Alpha Chi Omega - Kansas State University

The Lyre Letter 2 E veryone arrives at college hoping they'll find a place that feels comfortable, something that feels like home. For Chelsey Barnes Frihart '08, the women of Alpha Chi Omega felt exactly like family. Determined not to follow the footsteps of her sister, Jennifer Gorman Olsen '94, Chelsey was hesitant about Gamma Zeta. "I wanted to be different than her, and my entire family was convinced I was also going to pledge AXΩ," she recalled. "Going through recruitment is something I'll never forget," Chelsey said. "I realized that AXΩ was the place for me, and even though some of the girls reminded me of my sister, I could still see myself fitting in here and enjoying the next four years with these ladies." Like many legacies, Chelsey's relationship with her sister was made even closer as they shared rituals and the unique bond that makes Alpha Chi special. Finding Gamma Zeta gave Chelsey more than a group of friends; it smoothed the transition from high school to college. "College can be extremely stressful, challenging, and there are many ups and downs," she shared. "I feel that being a part of AXΩ made my experience at K-State better by helping me develop into the woman I am today and become more outgoing and learn how to become a leader." While some lose touch after graduation, Gamma Zeta and K-State were never left behind for Chelsey. She began her career with K-State as an event planner for the university's foundation, later becoming the assistant director of hospitality and special events. This summer, Chelsey accepted the position of director of women's soccer and tennis operations and continues to thrive at the university she loves. Staying in Manhattan for her career gave Chelsey the chance to give back to Gamma Zeta. She serves as treasurer and event planner for Rho Tau Rho, the local alumnae chapter, and as the alumnae advisor to the vice president of new member education. Alpha Chi Omega has been the foundation of a decade of memories and opportunities for Chelsey. From the moment she joined to her sisters singing chapter songs at her wedding, Gamma Zeta created an everlasting bond. You can connect with Chelsey at cbarnes@kstatesports.com. The Unexpected Path Chelsey Barnes Frihart '08 Recounts Choosing Gamma Zeta Madeline Alexander | Overland Park, Kan. Amy Anderson* | Overland Park, Kan. Allison Arredondo* | Colorado Springs, Colo. Brittany Bahr | Prairie Village, Kan. Josie Bedford | De Soto, Kan. Emily Bernard | Manhattan, Kan. Sydney Besa* | Overland Park, Kan. Aubrie Betts | Loch Lloyd, Mo. Kelsie Boeken* | Sterling, Kan. Aundrea Bruna | Hanover, Kan. Annie Burnam | Onaga, Kan. Talia Calhoun | Lenexa, Kan. Ashley Copeland | Overland Park, Kan. Jillian Daniel | Olathe, Kan. MaKenna Eilert | Manhattan, Kan. Peyton Fenwick | Newton, Kan. Holly Frakes | Topeka, Kan. Kendall Gaignat | Shawnee, Kan. Meghan Gillmore* | Greeley, Colo. Sarah Grafke | Olathe, Kan. Kristin Grider | Liberty, Mo. Emily Halstead | Ottawa, Ill. Ashlee Hanratty | Avondale, Colo. Ashlynn Henao | The Woodlands, Texas Miranda Hoag | Illinois City, Ill. Allyson Hoff | Norfolk, Neb. Morgan Horsley | Overland Park, Kan. Hannah Kaberlein | Olathe, Kan. Claire Keeten | Phillipsburg, Kan. Natalie Klein | Lenexa, Kan. Hayd'n Kleymann | Andover, Kan. Kenzie Kozar | Wauconda, Ill. Grace Marquardt | Kansas City, Mo. Kaylah McCabe | Northglenn, Colo. Lilly Mick | Louisburg, Kan. Ava Mikesell | Goddard, Kan. Maddie Munsey | Lenexa, Kan. Myah Munz | Manhattan, Kan. Bailey Nelson | Overland Park, Kan. Jenna Niles | Arkansas City, Kan. Lexi Palmer | Independence, Kan. Cassie Paulson | Hutchinson, Kan. Kali Poenitske | Pittsburg, Kan. Sydney Ralston* | Shawnee, Kan. Anna Scarlett | Olathe, Kan. Amber Schiffbauer | Tonica, Ill. Lakin Shelton | Wichita, Kan. Sara Shill | Garden City, Kan. Brett Short* | Abilene, Kan. Reagan Stonestreet | Wichita, Kan. Sydney Stricker | Olathe, Kan. Kaitlyn Urban | Louisburg, Kan. Sabrina Uriarte | Overland Park, Kan. Harley Waggoner | Stanton, Neb. Tori Wesp | Shawnee, Kan. Maddy Westcott | Overland Park, Kan. Olivia White | Kansas City, Mo. Kristin Wingate | Olathe, Kan. *Legacy WELCOME TO THE ΑΧΩ SISTERHOOD! New Members Bailey Nelson '18, Maddie Munsey '18, and Sydney Stricker '18 join their new sisters on Bid Day.

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