Alpha Chi Omega - University of Kansas

Becoming the Real. Strong. Woman. Alpha Chi Encouraged Her to Be Why Heather Comstock Claybrook '87 Gave to the Campaign A t times, Heather Comstock Claybrook '87 feels it was pure luck she found Alpha Chi Omega. When she went through recruitment she was 18 and "clueless" about where she needed to be; however, something in her gut told her Phi was home. Being in Alpha Chi was not only a time for Heather to develop relationships with women of similar goals, ambitions, and dreams, but sorority life helped her put into practice many skills needed for life after college, such as leadership, accountability, and time management. "We provide a circle of support for one another as we strive to be that woman Alpha Chi Omega saw in us the day we pledged." Those core relationships are still an important part of Heather's life. "My friendships through Phi are multi-generational and what a blessing it is. The sisterhood has allowed me to develop friendships with Jo Sicking Hurley '57 and Julie Crider Wisbrock '95. Both inspire me with their positive energy and remind me why Alpha Chi Omega is truly a lifetime engagement. "My pledge mom, Lisa Foerschler Roepe '86, and I talk weekly. Lisa has given unconditional support as I have moved through different chapters in my life. It is a privilege to have her as my closest friend. More than 25 years ago we were sharing our hopes and dreams as young women and now we discuss it in regard to our daughters. What an amazing journey of friendship!" Heather believes it is important to serve Alpha Chi because it provided her with so much. She is on her sixth, and final, year of serving on the national housing corporation. "By serving on the national level, I understand the trends and needs regarding housing and the collegiate experience. One of the components to sustaining a chapter and remaining competitive is housing. Women have so many more choices in where they live when they step onto a college campus. So to attract the best and the brightest recruits, we need to maintain a chapter house that supports their needs." Knowing the importance of alumnae support for Phi's success, Heather chose to give to the campaign. "It is my hope that all alumnae financially support the campaign. Whether a pledge or a one-time donation, every penny makes a difference. Whatever you can give not only supports Phi, but also supports women and helping them becoming the Real. Strong. Women. Alpha Chi Omega saw in us many years ago." She encourages all of her sisters to reflect on the memories they have of Phi and what they can do to assist undergraduates and maintain the strength and tradition of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Kansas. "A healthy, safe living environment is what our current members and future members need to be successful. The local housing corporation has worked for decades maintaining that type of environment, but to remain competitive on campus, they need our help." "First support the idea of the campaign and why it is necessary. Second, commit to Phi and the sorority experience. That will look different for all of us. It may mean committing to volunteer by serving on a board. It may mean being a cheerleader for Phi and talking to young women about sorority life. It may mean getting involved in an alumnae group in your area. Or it may mean writing a check. That commitment will one day support your daughter, granddaughter, or even that young woman who will marry your son." Join Heather and Give Now! http://axophi. kintera.org/ donate Thank you, Diane Wilson Blackwelder, Omicron '67, for your wonderful, inspiring visit! Your story and connection to Phi Chapter are memories we cherish! Undergraduates Cherish 100 Years of Phi Chapter PHI STANDS OUT AT CONVENTION This summer I was lucky enough to represent Phi Chapter at the Alpha Chi Omega convention in Palm Desert, California. At the convention, Phi was presented with a centennial sash that I wore on behalf of our 100th year. It was a wonderful weekend meeting hundreds of Alpha Chis from all over the world. We began each day with a chapter meeting and then did workshops and attended talks for the remainder of the day. GPA RANKS THIRD ON THE HILL We finished the spring semester with a 3.35 GPA, placing us third on the Hill. Vice President Intellectual Development Lauren Ridgway '12 worked individually with women on academic contracts to facilitate this success. 100TH MEMBER CLASS RECORD SIZE This fall started strong with recruiting our 100th membership class in August. With many hours of practicing formations, songs, conversation techniques, and focusing on our values as individuals and a chapter, recruitment was truly a success. We exceeded quota for Panhellenic and on bid day welcomed 70 new women into our sisterhood. CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT Homecoming was September 27 and with our partner, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, we placed in many events. In October we hosted a philanthropy event in support of the Willow Domestic Violence Center. October is domestic violence awareness month, so we promoted that on campus and in the Lawrence community. MAKING SISTERHOOD A PRIORITY With celebrating our centennial this September, our chapter is really working on sisterhood! We hosted a field day at Clinton Lake and had some fun in the sun. Coming up we will enjoy an all-chapter retreat where (Continued on page 6)

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