Chi Omega - Kansas State University

Χ Ω 2 The Cardinal and Straw House Corporation Board President Kim Elston Jacobson '80 kimba495@gmail.com (785) 456-3301 Vice President Joan McCrillis Lafferty '69 joanlafferty@gmail.com (913) 558-0470 Vice President Kelly Moore Williams '72 kstate@sbcglobal.net (913) 339-6169 Secretary Marilyn McCrillis Nichols '75 xoka1975@gmail.com Treasurer Kelly Moore Williams '72 kstate@sbcglobal.net (913) 339-6169 Member Mimi White Balderson mimi@balderson.com (785) 776-2101 F or Meta Newell West '67, there are three words she uses to describe Chi Omega: friendship, life lessons, and group connections. These are words that encompass one of the best decisions she's ever made. Meta began her search to join a sorority at Kansas State University as an upperclassman. Even though she had her eye on a couple of other sororities, Meta found herself drawn to Chi Omega. "The minute I stepped into the ΧΩ house, I felt a connection," she recalled. After graduating in 1968, Meta went on to teach at Abilene High School in Family Consumer Sciences. She taught there for 33 years and retired in 2001. Retirement was not the end for Meta, though, and she began catering at The Kirby House restaurant—even writing The Kirby House cookbook. Through her new venture, she learned about book marketing on a state and regional basis, involving public speaking events and cooking classes. Meta, along with her husband, Barry, now regularly teaches classes at numerous venues across Kansas. "It's an opportunity for us to meet new people and to share our interest in cooking," Meta shared. "Guess you just can't keep teachers from teaching!" If you thought Meta was just teaching cooking classes, think again. She continues to share her interest in cooking through freelance writing, and is a regular contributor for KANSAS! Magazine. For 13 years she wrote the monthly cooking column for her local paper, and continues to write for the "Taste" section for KANSAS! Her passion for writing and food shines through, and she is thankful for those who have influenced her life. "I look up to strong people, especially women, who are respectful, dedicated to 'common good' causes, embrace lifetime learning, have a positive outlook on life, and are unpretentious," she shared. One such person is Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, who Meta wrote an article about for Topeka Magazine. She is both proud and humbled to have accomplished so much in her lifetime, but what is most significant are the lasting relationships and friendships she'd made. "People, not things, hold the most importance for me." Because of Chi Omega, Meta has learned to embrace celebration. "The ΧΩ experience gave me a chance to also grow socially, made me take time to sit down at the table for formal dinners, and to share time with friends," she said. Meta has continued to carry those ideals with her, and just celebrated her 50th anniversary with her husband. They enjoy traveling, entertaining, and of course attending K-State football games. Her greatest advice? "Surround yourself with people you admire," she shared. "That's what I did at Kappa Alpha." You can connect with Meta at metawest1@ gmail.com. Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher ΧΩ Connections Empower Meta Newell West '67 to Thrive Thriving Sisterhood Is Thanks to Supportive Alumnae A s personnel, recruitment, and social advisor for Kappa Alpha, I am honored to advise such an amazing group of young women. I can not be more proud of what we have accomplished as a Chapter and as an Advisory Board in the last few years. In 2018, we received the Chapter of Excellence award for the first time in 22 years! The collegiate women are more involved than ever. Our advisors continue to impress me with the time and effort they put into Kappa Alpha. Kori Underwood, Kappa '07 came to us from the Kappa Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Since moving to Manhattan, Kori has taken on the role of our scholarship advisor as well as career and personal development advisor. Emily Enright Johnson, Lambda '06 is an initiate of the Lambda Chapter at the University of Kansas, but a Manhattan, Kan., native. Emily serves as our new member advisor. Courtney Novak Riley '88 is our Cardinal Cabinet and Panhellenic Advisor. Kim Engroff Rees '88 serves as our financial advisor. Leah Carpenter McKeeman '98 serves as our campus activities and community service advisor and Kelly Camblin Barr '88 is our sisterhood advisor. Without a doubt, Kappa Alpha would not be where it is today without these amazing women who dedicate so much of their time to making our house what it is. As you can see, many of us serve in multiple positions. If you are interested in helping out in an advisory role, please reach out to me at jamiekarlin21@gmail.com. Loyally in Chi Omega, Jamie Wilson Karlin '06

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