Alpha Chi Omega - University of Kansas

Notes of the Lyre 2 Alpha Chi Omega Alumna Cherishes Phi Experience A Photo by Kdog Photography lpha Chi Omega Phi Chapter is pleased to introduce you to Wendy Hills '89. Wendy serves as vice president and associate general counsel for Waddell & Reed Financial Inc. in Overland Park, Kansas. She serves as legal counsel for the publicly traded parent company and is responsible for advising the company and senior executive officers on issues of securities law, general corporate law, corporate governance, SEC reporting, mergers and acquisitions, and employee benefits. As an undergraduate, Wendy took an environmental law class as an elective and immediately fell in love with the field of law. While she had planned to become an environmental attorney, she took a business law course, developing a valued mentor in the professor while taking the class. He was influential in developing her interest in securities work. Wendy earned both her bachelor of arts in architectural studies and her juris doctorate at the University of Kansas. She acknowledges joining Alpha Chi Omega as the best way to meet people and put the student population into a relatively small perspective. She recalls the majority of her pledge class remaining active until graduation for the typical reasons: academic support from your sisters, social opportunities, and a strong sense of commitment to each other and Alpha Chi Omega. In remembering her undergraduate time, she uses a Ferris Bueller quote, 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.' "I wish someone had told me to make a point to enjoy every day of college and really take advantage of all of the opportunities and experiences that you are presented with." Without question, Wendy credits the amazing friendships created at Alpha Chi Omega for shaping every facet of her life today. "There are nine of us who keep in touch on an almost daily basis and plan a weekend together at least once a year," Wendy said. "During school, we relied on each other to push ourselves academically and served as a collective consigliere for important guidance and advice on decisions both big and small. They are like family to me and I know they feel the same." The special memories she remembers most are the incredible personal achievements of her friends—those who received early admittance into medical school, sisters who took mission trips to third-world countries, women nominated for Rhodes scholarships, and those headed off to earn graduate and doctoral degrees. Living in Kansas City, Wendy makes it back to KU often and stops by Alpha Chi Omega on occasion. "While the décor has changed, it's still the same place," Wendy said. "We continue to be amazed by Housemom Pat's ability to remember all of our names and reminisce with us about our years in the chapter." In Wendy's free time she loves to travel and has visited Bora Bora, Spain, Alaska, Argentina, and Chile. She also is very active in Kansas City with volunteer work, mentoring for underprivileged children, and caring for her gorgeous German shepherd rescue dog, Hutch. You can contact her at whills@waddell.com. Members await the arrival of our newest sisters on Bid Day. Phi Chapter is now 171 members strong. N Phi Chapter Enjoying Successful Fall Semester o matter the season, our sisters are always striving to seek the heights and make a difference in other people's lives. Our members returned mid-August to prepare for one of the largest groups of women participating in fall formal recruitment. On Bid Day, our sisters stood on our hill, welcoming 56 outstanding new members to Alpha Chi Omega. We also were proud to have Sara Patrick '10 serve as head recruitment counselor with several other sisters serving as recruitment counselors. Chapter Welcomes Andrea Cooper and Kristin's story to campus On October 19, Phi Chapter hosted Kristin's Story, a presentation by Andrea Cooper about topics regarding depression and rape. The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation awarded Phi Chapter a grant in order to host the event. We are so thankful for such opportunities to not only inform others but to raise awareness on campus. NEW MEMBER WINS NATIONAL ACW AWARD A major achievement for Phi Chapter came when Jami Bechard '12 was announced as the Amy DuBois Rieth Outstanding Emerging Leader by Headquarters for her involvement in our chapter, on campus, and in the community. This award honors one newly initiated member out of more than 130 Alpha Chi Omega chapters. It is designed to honor an emerging leader who has embraced the ideals of the Fraternity, shows great potential, and is already taking steps to actively participate. Congratulations, Jami! Chapter Celebrated 99th Birthday On September 15, Phi Chapter celebrated its 99th birthday. The chapter recently honored this accomplishment at the Birthday Bash celebration on October 18, where we hosted Omicron Chapter members for a dinner and series of sisterhood activities, making sure to recognize our long shared history as Alpha Chi Omega chapters. More than ever, our members are full of enthusiasm and excitement as we move into the future. Next year will mark Phi Chapter's 100th birthday, and we are so proud to continue the long-standing legacy of the Real. Strong. Women. at Phi Chapter. Loyally, Caitlin Scheckel '10 Chapter President (785) 241-4065 axophi.chapterpresident@gmail.com

• Cover