Chi Omega - Kansas State University

Χ Ω Χ Ω 2 The Cardinal and Straw T hank you to everyone who came out to the second annual Chi Omega Reunion Tailgate on October 5. We had such a great time and sisters from all over joined to celebrate! If you were unable to attend, we hope you will keep next year's reunion tailgate in mind. Our reunion will always be on KSU's Big 12 home opener. With the semester underway, we are excited to be planning for Kappa Alpha's 105th reunion the weekend of April 17-18. On Friday the 17th, there will be an evening open house, in which alumnae may stop by 1516 McCain Lane and see our wonderful home away from home. Following that we will head out for a happy hour in the 'Ville. On Saturday the 18th, there will be brunch at the Bluemont Hotel with a few vendors. Hotel check-in information for the event is below; please contact Jill Tobler Erickson '74 at xojerickson@yahoo.com with any questions. We cannot wait to see everyone and celebrate Kappa Alpha turning 105! Hotel Information: BLUEMONT HOTEL (where brunch on Saturday will be) 1212 Bluemont Ave. Manhattan, KS 66502 Group Name (By Phone or Online): CHIO0420 Online Password: anni HILTON GARDEN INN 410 S. 3rd Street Manhattan, KS 66502 Group Name: Chi Omega 105th Reunion Group Code: CHIOM Alumnae of all generations reconnect in Manhattan at the second annual alumnae tailgate. 105 Years of Kappa Alpha Get Ready for Our Anniversary Reunion! A bout a year after moving to Las Vegas, Whitney Pleming '11 heard from a local Chi Omega alumna who wanted to start an alumnae chapter. "I had tried reaching out to a few local Chi Omega sisters prior to that but without much luck," Whitney remembers. "Las Vegas is such a transient town that it's hard to meet people, so I was excited about the opportunity to form an alumnae chapter!" After a successful interest meeting, the Southern Nevada Alumnae Chapter colonized and has enjoyed steady growth in the four years since. Whitney was initially the chapter's secretary and is now the president. In helping found the chapter, Whitney gives a shout-out to another crucial member: her older sister and fellow Kappa Alpha sister, LaTasha Pleming Crane '00. Early on, Tasha served as the social chairman and provided her home (also in Vegas) for formal chapter meetings. "Getting our charter was such an exciting and significant event for the chapter. I'm in awe of Whitney's leadership as president!" LaTasha said. SISTERS BECOME SISTERS As a legacy Chi Omega, Tasha immediately felt a sense of sisterhood and community when she joined Kappa Alpha at KSU. "I was excited to get involved and network with other amazing, diverse women." When Whitney went through recruitment 11 years later, she immediately felt at home with Chi O. "My sister never pressured me to join the same house, but I loved the idea of sharing the sisterhood with her," she shared. Both sisters served in leadership roles and were highly involved in Chapter events, but each considered her favorite undergraduate memories to be the simple ones, such as staying up late to watch TV or talk about life, spur-of-the-moment Sonic trips, or getting ready for date parties. Tasha's favorite post-graduate moment, however, was surprising her sister on initiation day in 2011—all the way from Las Vegas. "I had talked to her the morning of my initiation, and I still had no idea she was there until I turned around…and she passed her badge on to me during the ceremony. It was a really special moment!" Whitney shared. CHI OMEGA TODAY The Southern Nevada Alumnae Chapter has approximately 40 members, and the Pleming sisters are thankful for the opportunity to connect with Chi Omegas of all ages and backgrounds. Whitney encourages Kappa Alpha sisters to stay connected and uphold the long-standing values and legacy of the Chapter. "With colleges such as Harvard placing sanctions on Greek life, I think it's more important than ever to stay connected with Chi Omega and to show our support for the Panhellenic community," she said. "I can confidently say that had I not been in a sorority, I would not be who I am today, both personally and professionally." Both sisters encourage Kappa Alpha undergraduates to get involved and stay connected. Tasha recommends that graduates look for an alumnae chapter in their area. "The sisterhood you share will bond you with other alumnae, give you a sense of community, open doors and opportunities, and will be very rewarding and fun along the way! It's never too late to reconnect with your sisters—once you're a Chi Omega, you're always a Chi Omega!" From Manhattan to Vegas and Beyond Pleming Sisters Serve Chi Omega Through the Southern Nevada Alumnae Chapter (Continued on page 4)

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