Chi Omega - University of Kansas

Lambda Log Kerry Kapfer '73 Found the Perfect Fit at Chi Omega, Still Lives True to Fraternity's Purpose K erry Kapfer '73 fell in love with Chi Omega during rush. She says, "I felt there was a different vibe in the house. They weren't interested in just themselves but had a more world mission type of concern." Chi O was the perfect fit. "It's lucky when that happens in life." After the "pure, unadulterated excitement of moving into the dorm and living life on my own terms," becoming a Lambda Chapter member resulted in Kerry making friends with common interests, as well as others she wouldn't normally meet. She says the experience of living with such wonderful young women was "enlightening and fun." The Chapter members were strong academically, socially, and philanthropically, and the Chapter House itself provided a safe haven for Kerry to grow and excel. While earning her degree in science education, Kerry served the Chapter as pledge trainer and was on the swim team with several Lambda sisters, as well as played volleyball and tennis—which was a great background for her future coaching career. Pledging Chi O led to an unexpected and endearing family legacy. Kerry's mother, Johanne Vaughn Kapfer '74, became a pledge after being asked to serve on the House Corporation Board. The mother-daughter duo was able to share a fun, sisterly bond until Johanne's passing to Chapter Omega in 2010. Kerry spent most of her career in Topeka. She "found a home at Shawnee Heights High School. Again, it was the right fit!" Achieving much success as a volleyball coach and receiving many teaching awards, she is grateful and proud of the years she taught amazing kids and met wonderful families. "I don't have my own kids, and I sure had fun with everyone else's!" Kerry feels fortunate to have found a career that she loved and advises collegians and young alumnae to "find your passion. When you do work that is enjoyable to you, it makes life meaningful and enriching." Before retiring in May, Kerry says she was too busy to travel much or keep in contact with sisters. "I was limited to just hootin' around." But last spring she did attend her first reunion in several years and says it was a delight. She thinks the house is incredibly beautiful and the Chapter is keeping up Chi O's excellent traditions. "And rereading the promise that day, I was reminded of the ideals that I still treasure." She is excited to devote more time seeing friends and traveling. Kerry still loves to swim and hike, as well as read and work in her garden. And living close to campus allows her to walk to most KU events and games. A proud Jayhawk and Lambda alumna, Kerry cherishes her connection to Chi Omega and the lifelong memories created by the sisterhood. Kerry can be reached at kjkboo@sunflower.com. Alumna's Love for Space Exploration Leads to Dream Career Christie Bertels '97 Is Grateful for Chi Omega's Impact "I t's amazing how a decision I made on a whim at the age of 18 became one of the most impactful on my life," says Christie Bertels '97. That decision—joining Chi Omega—was easy for her because of the incredible sisterhood and emphasis on academics and community service she witnessed during rush. "The Lambda Chapter has a strong history and great reputation. I felt right at home from day one." The support and friendships Chi O provided to Christie were invaluable during her undergraduate years. Not only did membership offer "opportunities to strengthen my confidence, leadership and networking skills," but the Lambda Chapter House was the setting for so many lifelong friendships to begin and blossom. Christie says the women in the Chapter were "amazing role models and the greatest moral support you could ask for," and she credits Chi Omega for "setting me on a path to success." Inspired by her father's career in aviation, Christie had a passion for human spaceflight and graduated with a B.S. in aerospace engineering. She began her dream career with NASA in Houston as a flight controller and astronaut instructor. Advancing to new roles and taking on challenges has led to many exciting opportunities. She spent a few years in Munich, Germany, working for the European Space Agency and supported an underwater research mission in the Florida Keys, simulating a spaceflight mission to Mars. "We still have so much to learn, and using the diverse environments we have here on Earth is key to developing the technologies we need to safely send humans to explore other planets someday." She says, "One of the best jobs I've had is being a CAPCOM for the International Space Station, in Mission Control talking directly to the astronauts working in space." Helping the crew as they execute cutting-edge scientific experiments, repair equipment, conduct inspiring outreach events with students on Earth, and even perform

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