Around 350 people attended the tournament and a total of $15,000 was raised. This money will go to The Alpha Phi Foundation which raises awareness for women’s cardiac care. Omicron would like to thank all participants and extend a special thank you to the gentleman of Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Gamma Sigma, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Farmhouse, Kappa Alpha Order, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Gama Delta, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Pi, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Theta Chi for your participation in the philanthropy event. The winner of the 2012 poker tournament and the grand prize trip to Las Vegas was a member of Delta Upsilon, congrats to him!

All the afternoon’s success would not have been possible without amazing sponsors, so another big thank you goes to the businesses who made donations.

Raising $15,000 in just one day toward such a remarkable cause is truly something to celebrate. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US and Alpha Phi chapters nation wide are making great strides to raise awareness of the fatal disease through the Alpha Phi Foundation. For more information about the Alpha Phi Foundation check out this site http://foundation.alphaphi.org/. If you were unable to attend this year, be sure to come out next February to support women’s cardiac care and enjoy a great time playing poker.

On January 8th these phi-nomenal Phis embarked on their week-long Jamaican adventure through the Christian organization, “Won by One.” The mission trip was comprised of a group of 51 Mizzou Greeks and each individual was required to bring two suitcases of donated clothing, medical supplies, school supplies, and toiletries to leave in Jamaica.

Throughout the week the group worked on several different service projects from working on the houses or at the local school or store to helping out in the greenhouse or just hanging out with the people of Harmons. They spent time at the infirmary there, visiting with  the elderly and mentally or physically disabled persons that lived there. They sang worship songs, read the bible and reached out to these people. Joanie was moved by the time she spent at the infirmary. She said, “Those people are pretty neglected and just being able to sit with them and be in their presence was inspirational on its own. [They] have a remarkable faith in God that is unexplainable for the conditions that they live in and I one day hope to love life and cherish my relationship with God like they do.”

By the end of the week the Mizzou volunteers had completed 3 homes! They also created two foundations for the next group of volunteers coming in.

Megan Geisz explains her favorite part of the trip was dedicating the completed houses. “We gave each person that was receiving the houses a bible, a bag of rice, and a flashlight. We also prayed for them, that the house would bring joy to their lives. All of them turned around and prayed for us as well, and thanked us for all that we did for them. The 3 recipients of the houses were so grateful that we were there and that we had built those houses for them. It was amazing to me because these houses were so tiny and small, about the size of my bathroom, and we knew that they were going to house their whole family in it, but yet they were so, so thankful for the house.” Geisz explains the trip as humbling and says its still setting in for her.

Just hearing the girls’ stories is humbling! Their week of service was truly a life-changing experience. Stream says, “This trip wasn’t about the work we did or the supplies we brought them, it was about the relationships we made with the Jamaicans and with the other members of our team. The Jamaicans were so willing to talk and work along side us, and as much I wanted to give to them, they gave to me too. They’re inspiring people and a couple of them truly touched my life, I plan on keeping in contact with them.”

Omicron is so proud of these inspiring, motivated and empathetic young women. In just one week the 4 of them were able to help make such an impact on so many people, it is outstanding. Stream said, “This trip was hands down the best  week of my life and I made memories and friendships that I’ll cherish forever.”

This is an annual mission trip Mizzou Greeks go on and participants are selected through an application process. Go to www.wonbyonetojamaica.com to learn more about the Won by One organization, or talk to any of our outstanding members who experienced the trip.

As many of you know, Alpha Phi’s annual Rockin’ Red Dress Poker Tournament is this Saturday, February 4 at the Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia, Missouri. Due to the Mizzou vs. Kansas basketball game, the tournament will begin at 1:00PM this year.

Oh and did we mention the tournament’s grand prize will include a trip to Las Vegas? One lucky winner will be able to try his or her Texas Hold Em’ skills in Sin City. To register click here.

If poker is not your thing, or you are unable to make it to Columbia this weekend see below for other ways you can participate.

• Non-Player Attendee: Attend the event in support of the poker player and enjoy the silent auction.
• Donor Only: You cannot attend but wish to make a donation to Poker Tournament benefiting the Alpha Phi Foundation. Click here to complete our donation form.
• Donate a Silent Auction or Poker Tournament Prize: Please contact Jennifer Babka if you are interested.
• Wear Red: Show your support of women’s heart health by joining us this Friday, February 3 in wearing red.
• Social Support: While our poker tourney only last a day, you can show off your commitment to women’s heart health awareness by changing your FB timeline cover here.

All proceeds will be donated to the Alpha Phi Foundation in support of women’s cardiac care. We appreciate your support and hope that you will help us make this year’s event the best yet for the Alpha Phi Foundation. If you have any questions, please direct them to Jennifer Babka, Director of Philanthropy (jrb7bf@mail.missouri.edu).

This week Omicron would like to spotlight two of these freshman for completing their first semester of college with 4.0s! Way to go, Emily Kartheiser and Julia Manewith! Scroll down to meet these fabulous phis.

EMILY KARTHEISER

MAJOR

Elementary Education

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Every day may not be a good day, but there is something good in every day.” – Unkown

FAVORITE ALPHA PHI MOMENT

“Bid day and getting to know my sisters.”

FAVORITE WAY TO STUDY

“I like to study during the day after classes when I’m wide awake and then I can relax and hang out at night.”

JULIA MANEWITH

MAJOR

Business Administration

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Don’t ever frown because you never know who might be in love with your smile.”

FAVORITE ALPHA PHI MOMENT

“Movie nights with my sisters!”

STUDYING TIP

“Start studying a few days in advance and don’t save it all for the last night.”

PRESIDENT

Rachel Neff

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJOR

Math Education

FAVORITE QUOTE

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” -C.S. Lewis

VP OF SOCIAL PROGRAMMING

Taylor Amberg

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJOR

Education

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” -Albert Einstein

VP OF FINANCE

Lauren Spak

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJOR

Journalism

MINOR

Business

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Live the life you love, love the life you live.”

VP OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Jessica Pucket

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJORS

Journalism and French

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi

VP OF MARKETING

Melina Loggia 

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJORS

Textile and Apparel Management & Strategic Communication

FAVORITE QUOTE 

“There’s rock but it’s the roll that counts.” -Keith Richards

VP OF SCHOLARSHIP

Allison Pohle

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJOR

Magazine Journalism 

FAVORITE QUOTE

“No one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with.” – Jane Austen

VP OF CAMPUS RELATIONS

Jennifer Elliott 

PLEDGE CLASS

Spring ’11

MAJOR

Business- Marketing

FAVORITE QUOTE

“One can never be over dressed or over educated.” – Oscar Wilde

VP OF RECRUITMENT

Emmy Martin

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’09

MAJOR

Textile and Apparel Management

MINOR 

Business

FAVORITE QUOTE 

“You have to understand the world, if you are going to understand what people want to wear.”

VP OF HOUSING AND FACILITIES 

Tessa O’Neill

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJOR

Early Childhood Education

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

VP OF ADMINISTRATION

Claudia Tran

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJOR

Psychology

MINORS

Sociology, Business and Journalism

FAVORITE QUOTE

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl

VP OF NEW MEMBER EDUCATION

Meg Dawes

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJOR

Elementary Education

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Every day the choices you make say what you are and who your heart beats for.”

PANHELLENIC DELEGATE

Molly Jeanne Lovewell

PLEDGE CLASS

Fall ’10

MAJOR

Hospitality Management (Emphasis in Food and Beverage)

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind, don’t matter.” -Dr. Seuss  

Hometown: Springfield, IL

Major: Occupational Therapy

In October, younger members like new alum Kelsey Kotur ’07 and current Mizzou student Sydney Ferleger ’09 got to mingle with and learn from older alumnae like Val Lawlor ’71 and Susan Chaffin Matthews ’69 at the Griffiths Society Fall Conference. The two-day session encouraged mentees and mentors to bond at breakfasts and dinners while organizing presentations on such topics as breaking the glass ceiling, women in science and politics, and establishing yourself as a brand.

Val Lawlor '71, Kelsey Kotur '07, Sydney Ferleger '09, and Susan Chaffin Matthews '69 at the conference in October.

Kelsey has been a member of the organization since 2009 and says that each mentor she’s met through the program has been both inspiring and encouraging. She says, “I’ve met many empowering women and feel more confident as a graduate student [in the M.B.A. program at Mizzou] transitioning into full-time employment.”

Older alumnae enjoy connecting with promising young women at the University. Val has been a part of the Griffiths Society since its inception in 2005 and notes that she’s always enjoyed the programs at the conferences, “but it’s the relationships that really make Griffiths meaningful for me.”

Although the group limits its alumnae membership to 250 members at any given time, Omicron can be proud to count many women among its members. Here are a few of the Alpha Phis that have been initiated into the Society:

To learn more about the Griffiths Society or to inquire about membership, you can visit their website at www.griffithsleadershipsociety.com.

Hometown: Greenville, IL

Major: Journalism

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: Unbelievable excitement!

Favorite Movie: You’ve Got Mail

Two Interesting Facts About Mallory: 

She can quote the entire movie Christmas Vacation.

She has snow skied since she was two.

Brittany Speckhart

Hometown: Quincy, IL

Major: Journalism

What event are you most looking forward to this year?: Ace of Hearts, and the Poker Tournament

Favorite Movie: Mean Girls

Two Interesting Facts About Brittany:

She went to Payson-Seymour High School and had thirty-two kids in her graduating class.

She wants to study abroad in London or Paris sometime during her time at Mizzou.

Alyssa Strickland

Hometown: Bartlett, IL

Major: Broadcast Journalism

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: It was my first choice, so I was very excited!

Favorite Movie: Despicable Me

Two Interesting Facts About Alyssa:

She is afraid of elevators.

She is obsessed with soup.

Alex Sturma

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Major: Textile & Apparel Management

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: Jumped up and down!

Favorite Movie: The Notebook

Two Interesting Facts About Alex: 

She got her foot run over by a car with flip flops on.

She is a shopaholic.

Abbey Theban

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Major: Strategic Communications

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: Whoa, baby!

Favorite Movie: She’s the Man

Two Interesting Facts About Abbey: 

Spaghetti-o’s are her comfort food.

She is allergic to corn.

Emy Theodorakis 

Hometown: Glenview, IL

Major: Journalism

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: Screamed.. was so excited!

Favorite Movie: Mean Girls

Two Interesting Facts About Emy:

She is Greek and spends her summers in Greece.

She has the cutest dog in the world named Sonny.

Cat Thompson

Hometown: Lake St. Louis, MO

Major: Nursing

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: Extremely excited!

Favorite Movie: Fox and the Hound

Two Interesting Facts About Cat: 

She likes showering in the dark.

She used to have a three-legged cat named Blacky.

Hometown: Tulsa, OK

Major: Journalism

Campus Involvement: Writer & Photographer for Her Campus Mizzou, member of Alpha Phi’s slating committee.

Words of Wisdom:  Don’t take a single day for granted. Life is an adventure so what’s better than an adventure with sisters by your side? Live it up. But most of all, live it up with each other. Make memories & have a blast!

Random Facts: Spaghetti O’s are my comfort food. Porcupines can float in water. My biggest pet peeve is when people’s socks don’t match.

Favorite Moment as an APhi:  Every heart-to-heart conversation, random sing-a-long session, and inside jokes during fun nights I’ve had with my sisters.

Hometown: Delafield, WI

Major: Journalism

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: Excited and surprised!

Favorite Movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Two Interesting Facts About Emma: 

She hasn’t has Christmas in the US in ten years.

She can wiggle her ears.

Renee Ribolzi

Hometown: Columbia, IL (next to St. Louis)

Major: Undecided Healthcare

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: Ecstatic!

Favorite Movie: Mean Girls

Two Interesting Facts About Renee: 

She hates seafood.

She is obsessed with shopping; she feels like she always needs new clothes.

Kim Ring

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Major: Undecided

What event are you most looking forward to this year?: Greek Week!

Favorite Movie: Anchorman

Two Interesting Facts About Kim: 

Her favorite color is glitter.

Belly buttons freak her out.

Melanie Saunders

Hometown: Fenton, MO

Major: Business

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: I was so excited to be a part of the Alpha Phi family!

Favorite Movie: Elf

Two Interesting Facts About Melanie:

Her favorite candy is Skittles.

She has been swimming with dolphins in Mexico.

Megan Schaefer

Hometown: Florissant, MO

Major: Nursing

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: I was so happy, you girls were my first pick!

Favorite Movie: Father of the Bride

Two Interesting Facts About Megan: 

She is a dancer.

She loves to shop.

Ellen Sherman

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: These girls are hilarious, I can’t wait to join!

Favorite Movie: Anchorman, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Horrible Bosses

Two Interesting Facts About Ellen: 

She has an intense tear duct; she cries at everything, happy or sad.

One of her eyes is higher than the other so she turns her head to the left constantly.

Stephanie (Bella) Smart

Hometown: Downers Grove, IL

Major: Journalism

First reaction when you found out you were an Alpha Phi: Thrilled!

Favorite Movie: The Little Mermaid

Two Interesting Facts About Bella: 

She can shower in under five minutes.

She doesn’t like writing in pencil.