Chi Omega - Kansas State University

Χ 2 The Cardinal and Straw Ω Chi Omega—Strengthening Family Ties Spotlight on Cathy Peltzer Markey '72 and Christy Peltzer Gribble '72 was lucky to know all of the girls and had the opportunity to change roommates every nine weeks. It let me develop friendships that have been important to me my entire life." family tradition began when twin sisters Cathy Peltzer Markey '72 and Christy Peltzer Gribble '72 joined Chi Omega in 1972. They did not come from a Greek family background, so Cathy and Christy had no idea what they were getting into when they entered recruitment. The sisters found that joining Chi Omega was one of the best decisions they ever made. They have made every effort to stay connected to Kappa Alpha because of the wonderful, lifelong friendships they created. A "We went through recruitment separately. We didn't talk about it until the very end and found that we both had put Chi Omega as our number one choice," said Christy. The sisters had always been extremely close so they knew that the sorority was something they wanted to experience together. "I can't imagine having done it without my sister. Being in it together only helped to enhance the experience," said Cathy. Cathy and Christy were both extremely active in Kappa Alpha; Cathy served as social chairman and helped organize the reunion with Susan Bosley '72 in 1974. Christy served as assistant rush chairman and rush chairman during her years as an active. Since graduating, Cathy and Christy have enjoyed attending the reunions and experiencing all of the changes the house has been through. They reminisced over the old buzz system for the telephones and miss the active members having the opportunity to live in the house all four years. "We had a huge advantage because we lived there so long," said Christy. "I Cathy and Christy both credit Chi Omega with helping them become who they are today. "The total experience was so important. Living with the upperclassmen really provided guidance and helped us make important decisions," said Christy. The sisters also gained leadership experience and developed confidence from the support of their Kappa Alpha sisters. Cathy and Christy enjoy staying connected with the Chapter by assisting with the capital campaign and visiting with Kappa Alpha sisters. Cathy's daughter, Jayme Markey Troup '02, has helped carry on the family legacy. Cathy encourages any alumnae who have lost touch to reengage with Chi Omega. "Come to the reunions! It's a blast seeing everyone." Cathy and Christy bought Carlson Products in 1996 and recently sold the company. Cathy still serves as the CFO, but Christy is enjoying retirement. "I'm busier now than I was while I was working!" said Christy. "I'm still waiting for it to slow down, but I'm really excited. I've been able to hit golf balls every day and we've already planned trips to Paris and Las Vegas." Both sisters are looking forward to the Kappa Alpha centennial celebration Active Members Maintain High Academic Standards Kappa Alpha Thrives at Kansas State University his semester at Kappa Alpha is filled with Homecoming events, Dads' Weekend, and other functions and philanthropy events. We are excited to be back at school and to get the semester rolling! T Chi Omegas sell tickets to the spring philanthropy, Chi O Casino at the union. Senior members at their last formal recruitment. Recruitment a Success Starting off the semester with recruitment is always a great way to bring collegiate members together. This year's recruitment was very successful. The Chapter reached quota and welcomed 55 wonderful new women into Chi Omega. Kappa Alpha looks forward to getting to know each and every new member as well as watching them grow as campus and community leaders. Recruitment could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of AJ Lewis '12, recruitment chairman, and Jamie Wilson '06, recruitment advisor. Before any of us could catch our breath from recruitment, it was time for Bid Day. Celebrating with our new member pledge class on Bid Night was amazing! The new member retreat is coming up, giving the new member class an opportunity to bond. We are excited that our new members are experiencing what it means to be a Chi Omega! Academics Maintain Priority Our Chapter achieved a 3.27 GPA during the spring semester. Although this is an acceptable average, our Chapter unanimously decided that it was not good enough. We are cracking down and focusing more on academic excellence this fall. We encourage members to focus on their academics by offering incentives for completing study hours, attending mentor programs, and the class registration party. We are optimistic about what our hard work and diligent studying will bring us this term. Philanthropic Efforts Spring was an exciting semester in support of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. On April 23, we hosted Casino Night with Texas Hold 'em poker, (Continued on page 4)

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