Alpha Chi Omega - University of Kansas

Notes of the Lyre 4 O n September 12-14, we welcomed more than 350 Phi alumnae back to the University of Kansas to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Phi Chapter's founding. After years of anticipation, planning, and excitement, the weekend finally arrived and was a huge success filled with great stories and reminiscing. The collegians were touched to see that this sisterhood would stand the test of time. The centennial celebration was a great way for the new members, undergraduates, and alumnae to bond as a sisterhood. All women who attended were impressed with the caliber of the undergraduate women and the updates in the chapter house. It was truly a weekend that won't be soon forgotten. Friday night's celebration at the hotel and Saturday's brunch at the chapter house provided fantastic settings for meeting Phi alumnae from all eras and being reminded of the bond we share as sisters of a chapter that has maintained its strength on campus for 100 years. During brunch, alumnae were given house tours from undergraduates. All were impressed by the beautiful chapter house updates and excited to learn about how they could donate to the campaign. Irene Sallee Herring '83 and her daughter Molly Herring '12, legacies of Phi founder Claribel Lupton Sallee 1914, along with Chapter President Shelby Lemon '12, were presented the centennial plaque to be displayed in the chapter house by National President Diane Wilson Blackwelder, Omicron '67. Mary Fassnacht Whitaker '59, centennial chairwoman, gave a history of the chapter, which was appreciated and enjoyed by all. Women from the 1940s, '50s, and '60s had lunch at the KU alumni center, where the original Alpha Chi Omega chapter house was located before finding its current residence at 1500 Sigma Nu Place. They were visited by Shelby and other undergraduates, who shared how chapter life today compares to the alumnae's experiences. Later in the day there were optional tours in Allen Fieldhouse, Spencer Art Museum, and the Dole Center. Saturday night there was a banquet at the hotel starting at 5 p.m. with a cash bar, silent auction, photo booth, and visit from special guest Baby Jay. We were honored to have National President Diane Wilson Blackwelder as the keynote speaker. The recognition of the 50-, 60-, and 75- year members was a cherished moment for the entire audience. With more than 250 alumnae in attendance, the ballroom was filled with excitement and pride as we celebrated our chapter's 100th year of excellence. Thank you to all who participated, some of whom traveled thousands of miles to be here. We are awestruck by the outpouring of support we have received from our alumnae over the past year. We have truly enjoyed every minute connecting with so many of you and look forward to more in the future. We have so much to be proud of. Centennial Celebration An Event for the Ages Jo Sicking Hurley '57, Centennial Chairwoman Mary Fassnacht Whitaker '59, Chapter President Shelby Lemon '12, and National President Diane Wilson Blackwelder, Omicron '67, with the 100-year plaque. Over the Century of Sisterhood weekend, many composites were brought out from storage so we could see how our chapter has grown. Members of the class of 1999 enjoyed the Saturday brunch, house tours, and plaque dedication ceremony. To see more photos from our centennial celebration, check out our website, www.kuaxo.com, or our Facebook page!

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