Sigma Kappa - University of Kansas

H H H Sigma star N ot knowing anyone on KU's large campus, Christy Cain Nielson '92 knew she needed to find her people to feel less overwhelmed. "In Sigma Kappa, I found not only my best friends but also leadership opportunities, the chance to be exposed to so many different types of people, ideas, and backgrounds, and a lifelong membership in a sisterhood that continues to offer more to me than I could ever give back to it," she shared. Today, Christy remains close with Gretchen Havner '92, Marcy Smoler Woodhouse '92, Christy Scherlacker Skelton '92, and Kathleen Brangan Held '92, who have been there for each other through the ups and downs of life. "I can't imagine doing life without this group of women, and I wouldn't have met them without Xi." This summer, Christy attended Convention in Boston and witnessed Kathleen Brangan Held being installed as the National Council president. "Kat is incredibly smart, well-spoken, thoughtful, generous, and loyal. I'm so grateful for her and super proud of everything she is, all she has accomplished in her personal and professional life, and her selfless service to our sisterhood. There's no doubt that my life—and our organization—is better for having Kat in it." One of Christy's favorite memories with Kat was meeting up at the 2018 Final Four in San Antonio to watch the KU men's basketball team compete. It also meant the world to Christy when Kat flew in to celebrate Christy's birthday with her—a couple of times! Over the years, Christy has remained involved with Sigma Kappa through several roles, including advising the Xi and Mu Chapters and co-chairing Sigma Kappa's History Taskforce with Allison Parker, Alpha Gamma, Washington State University '90. She is currently a Triangle features editor. "It's so much fun because I get to meet sisters from all walks of life and share their inspiring stories." In her career, Christy is president of Christy Nielson Communications, which she has owned for more than 20 years. She has public relations clients in industries that range from tourism to environmental education and sustainable wood coatings. She also writes architectural features for COWGIRL Magazine and ELYSIAN Magazine. While working in television news at KTKA-ABC in the beginning of her career, the anchor set Christy up on a blind date with her husband's new employee, Justin. "We hit it off, and that blind date turned into a forever date. We got married on November 25, 2000. TV news was a really fun way to start off my career, but meeting Justin is by far the biggest highlight!" Christy loves sharing the Sigma Kappa sisterhood with her biological sister, Alison Cain Hodge '95. In her free time, Christy loves to cook, travel, go hiking, do yoga, read, and entertain guests. "We've had so much company since we moved to Western North Carolina in December 2023 that we joke we are running a bed and breakfast! It's a lot of fun." You can connect with Christy at cnielsoncomms@gmail.com. Embracing the Sisterhood Christy Cain Nielson '92 Is Grateful for Her Sigma Kappa Friendships Triangle Society ($1,000 and above) Eleanor Major Berkley '54 Betty C. Sterling '66 Kenna S. Giffin '73 Dove & Heart Society ($500 to $999) Julianne Sawyer '54 Betty McLain Brown '62 Sally Corlis Spooner '65 Judith K. Walton '65 Mary Hibbert Patch '68 Violet Society ($100 to $499) Jane Bock Fortin '51 Loneta Wilson Schmollinger '64 Kay Kauffman Gilbert '67 Julia L. Steeples '93 Mystic Bond Society (Up to $99) Kathlyn L. Reed, Ph.D. '62 Kathryn Cook Lawrence '68 In honor of Lillie and Lillian for giving an excellent tour of the house Alexandra Katsouros '94 Megan Goebel '10 Thank You for Your Support, Sisters! Your Donations Keep Xi Thriving W e sincerely appreciate the following sisters for giving to Xi in spring 2024. Your donations help ensure a bright future for our sisterhood. If you would like to make a gift, please visit xisigmakappa.causevox.com. Thank you for your support! If alumnae wish to make recruitment referrals for fall formal recruitment, they may send recommendation letters to recruitment.skku@gmail.com or mail them to: Xi Chapter of Sigma Kappa, 1325 W. Campus Rd., Lawrence, KS 66044 To make recruitment referrals for continuous open recruitment, alumnae may send recommendation letters to membership.skku@gmail.com. Help Us Grow Our Sisterhood Send in Your Recruitment Referrals

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