Chi Omega - Kansas State University

Χ Ω 2 The Cardinal and Straw The final memory is of Sunday nights and comparing the sisters who would see just how many dates they could combine in one evening. The race was on, and I recall that the winner (my pledge mom, of course) was four dates in a single Sunday evening, with a change of clothes for each. All I could do was just sit back and watch. The things we learned from our pledge moms! Joni Walk Etherington '77 One of my favorite memories is the skits we did for rush one year. We had "disco-dancing Munchkins" for our Wizard of Oz skit, and I played a smart nerd in the sister's skit. When I would talk to rushees after the skit, they really thought I was that smart! What a hoot! Kate Halleran Paulson '99 I have so many wonderful memories of my years as an active Chi O! Some of my favorite are initiation because I was officially a Chi O! I also really enjoyed rush because it was a week when the entire house was filled with Chi O's from morning until night. I enjoyed being around such wonderful people and choosing new members to grow our family. Jayme Markey Troup '02 One of my favorite memories of Chi Omega occurred before I was even a Chi Omega. I was so moved to see so many of my mother's Chi Omega sisters show their support at my father's funeral. My mom was grateful for their love and presence during such a difficult time. It's during these times in our lives that the bonds of sisterhood are so important. Memories through the Decades (Continued from page 1) A legacy began when Mary Alice Bosley '44 decided Chi Omega at Kansas State University was the place for her. "I enjoyed the women I met and felt that the sorority would be a good fit for me," says Mary Alice on her decision to pledge Chi O during sorority recruitment. Mary Alice had no idea that years later five other members of her family would make that same decision to call Chi Omega home. When the time came for Mary Alice's oldest daughter, Barbara Bosley '69, to go to college, Barbara also picked Kansas State and after going through recruitment chose Chi O over others. "I knew that the Chi Omega sorority was very special because my mother continued to communicate with women she met in the house years after she graduated. I felt so comfortable and at ease during recruitment at the Chi O house, so I knew I really wanted to pledge Chi Omega." Susan Bosley Osborne '71 joined next, feeling just as at home at Kappa Alpha Chapter as her mother and sister had. The Bosley family legacy became even stronger when Susan's three daughters, Heather Osborne Loftus '97, Lindsay Osborne, Lambda '00, and Mindy Osborne Larkin, Lambda '03, became third-generation legacies. Susan, who entered Omega Chapter in 1988 after battling a brain tumor, was unable to see her daughters off to college but they knew she was there in spirit. "Having so many family members who are Chi Omegas is an incredible gift to have," says Barbara. "The legacy has been like glue that keeps us all connected, especially following the death of my sister, who I know would be overly delighted to know that all three of her daughters pledged the sorority she loved so much." While the Bosley women all had individual experiences at Kappa Alpha and Lambda Chapters they have experiences they all share as well—lifelong friendships, memories of recruitment, leadership positions, snow days, football games, dances, philanthropic events, and much more. "I remember hearing stories of the telephone room at the Chi O house at K-State. My aunt Barb would tell me how Mom would always get a bunch of calls from guys," recalls Mindy. But perhaps, most importantly, they share the bond of Chi Omega sisterhood. "The Chi Omega legacy means more to me with each passing year. As a young pledge it was so special to be a part of an exciting group of women and hold a new bond with the women in my family. As the years go on, the Chi Omega legacy, specifically the Kappa Alpha portion, has provided me with a special connection to my mother after she passed away and to cherish a unique bond with my grandmother who provided this pathway for all the women in her family to have this amazing Chi Omega experience in their own way," says Heather who was president of Kappa Alpha as an undergraduate. Chi Omega has created many memories for the Bosley women to share and many more memories are yet to be made. One special moment shared by all is initiation. "I'll never forget the night I was initiated as model pledge and my mother being present," remembers Barbara of the special ceremony. Lindsay shares a similar memory with her aunt, "One of my favorite memories was having my grandmother and my older sister, Heather, at my initiation as model initiate." Heather adds, "Sharing initiation with my grandmother and aunt was one of the most special Chi Omega moments in my life." Chi Omega Runs in Bosley Women's Blood Convention Focused on New Member Education P resident Whitney Root '12 and I, as New Member Educator, attended the 2014 Chi Omega Convention. It was eye opening to see just how big and influential Chi Omega is nationwide. It was an honor to get to see the two model initiates this year. In fact, one of the initiates was founder Jobelle Holcomb's great-great-great-great-niece. We also had the opportunity to meet many Chi O's, active and alumnae, throughout the nation, including our Chapter's new Regional Director, Lacey Myers. This year Chi Omega has put a large focus on changing the new member education and continuing rituals. The changes of the new member experience included a new book instead of a binder, implementing quick quizzes, and different requirements throughout the year. We have also added a sophomore, junior, and senior experience for the upperclassmen of the house. The revamping of the new member experience has been a great addition to the Kappa Alpha Chapter. We have seen a change not only through these new members, but also throughout the whole chapter as the executive members have seen a renewed Chi Omega passion in the Kappa Alpha members. Going to convention was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and definitely proved how joining Chi Omega is not for four years, but for a lifetime. Lovingly Yours in Chi Omega, Jenae Hicklin '13 New Member Educator jmhicklin@yahoo.com (913) 439-9998

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