Chi Omega - Kansas State University

The Cardinal and Straw Keeping Close with Kappa alpha spring 2014 T he House Corporation has made it a tradition to take a retreat in Manhattan every initiation weekend. This time Kappa Alpha initiated 48 delightful young women, some of whom we had the pleasure to meet at the banquet held in their honor on Sunday, February 2. We also met with the new executive board and advisory representatives. I am pleased to announce our newest House Corporation member, Rebecca Stack '09, who has joined us as treasurer. She jumped right in and has made clear headway with the new Chi Omega accounting software even though she is in the middle of tax season in her own career. There are just not enough kudos. We thank Ann Larkin West '77 for her many years of service and wish her well. While our annual retreat is a working weekend, the ladies of the House Corporation still manage to have some fun. As we talk about fulfilling needs for Kappa Alpha or vote on work that needs done, the memories of being in the house tend to surface. "Remember when" starts many a sentence and we often end in raucous laughter. Sometimes we have the occasion to share stories with the actives. I think they enjoy hearing about the way things used to be, or they are being polite like they would to a grandparent. However, they see how much fun we had, our commitment and joy in Chi Omega, and they notice the lasting friendships. So I will ask you to mark your calendars for April 17-19, 2015, and come celebrate 100 years of Kappa Alpha. Come reignite friendships and share your stories. Loyally, Eleonore Kenning Ingram '75 House Corporation VP of Personnel eleogram@hotmail.com House Corporation Holds Annual Retreat Ann Larkin West '77 Leaves Legacy of Integrity for Kappa Alpha W hat now takes six House Corporation members to do was, for years, the job of Ann Larkin West '77. Serving as the House Corporation of one, Ann's loyalty to Chi Omega shone as she operated with efficiency, respect, and kindness. Certainly there were others who stepped in to help with projects along the way, but it was Ann who collected money from the actives, paid the bills and payroll, oversaw the Chapter's employees, and took care of the day- to-day workings of the house. Ann's love for Chi Omega developed as the sorority became her home away from home at K-State. Dressing up as Chi O cheerleaders with Sally Hobble Hill '77 making up cheers, sneaks at the lake house of JoAnn Zahner Mendenhall '77, spring break trips, studying in the dining room, and date parties with her high school sweetheart and now husband, Steve, were among the many experiences that solidified her passion. After graduation, Ann and Steve lived and raised their family in Wichita, but when Steve was offered a new job, he came home and asked Ann if she would move to Clay Center. "Where is that?" was her response. "When he told me it was a small town near Manhattan, I said 'Yes!' That meant K-State football, basketball, and Chi Omega would be near!" It was soon after the family's move that Jodi Groves Thierer '77 talked Ann into becoming president of the House Corporation. Ann stepped in and, over the years, saw Chi Omega through projects of all sorts. From updates to the rec room, dining room, parking lot, kitchen, and the major renovation in 2008, to replacing the boiler and air conditioner after the boiler went out, accompanied by frozen pipes and water damage during finals week in December. "I learned a lot about that dreaded phrase 'has to meet code' over the years!" "Ann worked alone for many years with all financial areas related to the House Corporation. She would not take on a project that couldn't be paid for in total and without there being enough cushion left over for possible emergencies. The huge renovation of 2008 was possible in part because the finances of the house were in good order to begin with, thanks to Ann," said Kim Elston Jacobson '80. An educator throughout her career, Ann's retirement from the board comes alongside an exciting opportunity. In the last year she wrote and received a five-year $850,000 federal grant for a middle school after-school program. She now serves as the program director for the grant, partnering with Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan to provide tutoring, educational, and enrichment activities along with leadership opportunities for students that may not otherwise have the experience. Ann leaves a legacy of teamwork and financial integrity for Kappa Alpha's alumnae and active members who follow in her footsteps. We are deeply grateful for her continuing guidance, friendship, and loyalty to Chi Omega. Ann can be reached at annwest71280@gmail.com.

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