Alpha Chi Omega - Purdue University

A lpha Beta has held a special place in the hearts of Purdue graduates since 1918. However, there are three Alpha Beta women who have a connection even stronger than sisterhood. Barbara Wakefield Kroemer '50 has watched her daughter, Ellen Kroemer Coval '83, and recently, her granddaughter, Kellie Coval Valentine '09, go through the same ritual that she went through as a freshman. They've shared their love for Alpha Chi Omega and now they're excited to share their excitement for the capital campaign and the bright future that is ahead for Alpha Beta. The start of sorority recruitment for Barbara was in January 1950. "I was quickly convinced that Alpha Beta was where I wanted to be," she said. "I found them to be so welcoming and was made so comfortable during my visits. It truly was a sisterhood from which I learned, had support when I needed it, and most of all, built friendships that made my years at Purdue some of the most memorable that I continue to have to this day." Ellen has cherished the experiences that have brought her closer to her mother and daughter. "I loved being part of my daughter's ΑΧΩ years. It brought back so many great memories. Being with my mom at Kellie's initiation is a special memory for all three of us. We have gotten to know each other's sisters from our time at Purdue so it's been multigenerational fun and we really 'get' each other's ΑΧΩ memories because we too have experienced it." When Ellen moved her daughter into Alpha Beta, Kellie needed a bookshelf for her desk. "When her roommate came back from the storage area with it, I told the girls that I had one just like that and signed the top, we walked over to look and sure enough my initials were on the top! I got goose bumps and knew that Kellie was in the right place." Although Kellie graduated less than 10 years ago, she feels the intimate connection that Alpha Chi Omega has brought to their family over a 68-year span. "Our family has always been close since we live in the same town, but being in Alpha Chi Omega together gives us a special bond. It's more of a special feeling, knowing we all lived in the same house, shared the same traditions, and sang the same songs!" When it comes to giving back to Alpha Chi Omega, the Kroemer family knows the difference that an alumna can make. "Alumnae can have a huge impact on the women that are currently involved with Alpha Chi Omega. Donating can help create lifelong memories for others," Kellie says. Ellen shares the same sentiment, "I remembered how ΑΧΩ alumnae supported and contributed to the house when I was there and now we can do the same for other young women. We have all been recipients of donations from other ΑΧΩs and it's time for us to give back. Every sister can make a difference." Barbara has treasured having this legacy connection with her daughter and granddaughter. It played a huge part in her wanting to be a financial contributor. "Many wonderful things have happened since my graduation and I'm proud to be a part of it all." Barbara has been able to stay in touch with Alpha Chi Omegas throughout her whole life. "My husband's career required us to move many times so I turned to the Alpha Chi Omega alumnae groups in the various cities for new friendships and activities. Since we moved back to Zionsville, Indiana, I've been able to attend many events at Purdue and the ΑΧΩ chapter house. I have also been able to stay in contact with a few of my Alpha Beta sisters and we enjoy occasional lunches." Kellie is married to Josh and is a third grade teacher. Ellen has been married to her husband, Gary, for 33 years and works for their family business, CEP Sales Inc. They have three children, Kellie, Will and Julie. Barbara has been married to Wayne for 65 years and they have four children, William, Anne, Kurt and Ellen. When you look at the Kroemer family, it's clear to see the impact that Alpha Chi Omega has had on these three women. They have decided to pay it forward by giving to the campaign so that they can impact hundreds of Alpha Beta women for years to come. With your support, this campaign can change the lives of young women at Purdue. You can connect with the Kroemer/Coval family at: Barbara - barbzville@aol.com Ellen - eekcoval@gmail.com Kellie - kcoval25@gmail.com Family Traditions The Kroemer Family Shares Why They Support the Campaign The Coval family: Kellie Coval Valentine '09, Barbara Wakefield Kroemer '50, and Ellen Kroemer Coval '83. Barbara Wakefield Kroemer '50 and Ellen Kroemer Coval '83 at Alpha Beta's 1985 Mom's Day. "Alumnae can have a huge impact on the women that are currently involved with Alpha Chi Omega. Donating can help create lifelong memories for others." –KELLIE COVAL VALENTINE '09 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 3

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