Chi Omega - Kansas State University

THE CARDINAL AND THE STRAW Kappa Alpha Chapter • Chi Omega Spring 2025 C hi Omega clearly being a loving Sisterhood made it the right one for Marilyn Nichols (McCrillis) '75. She has fond memories of living at the house (and peeking out over the blue leu lounge to see what her blind date looked like!) and sunbathing on "Chi O" beach. Marilyn put her Kappa Alpha leadership skills to work when she became involved with the Sisterhood as an alumna. In 2008, she began serving on the House Corporation Board, where she held the roles of personnel, secretary, and president (2021-24). On the Kansas City Alumnae Board, she served as the K-State liaison and treasurer. Marilyn also volunteered with nationals for one year. "I have never worked with so many accomplished women, and for the first time, I was intimidated in a positive way." Marilyn has remained involved with Chi Omega for many reasons and has loved seeing the results of the hard work that the House Corporation Board puts in and witnessing the actives enjoy the house. "I just love walking into the house and seeing the girls spread out on the awesome new couch! It is very rewarding." Marilyn also loved celebrating Chi Omega's 100th anniversary with the general counsel. "One thing about Chi O that has been a true blessing is the Sisterhood. After living in Dallas for 29 years, my husband and I moved to Lenexa, Kansas. I would have friends ask me how I could pack up and just leave Dallas. It's easy—I have lots of friends (Sisters) in Kansas." Every June the House Corporation Board slates positions and new members to the board. Please reach out to Kim Jacobson (Elston) '80 at kimba495@gmail.com if you are interested in joining! Or, if you know someone on the board, you can talk to them. "Firesides 2013 with Jill Erickson (Tobler) '74. I never would have gotten so close to my bestie, Toby, if it were not for volunteering with Kappa Alpha!" "The Kansas City alumnae group celebrating the ladies who have reached 75 years of being a Sister in Chi Omega. Nancy Ingram (Giesch) '73 and I had the opportunity to take a carnation to Jean Gray (Howell) '47." "While the bench was a work in progress, we had fun! Being on the HCB, you have to laugh at moments like this." "Every summer, we have our annual meeting and retreat. We do summer projects together and make memories to last a lifetime. The summer after the tornado renovations, it became a little family affair for me with my sister, Joan McCrillis (Lafferty) '69, and my daughter, Kristin Nichols '04. Here, we're just hanging on the couch in the middle of the foyer!" Serving the Sisterhood Marilyn Nichols (McCrillis) '75 Shares Her Experiences Giving Back

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