Meet our February Alumna Spotlight: Robin Wenneker

Our February Spotlight features Robin Wenneker! Read more to hear about what she's been up to since she graduated from Mizzou in 1991.

Name: Robin Wenneker

Theta Member Class: MC 1989

When did you graduate from Mizzou? December 1991

Hometown: Columbia, MO

Where you live now: Columbia, MO

Where do you work right now/what have you been up to since graduation?

I am currently the Managing Partner for CPW Partnership, a holding company for investments and land assets. Our family business is heavily centered on agriculture and family. I take pride in being part of the industry. The character of the people we get to work with is second to none, and it is humbling to be in an industry where every person on the planet is a customer—needing food, fiber, and fuel.

What's your favorite thing about your job?

I’m passionate about helping our family business manage and grow investments and land assets in agriculture. The people I work with—both directly through my job and in the broader industry—are some of the most grounded, hardworking individuals one will meet. There’s something deeply fulfilling about knowing that what we do has a lasting impact, not just on a local or regional level but on the global community.

What's your favorite thing about the city you live in?

Columbia is both my hometown and my college town, making it a special place for me. I moved back nearly 20 years ago after living away, and I truly enjoy the rhythm of the town. It’s vibrant and active, yet still retains the charm of a smaller city. One of the things I love most is seeing people from different stages of my life—childhood, college, professional, and volunteer work—all in one place.

What are your future career/life goals?

My goal has always been to live an interesting life, one that holds meaning and makes a positive difference for others. As my grandmother always said, “Someone did for you, you must do for someone else.”

What has been your favorite thing about your role on the Board of Curators?

I just completed my term as Chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, where I was honored to be the 13th woman to hold this role in the university’s 186-year history. I continue to serve on the board, where I’ve had the privilege of helping guide the direction of one of our state’s most important assets: the University of Missouri.

Serving as a Curator has been a humbling experience, and it’s been rewarding to see the growth and momentum not only at Mizzou, but across the entire UM System. Focusing on Mizzou, we’ve been able to make significant progress—an updated economic impact report, elevating our athletics program, adding new degree programs, opening a new Children’s Hospital and the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building, increasing the student body size, and fostering a new appreciation for Greek Life. It’s been incredible to witness the positive changes and advances that are taking place, ensuring the university continues to thrive for future generations.

Thetas have a strong legacy of leadership at Mizzou and have had more Curators appointed than any other sorority. Avis Green Tucker served as the first woman Chair of the Board, and Stephanie Patteson O’Dear made history as the first female student representative to the Board. I’m proud to be part of that tradition of excellence.

My favorite part of this role is the opportunity to give back to an institution that shaped my own life while helping pave the way for future generations of students. Advocating for the university, supporting higher education initiatives, and working alongside dedicated leaders to advance the mission of the UM System has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It is humbling to champion the UM System on behalf of my fellow Missourians.

Additionally, over the years, I’ve had the honor of joining Mizzou fraternities and sororities at dinners, reunions, house dedications, and chapter events. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the Board of Curators and Theta.

What do you miss most about Mizzou?

I don’t really get the chance to miss Mizzou, given that I live in Columbia and stay involved through my volunteer commitments. However, I do reminisce fondly about my college experience and how much I grew during those years. I cherish the wonderful sisters and friends I made during that time.

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

I was the Rush (Recruitment) Chair, and I loved the experience of us all staying at the house together for that week. It was such a strong sense of community and as a senior, I truly understood how special it was.

More recently, I co-chaired the Alpha Mu Centennial Reunion with Mindy Ruff Mazur in 2009, and seeing almost 600 Theta women return to Columbia was absolutely amazing.

What is one thing you took away from being a part of Theta in college that has shaped you into the woman you are today?

To quote fellow Theta Tory Burch, Thetas have taught me to “embrace ambition,” to be my best and true self, and to know that other strong women will support me as I reach for aspirational goals and I must do the same for them.

And to add a second takeaway—I love that Thetas root for each across the decades. My dear, dear Theta sisters are the first to cheer, to text, to hug, to console, and to champion. How lucky I am to be a part of Theta.