Alpha Chi Omega - University of Kansas

B efore she even joined Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Kansas, Sarah Morris Cox '96 was exposed to the values and traditions of the sorority early on by her older sister, Sara Catherine Morris '86, who is an ACW alumna at Baker University. "I was sold on Phi Chapter from the beginning," Sarah says. "I was immediately drawn to the members' warm, welcoming nature and I thought the chapter house was absolutely gorgeous! Tackling four part-time jobs and being in the KU marching band, all while attaining sorority obligations, was not easy; however, Phi Chapter helped me learn how to prioritize and succeed to the fullest in all aspects of my college career and I couldn't be more thankful for that. I would like to pay tribute to my father, who primarily encouraged me to go through recruitment and pledge a sorority." Sarah quickly became acquainted with ACW and forged several friendships with sisters in the chapter, including her pledge mom Mirah Kwon Nash '95, Krista tiller Shackelford '94, Caroline Karslake Burk '96, Michelle Cadwalader '96, Joan Campbell '96, and allison Gard '96. One of her most cherished connections in ACW was with Mom Pat, Phi Chapter's housemother, who Sarah recalls always left the door open to talk with sisters who went to her for guidance. The support and encouragement Sarah received from sisters inspired her to serve as fundraiser chairman, which provided her the opportunity to travel to Norfolk, Virginia, to attend the Alpha Chi Omega Convention. As an alumna, ACW continues to be a very important part of Sarah's life and she values the connections she has maintained with sisters over the years. "I've come to find that no matter where life takes us, it is my sorority sisters who remain a constant. Pledging ACW was one of the best decisions I made in college and the impact of my experiences in the chapter still resonates with me today. Sisterhood isn't just four years; it truly lasts you a lifetime." Because Sarah cherishes the rewarding experiences she gained in ACW, she encourages alumnae to support the chapter to ensure future generations are provided the same rewarding experiences. "In an ever-changing Greek environment, Phi Chapter has maintained a quality membership, polished facility, and a strong philanthropic background. Without alumnae support and involvement, our chapter wouldn't have the privilege of continuing this reign of success. Whether it is visiting the chapter house, attending alumnae events, or contributing your finances, your involvement will make a world of difference in the lives of current and prospective sisters." Sarah has enjoyed a rewarding career in law enforcement, having served as a patrol officer for 10 years and a detective for four years, and was promoted to patrol sergeant at the Salina Police Department in Salina, Kan. She is the first female sergeant in nearly 40 years to serve at the police department. "Being able to supervise and mentor young officers is such a gratifying experience, and I hope to continue shedding a positive light on the community and on law enforcement," she says. When she is not hard at work, you'll likely find Sarah listening to music, playing the piano, watching Investigation Discovery, or camping. She and her husband, Bill, have seven children and they enjoy spending time with them any chance they get. Sarah and Bill also have two dogs, an American bulldog named Jack and an English bulldog named Vito, and live in Salina, Kansas. "ACW has made me a stronger person physically, mentally, and psychologically, and I attribute my successful career to the friendships and experiences I gained in the chapter." You can contact Sarah at crimsonnbluejayhawk@yahoo.com. sarah morris Cox '96 Cherishes lifelong memories and friendships in alpha Chi omega I hope this letter finds you well. Since the semester is almost over, I want to fill you in on what has been happening at Phi Chapter. This year's formal recruitment was one of the strongest recruitments Phi Chapter has seen in the past 10 years and we couldn't be happier with the women we get to call our new sisters. We took a class of 72 new members and we were excited to initiate them into our sisterhood. Phi Chapter now has a total of 213 members! Our fall philanthropic event, Pizza Pie with Alpha Chi, was held on October 20 on the Wheel Pizza patio. We sold pizza to students, with all proceeds benefitting the Lawrence Willow Domestic Violence Center. To kick off the semester, we had a function with Sigma Alpha Epsilon on August 26 at Cielito Lindo with the theme of "Drop It Like It's Yacht." The women dressed up in sailor- themed outfits and had fun socializing with the men while eating yummy Mexican food! On September 22, we had our Big-Little reveal, where each of our new members received a Big. The event was held in South Park on Mass Street where we catered Raising Cane's Fried Chicken, a crowd favorite. The new members were given costumes to wear to the park and ran to their Bigs, who were decked out in matching costumes. On September 15, the chapter also celebrated Phi's founding with a barbecue. On September 10, we had Parent's Weekend at the chapter house. Women invited their families up for a hotdog cookout, tours around the house, visits with other sisters, and attending the home football game later that afternoon. Phi Chapter has had such a great start to the year and we cannot thank you all enough for your support. Our doors are always open to alumnae—we love to see the faces of our alumnae back at Phi Chapter! LITB, Brittany Biel '14 2015-16 Chapter President axophi.chapterpresident@gmail.com (913) 271-0758 Phi Chapter Boasts thriving membership and Campus involvement Members of the sophomore class on Preference Day of recruitment.

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