Delta Delta Delta - Kansas State University

THETA IOTA CHAPTER • KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Spring 2019 Crescent The Golden THETA IOTA MAINTAINS STRONG SENSE OF PRIDE DESPITE HARDSHIPS LAST FALL N inety years ago, Theta Iota mem- bers were making plans to build their new chapter house at 1834 Laramie Street. It must have been such an exciting time for them! How pleased they would have been to know that the house designed specifically for the women of Tri Delta at Kansas State Agricultural College would, in 2019, still be a home away from home for the members of Theta Iota at Kansas State University. Theta Iota House Corporation continues to serve the chapter as owners and maintenance directors of the lovely property. Our role is gratifying in many ways. However, last fall we learned of an issue that led to a very significant challenge. Due to a water valve failure in the air- handler room, plus unusually hot and hu- mid weather through September, mold was found to be growing in excess in various areas of the house, and in most areas of the air movement system. Upon realization of the issue, House Corporation members consulted and developed a plan of action with HVAC, mitigation/restoration, con- struction, and engineering professionals. We also consulted with and have main- tained communication with Tri Delta Ex- ecutive Office regarding the situation. Immediately, air quality testing was con- ducted, followed by the placement of high-efficiency particulate air filters in key areas of the house. Intensive work began as soon as the collegians departed for se- mester break. Mold-affected basement car- pet, ceiling tiles, and some wall board was removed. Most basement furnishings were also affected and disposed of, as were many paper files and other items. The entire base- ment level was impacted to some degree, which included the rec/chapter room, TV room, closets, laundry room, two bedroom suites, meeting room, hallway and study room. Mitigation, remediation, and recon- struction was carried out over six weeks in time to allow limited use of those rooms by late January. To date, we are waiting for the arrival and installation of new carpet and new furniture, hopeful that most of that will occur during spring break. Good news amidst all of this is primarily two-fold: our live-in collegiate members have been understanding and cooperative regarding the situation, especially those who have been temporarily displaced from basement suites to upstairs bedrooms. The other great news is that our insurance will cover much of the damage and replace- ment costs, although not all. Because the carpeting in all bedrooms is now 13 years old, we would like to keep them consistent throughout the house and replace carpet in the halls and bedrooms on first and second floors, as well as what was discarded in the basement. We are hopeful that it can be a summer project. Another project that House Corporation has been considering and researching for the past six months is the installation of an upgraded house security system, including exterior cameras at all entrances. We con- sider this a priority as it will improve safety for all those living in the house, and will support our house director in her position of property manager. We are hopeful that this may also be a summer project. Our chapter continues to be a leader in many ways at Kansas State, and our mem- bers continue striving to be a premier Tri Delta chapter. We expect that the beautiful limestone structure at 1834 Laramie will continue to house our exceptional young members as it has for 90 years, but your support is needed. We greatly appreciate your gifts and ask for such consideration going forward. Loyally, Laura Anderson Pestinger '76 President, Theta Iota House Corporation T he spring semester has begun, and it is a great year to be a Tri Delta at Kansas State University. We have a semester filled with academic, philanthrop- ic, sisterhood, social, and other events. Left: Emily Brady '17 and Molly Huggins '18 with their moms and Willie the Wildcat on Mom's Weekend at the Kansas State basketball game vs. Oklahoma State. THETA IOTA BOOSTS ACADEMICS AND PHILANTHROPY THIS SPRING Leadership Grows as GPA Rises ACADEMICS In the fall semester, 31 sisters received a 4.0 GPA. Our all-chapter GPA increased to a 3.438. On February 17, Academic Chairman Avery Aust '17 hosted a scholarship dinner for members achieving a 3.5 GPA and above. (Continued on page 2)

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