Alpha Chi Omega - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

page 2 The lyre letter W alking through the doors of the chapter house and seeing women in Husker apparel winding down from game day, relaxing with friends and watching movies, and even vigorously studying for tests is how Melissa States '92 first introduced her two children to Xi Chapter in the fall of 2013. Because of this experience Melissa and her husband, Bret, who is an alumnus from Alpha Tau Omega at UNL, are certain their kids will follow the Cornhusker tradition. Although Melissa began college at Sacramento State, she felt in her heart that she was missing out on something bigger. As she watched college game days unfold on television and witnessed first-hand her cousin's experience in a big college with lively traditions, she knew she had to make a change. When she first stepped off the airplane in Lincoln, it was early-May and snowing, and in that moment Melissa knew that's where she would spend her next three years of college. The camaraderie she encountered is unsurpassed and she will never forget the day she and her pledge class sisters took a trip to Florida to watch UNL defeat Miami and earn the 1994 National Championship in the Orange Bowl. All of the experiences, both big and small, shared with Xi Chapter sisters are what Melissa attributes to be the catalyst for her growing success. "Learning how to deal with personalities, backgrounds, and goals different from your own, and adapting to various communication styles, helps you prepare for life after college," she says. Melissa is appreciative of alumnae now more than ever and says, "The house itself needs to be maintained so Alpha Chi can stay competitive with other sororities on campus—just look back at the experiences and opportunities we had. It was because of the alumnae who donated to us." Now she pays it forward to maintain the chapter house and gives members an outlet to channel their own success. And when the day comes for her daughter to find her home away from home at UNL, Melissa would love to see her join Alpha Chi and become friends with her pledge sisters' daughters. Melissa and Bret live in Ripon, California, just an hour outside of Sacramento, where Melissa works as a registered nurse and Bret as a teacher. When they aren't pursuing the careers they love, they spend time with their kids who are active in sports and immersing themselves in the community. The Stateses' passion for giving back is unparalleled as they recently played a role in a grassroots community project to redo the football field and track. Melissa is especially proud of the community foundation she helped pioneer in Ripon as she believes giving back to the community should always be a priority. To contact Melissa, e-mail her at melissastatesrn@gmail.com. There's No Place Like Nebraska Spotlight on Melissa States '92 Come Home for Amy Day, Celebrate Our Sisterhood October 2-3 B ack in the early '50s when I joined Alpha Chi Omega, we had a rigorous pledge training program, which lasted the entire first semester. We learned all about our founding, her heritage, our principles, the Greek alphabet, and the names of the seven founders. I was fascinated with Amy DuBois and loved saying her name. When our House Corporation won the National Project Award at the Chicago Convention, the gift was a framed picture of the seven founders. This lovely trophy now hangs on the wall of the TV room at the chapter house. When I received the award, I told Amy I was taking her home. Last summer at Convention in Palm Desert, my dear friend and sister from Atlanta announced she was traveling to Lincoln shortly after convention because she was researching the burial locations of our founders. I was dumbfounded to learn that Amy DuBois is buried at Wyuka in our city and has been close to me for all these 60 years. Who knew? I spent four days with Marlene and learned so much and realized how sad that we had not been able to honor this precious woman in an appropriate way. We did take her red carnations, but that didn't seem like enough. Thus the idea for an Amy Day began. This special event will be our Founder's Day/State Day 2015. This also commemorates l00 years of Amy's death. Mark your calendars now for October 2-3, talk to your pledge sisters, collect the gang, and come to Lincoln to help us celebrate. I have invited National President Diane Blackwelter and former President Marcia Grady to come. Marlene Kruelle will do the program on our founders' history. Hopefully Vickie Harrison, ACW national archivist, can come too. We will have several events planned. Did you know that Amy taught voice and piano at Doane? Her daughter, Lelia Rieth, studied voice and piano at the University. Amy was very active with Xi. If you still receive the Lyre, Marlene's article is in the winter edition, pages 53-57. More information will be coming. I am excited and hope you will be too. Please e-mail me at lshafer@neb.rr.com if you have questions. Yes, we will have a block of rooms and will let you all know. Loyally, Willie Desch Shafer '53 lshafer@neb.rr.com

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