSt. Louis, Mo.Ursuline Academy

Anna HowserColumbia, Mo.Rock Bridge HS

Caitlin Johnson Buffalo Grove, Ill. Adlai Stevenson HS

Kellen Kimmel St. Louis, Mo.Marquette HS

Alli Ladd Maryland Heights, Mo.Parkway North HS

Hannah LandoltHazelwood, Mo. Hazelwood West HS

Allison Lawson Omaha, Neb.Millard West HS

Rebecca Maclin Godfrey, Ill. Alton HS

Alex Martins Ellisville, Mo.Marquette HS

Lexi Maus St. Louis, Mo.Nerinx Hall

Jessica MeyerBloomington, Minn. Thomas Jefferson Senior HS

Mikayla Miller Highland, Ill. Highland HS

Jacqueline Nichols Columbia, Mo.Rock Bridge HS

Paige Ochylski West Des Moines, IowaDowling Catholic HS

Kathleen OglesbyColumbia, Mo.Rock Bridge HS

Maddie OrwickBlue Springs, Mo.Blue Springs South HS

Tessa Overby Omaha, Neb.Millard West HS

Mady Parisot St. Louis, Mo.St. Joseph’s Academy

Jamie Powers St. Louis, Mo.Oakville Senior HS

Brooke RaySpringfield, Ill.Glenwood HS

Haley Reed Holts Summit, Mo.Jefferson City HS

Kimber Rutledge St. Charles, Mo.Lutheran HS

Kate RyanHouston, Texas Cy-Fair HS

Gretchen SchmidtleinReading, Pa. Schuylkill Valley HS

Anna Schreiber Wheaton, Ill. Rosary HS

Gabi Seim St. Louis, Mo.Eureka Senior HS

Cailin SheehanChicago, Ill. Mother McAuley HS

Sami ShykenSt. Louis, Mo.Parkway North HS

Amber SmithSt. Louis, Mo. Parkway North HS

Katie Stepanek St. Peters, Mo.Francis Howell HS

Shelby StephensSt. Louis, Mo.Parkway South HS

Danielle Thayer Manchester, Mo.Parkway South HS

Arianna Tonietto Downers Grove, Ill. Downers Grove South HS

Megan Tracy Independence, Mo.Truman HS

Lindsay Trammell Kirkwood, Mo.Kirkwood HS

Tina Tran St. Louis, Mo.St.Charles West HS

Abby UphoffWildwood, Mo.Lafayette Senior HS

Brennan Wahlgren St. Peters, Mo.Ft. Zumwalt East HS

Meredith Weger Jacksonville, Ill. Jacksonville HS

Natalie Westman Edina, Minn. Edina HS

Jennifer Woods Crystal Lake, Ill. Crystal Lake South HS

Kristin ZancanelliLeawood, Kan.St. Thomas Aquinas HS

Omicron Welcomes New Members

Katy Combs, Kylie Boyer, Alyssa Rosales ’10, Katie Hanneken, and Melissa Sandler ’10

share their excitement as Omicron welcomed New Members with the theme A League of Our Own. Active members wore blue shirts

and New Members wore red shirts.

Always Alpha Phi 6

Silent ChapterAmy “Ruth” MaGill ’48, Kansas City, Mo., entered the Silent Chapter in April 2012. Omicron sisters Marcia Sedwick Houston’46, Virginia Lovering ’48, Elizabeth (Betty) Porcher Roberts ’48, and Ruby Gattermeir Moss ’49 served as honorary pall bearers. Ruth earned her bachelor of journalism degree from MU in 1949. She had a successful career as a marketing executive, retiring in 1987 as the second vice president of Business Men’s Assurance Company of America. She was a pioneering role model for many working women. Ruth was a lifelong member of Grace & Holy Trinity (Episcopal) Cathedral. She was a leader and participant in the Kansas City Public Library Great Books program for many years. Ruth, along with her sister, Muriel MaGill Brown ’46, and her niece, Janet Brown Clanton ’78, were lead donors to the capital campaign.

Janet Hewitt Dameron ’53, Spring Valley, Cailf., entered the Silent Chapter in May 2012. She was a member and retired employee of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where she loved singing in the choir and playing hand bells. She attended MU and graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of Illinois. She become an enrolled agent and co-founded an income tax and bookkeeping business. She volunteered extensively and served on many boards, including the Illini Club of San Diego, PTA, and the Soroptimist Club of Chula Vista. She enjoyed music, reading, traveling, genealogy and being a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Janet was a contributor to the campaign.

Tera L. Williams ’79, Kansas City, Mo., entered the Silent Chapter in August 2012, following a courageous 11-year battle with ovarian cancer. Tera graduated magna cum laude from MU with a B.S. in education. She continued her education, achieving a master’s of music education in 1987 from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. After a successful 29-year teaching career, Tera retired in 2012. She was nominated for Teacher of the Year by Kansas City’s Park Hill School District, and the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded Tera an Excellence in Education-Teaching award in 1999. Tera’s most cherished career accomplishment was being awarded a Missouri State Incentive Grant in 1998, which provided funds for a computer music lab within her classroom. Tera was also a dedicated member of Platte Woods United Methodist Church.

Alumnae Update

Betty Porcher Roberts ’48, Sun City, Ariz., retired from the science/engineering library at Washington State University, This summer, Elizabeth traveled to Alberta, Canada, to do some hiking.

Lita Nash Verts ’53, Corvallis, Ore., stays busy volunteering in her community and reading to a kindergarten class. She was nominated for Corvallis’s Greatest Senior Citizen award in 2011. Although she didn’t win, she felt privileged to be a nominee. E-mail: l.verts@comcast.net

Marcia Caldwell McKenna ’58 resides in Conway, S.C., and would love to receive snail mail from friends. Send mail to 1013 Kings Road, Conway, SC 29526-9406.

Suzanne Zvanut Lagomarcino ’62 and her husband, Paul, enjoy traveling. In the fall of 2010, they took a voyage around the world to 11 countries. The couple lives in Alton, Ill. E-mail: slagomarcino@sbcglobal.net

Joan Schwendinger Stern-Murahata ’62 and her husband, Dennis, are enjoying retirement in Broomfield, Colo. They enjoy traveling, including trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, and visiting family in the St. Louis area. Joan’s hobbies are genealogy, gardening, card making, and mahjong. She is a member of DAR and enjoys the meetings and supporting local veterans. E-mail: jmurahata@yahoo.com

Jean Ann Tyhurst Ferguson ’64, Hartsburg, Mo., serves as a volunteer at the state historical society and the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City, Mo. She has co-authored an exhibition catalog of a Missouri artist, Fred Geary: Missouri Master of the Woodcut. E-mail: jeanferguson@embarqmail.com

Jo Ann Redman Wann ’64 and her husband, Phil, have retired from teaching and still live in St. Joseph, Mo. They hope to travel to visit their three children, Ian, Emily, and Ellen, who live in California, Texas, and Lima, Peru. Jo Ann has a passion for Lego robotics and plans to work part time to help inspire young people with STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities. E-mail: joann.wann@gmail.com

Darlene McCouch Boucha ’66, Grand Blanc, Minn., retired as a teacher for Mt. Morris schools in Michigan. She and her husband, Phil, love traveling and spent the past summer in San Diego. Darlene enjoys playing golf and working at the local museum. The couple has 11 grandchildren.

Gigi Sohns Gill ’67 is active in the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. This year she was elected as state chaplain and will serve as president in 2015-16. Gigi volunteered at the Veteran’s Festival at Forest Park, Mo., Labor Day weekend. The purpose of the festival is to provide an update on the activities regarding the military and veterans. She lives in Sainte Genevieve, Mo., with her husband, Jim. E-mail: jamesgill99@yahoo.com

Kay Hollenbeck Hoflander ’67, Higginsville, Mo., has started writing a book about a true story during World War II. She says it will be similar to the Saving Private Ryan movie and the Bridges of Madison County book. E-mail: kayhoflander@yahoo.com

Pamela Dickherber Gehbauer ’68, Chesterfield, Mo., and her husband, Jon, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. They are taking a trip in October to celebrate. E-mail: pam_gehbauer@yahoo.com

Alumnae News

1940s • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cathleen “Jane” Sullivan Eubank ’66, Murfreesboro, Tenn., reports that she is a “fulltime bridge player” and enjoys volunteering for Newscomers Club and Meals on Wheels. She and her husband, Jim, who is a semi-retired optometrist, enjoy their 12 grandchildren and traveling whenever they can. Jane shared this photo of Omicrons who graduated in 1967. E-mail: eubankjane@gmail.com

1950s • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1960s • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi7

Alumnae NewsCathy Buzan Gorham ’71, Neosho, Mo., has been the 40th circuit chief juvenile officer in Missouri since 1999. She has three grandchildren and enjoys spending time at her new home on Table Rock Lake. E-mail: sheltie52@hotmail.com

Denise Blankenship Joyce ’71 took a buyout from the Chicago Tribune and retired in February 2012. She loves the freedom to travel and spend time with family. In June, she rode 100 miles on her road bike in the Tour de Corn in East Prairie, Mo. Denise and her husband, Joe, live in Hinsdale, Ill. E-mail: djoyce435@mac.com

Florence Fultz ’73 works at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., as managing director for passport issuance. She lives with her husband, Richard, and daughter, Laura, a high school sophomore, in Silver Spring, Md.. Her son, Gregory, started college this fall. E-mail: vogelsang5@starpower.net

Sharon Wilkinson Repper ’73, Olathe, Kan., retired from Blue Valley School District after 15 years. She plans to travel with her husband, Ron, and enjoy their first grandchild, born in August. E-mail: mizzoualums@comcast.net

Melissa Ferguson Wittenborn ’76 has moved back home to Kansas City, Mo., and loves it! She is growing her Kansas City speaking connections and is looking for speaking referrals (www.momotivation.com.) Her daughter, Melanie, graduated from college in 2012 and now lives in Vail, Colo. Her son, Christopher, lives in New York City. E-mail: queenmkbee@email.com

Karen King Mitchell ’78, Columbia, Mo., is a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District. Her husband, Greg, is an attorney in private practice in Jefferson City. Their son, Sam, is a senior this year and plans to attend MU next year. E-mail: mitchk@mchsi.com

Susan Smith Vogliardo ’80, Leawood, Kan., and her husband, Joe, celebrated their 29th anniversary in May. She works for Dick Smith Ford in accounts payable. Susan is leading a Christ Renews His Parish group and started Starfish Ministry a year ago with Operation Breakthrough. The ministry pairs families in generational poverty with churches to mentor them and help them break the cycle of poverty. Joe is a marketing director for an assisted living community in Leawood. They have

three children: Jenn teaches English for Disney English in Beijing, China, Katie teaches third grade at Mission Trail in Leawood, and Andrew is a junior at K-State. E-mail: suesues6@hotmail.com

Melissa Clark ’81, Tulsa, Okla., was named the Tulsa Journal Top 20 Women of Distinction. This award is given to 20 women each year for their professional and community service. She has served on the boards of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa Historical Society, Public Relations Society of America (Tulsa chapter), Tulsa Women’s Foundation, Tulsa 4-H Foundation, and Booker T. Washington High School Foundation. E-mail: melissa.clark@wpxenergy.com

Robin L. Shapiro ’84 was selected as a finalist for the Nelli Cashman Award for her business, Heath Perspectives Group. This award recognizes women business owners who have enhanced the status of women entrepreneurs. Robin lives in Seattle, Wash., with her husband Mike, and children, Mara and Ben. E-mail: robin@ahadvocates.com Julie Dean Marion ’86, O’Fallon, Mo., is a counselor in the Wentzville school district. Her daughter, Janey, entered MU this fall.

Theresa Kaufman McGeary ’86 lives in Missoula, Mont., with her husband, Nelson, and their two children, Dylan and Helen. Theresa works for the public school system as an occupational therapist. E-mail: ntmcgeary@hotmail.com

Cherie Stephens Bock ’89, St. Louis, Mo., is a partner at the St. Louis law firm Thompson Coburn LLP. She and her husband, Jeff, have three children: Hayley, Tyler, and Katelyn. E-mail: cbock@thompsoncoburn.com

Jeni Chandler Leitman ’89, Knoxville, Tenn., is vice president of marketing and creative for HGTV and DIY Network. She and her husband, Mark, have a 9-year-old daughter, Sydney. Jeni and Mark met at the Alpha Phi house, where he was a house boy. She thought he was cute and asked to be set up with him for the next Mystery Date Party. They celebrated their 20th anniversary in August with a trip to Paris. E-mail: jenbleit@yahoo.com

Bridget McSkimming Carter ’90 is a middle school teacher in Hoover, Ala., where she lives with her husband, Doug, and their three children: Emily, Allison, and Madison. E-mail: carter_bridget@bellsouth.net

Julie Gawerecki-Moore ’92 married Lance Moore in July in Kansas City. Julie has been as a principal in the Liberty Missouri school district for the past eight years. E-mail: jgawerecki@libery.k12.mo.us

Kristen Hippard Schraut ’92 is the co-owner of Piece Desserts in St. Louis. She encourages everyone to look at her website, www.piecedesserts.com. She and her husband, Brian, and children: Ben, Aubrey, and Gabrielle, live in St. Louis. E-mail: kristen@rfschraut.com

Cheryl Beeler Summers ’93 currently serves as the finance advisor to Iota Rho of Alpha Phi at Clemson University. In August, she completed her master’s degree in accounting from Clemson. She and her family recently moved to Grenoble, France, for a year while her husband, Josh, is on sabbatical from the University. Follow Cheryl’s blog at www.summersinfrance.blogspot.com. E-mail: muaphi97@hotmail.com

Kelli Watts Pryor ’94, Parkville, Mo., and her husband, Blake, welcomed a daughter to the family, Charlotte Ann, on April 3. Charlotte joins her big brother, Harrison, who is 3. E-mail: kelliann@kc.rr.com

Molly Statz Sabatino ’96, South Elgin, Ill., and her husband, Mark, welcomed their first child, Nicholas, in August 2011. Molly is taking radiography classes. E-mail: masabatino@yahoo.com

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Like Mother, Like Daughter – How’s This for a Small World?Nancy Manring Holman ’80, Columbia, Mo., reports that her daughter, Abby Holman ’12, is the Ivy Linker to New Member Abby Bollman. Back in the day, Abby Bollman’s mom, Lisa Uphoff Bollman ’81, Wildwood, and Nancy were both pledge daughters of Beth Bornhauser Weinsting ’79, Columbia, who’s cousin, Katy Bartman, is also a New Member.

(Continued on page 8)

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Always Alpha Phi

ATTENTION: This newsletter is intended for alumnae, undergraduates, and parents. If your daughter has graduated, please send us her new address to update our records. Thank you.

Omicron Chapter of Alpha PhiP.O. Box 1001

Columbia, MO 65205-1001

Address Service Requested

NON PROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDZIP CODE 66044

PERMIT #570

Alumnae News(Continued from page 7)

Katie Sommer Azeltine ’99 and her husband, Ryan, were married this August in Seattle, Wash., where they both live. Katie works in the Nordstrom Fashion Office in Seattle as a fashion coordinator for the west coast.

Brooke Hanes Cover ’99, Greenwood, Mo., is a branch manager at Hawthorn Bank in Lee’s Summit, Mo. This August, she and her husband, Nicholas, celebrated three years of marriage. The couple’s son, John, turned 2 in September. Brooke serves as treasurer of the junior executive board of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Helping those who are in need is Brooke’s greatest passion. E-mail: b.hanes@yahoo.com

Rebecca Davis Mason ’99 and her husband, Bob, welcomed their first child in April, Gwendlynn Dorthea. Both are school counselors and enjoyed spending extra time with their daughter this summer. The family resides in Independence, Mo. E-mail: rebeccamason81@gmail.com

Jamie Behlman Hill ’99 and her husband, Scott, moved to Glendale, Ariz., for Scott’s new job with Charles Schwab. The couple have a 1-year-old son. E-mail: behlsjam@aol.com

Mary Schultz ’99 married Jonathan Franz in August. They moved to Los Angeles and have been busy exploring southern California. They welcomed a new addition to their family, a golden retriever puppy named Rigsby. E-mail: mizzoumary@aol.com

Ashley Brunts-Morris ’01, Liberty, Mo., and Jai Pate, were married in September. Ashley works for Americo Life and Annuities and was recently promoted. E-mail: ashleybrunts@gmail.com

Shannon Brittan ’01 was recently promoted to a district manager for Abin Beverages and has relocated to Annapolis, Md. She and her

husband, Kevin, were married in September, in St. Louis, Mo. E-mail: shannon.brittan@gmail.com

Lizzy Yates ’05, Ballwin, Mo., graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2010 with a master’s degree in gerontology. E-mail: eyates87@yahoo.com

Amanda Hoffman ’06, Houston, Texas, is celebrating two years with Landmark Aviation as a communication specialist. She serves the Alpha Phi alumnae group of Houston as co-chair of the Ivy Circle. E-mail: amandahoffman1@gmail.com

Stephanie Levin Klein ’06 and her husband, Jonathan, married in June and have moved to Knox-ville, Tenn. E-mail: stephanienlevin@gmail.com

Kelsey Kotur ’07 moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to work for Procter & Gamble. She just accepted a Risk Management advisor position at Miami of Ohio’s Alpha Phi Chapter. E-mail: kelsey.kotur@mail.missouri.edu

Sarah Midgorden ’08 moved to Manhattan, Kan., in September 2011. She is a staff photographer at the Manhattan Mercury. E-mail: sarah.midgorden@gmail.com

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Homecoming Open House –

Saturday, October 27Alpha Phi Alumnae

and Guests Welcome! 10-11:30 a.m. – Continental breakfast served in the dining room; $5 per person at the door 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Tours of chapter house and Honors Lodge (following Homecoming parade) Noon – Group photo on the lawn and drawing for Alpha Phi keepsake HOMECOMING GIFT FOR ALUMNAE (until supply runs out) OTHER SURPRISES! Limited parking may be available.