Chi Omega - Kansas State University

The Cardinal and Straw Keeping Close with Kappa Alpha Summer 2015 Inside: 100 Years of Kappa Alpha 2-3 Chi Omega Memories to Last a Lifetime 4-5 Alumnae News 6-7 Kappa Alpha Celebrates 100 Years on the K-State Campus T wo weeks after Chi Omega celebrated her 120th birthday, the Kappa Alpha Chapter at Kansas State celebrated its 100th year on campus. Although the actual anniversary of the colonization is September 21, traditionally our Chapter reunions have been in April so the weekend of April 17-19 was chosen. Preparations began two years earlier as venues were secured and hotels were blocked. One year before, the alumna and collegiate committees began meeting to decide about invitations, entertainment, media, menus, souvenirs, vendors, logistics, and costs involved. We were honored to have our SH, Shelley Potter, Xi Kappa '75, and our National Archivist, Lyn Harris, Phi Gamma '80, as guests. They flew into Manhattan on Friday morning. They were picked up at the airport and taken for lunch in Aggieville, where they met several other KA alumnae for lunch and lively conversation. That evening, while alumnae arrived at the Chapter House for registration, Shelley and Lyn were brought to the house for a quick tour where they were able to meet some of our collegiate members and alumnae. Later, members from House Corporation and the Executive Board took them to dinner. Friday night was our casual gathering at Rusty's in Aggieville. There were delicious appetizers available and a live band, which brought many a Chi O out onto the dance floor! The event was well attended and it was a wonderful sight to see (and hear!) sisters greeting each other after so many years and sisters of all ages mingling and getting to know one another. Many thanks to Cathy Peltzer Markey '72 and Christy Peltzer Gribble '72 for organizing this event. It was a terrific kick-off to the weekend. The rain on Saturday morning couldn't dampen the excitement of all who attended the Model Initiation and White Carnation Luncheon at the Hilton. The collegiate members and their Panhellenic Advisor, Courtney Novak Riley '88, organized a beautifully executed Model Initiation, where Scotti Twombly became Kappa Alpha's newest initiate. After lunch, Scotti spoke to the attendees after receiving a congratulatory gift from Jean Levondofsky Craig '70. For the past few years, Jean has traveled from Texas to each year's initiation ceremony to present the model initiate with a gift. As members entered the ballroom for lunch, they noticed the beautifully set and decorated tables as well as decade signs on several tables to help direct alumnae to areas where their pledge classes were sitting. On the tables were centerpieces of greenery and white carnations with owl and carnation cut- outs and programs that were designed to match the invitations. Our special Centennial logo could be seen on signs around the Hilton and at each event. Many thanks to Alicia Harsh Anderson '73 for her creativity in decorating, attention to detail, and stamina! Jayme Markey Troup '02 produced a terrific video that played on two large screens while everyone ate lunch. There were many pictures from past decades, which brought shrieks of laughter and names being called out as members recognized themselves and sisters. A Chi O Creations booth was set up in the corner of the room and was busy all afternoon! There was a wonderful display of items and apparel for purchase or to order. We also sold a few of our Centennial bracelets that were designed especially for this celebration. After a wonderful buffet lunch and while members were enjoying dessert, I had the privilege of welcoming Shelley and Lyn as well as alumnae and collegiate sisters. I introduced members of the Executive Board, Cardinal Cabinet, Advisory Board, House Corporation, and our Housemother, Kathi Thank You, Sisters, for Making the Centennial a Success Megan Walker Green '03 and Whitney Erickson Russell '03 Chi O Creations booth Adriane Moss Falco '03 Working with the DJ, creating event programs, and helping with the Chi O Creations booth Krista Biddle Kutter '03 Invitations, logo, and photographer Julie Studer Bowen '03 Centennial budget and finances Megan Connor Casey '03 Totes and t-shirts Shelby Estes '12 and Katelyn Winn '13 Name tags, open house, registration, gift bags, A/V at luncheon Executive Board Model Initiation Jenae Hicklin '13 Model Initiation (Continued on page 7)

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