Chi Omega - Kansas State University

Mayfield. Also acknowledged were the members of both the alumnae and collegiate reunion committees for a job well done. I remarked on the many changes our campus has seen in 100 years and how Chi Omega has endured them, grown with them, and continues to thrive. A round of applause was given for all in attendance, those unable to attend and those who have entered the Omega Chapter, with a reminder that Kappa Alpha's past and future success is dependent upon all members; collegiate and alumnae alike. Cathy Peltzer Markey '72, who with her sister Christy Peltzer Gribble '72, has been a large part of our reunions since 1974 and shared with everyone the trials of organizing something as large as a Chapter reunion prior to the computer age! She and Christy held positions in the house as undergraduates and have continued to enthusiastically promote and contribute to Chi O on many levels in their years as alumnae. Several alumnae were introduced during this time. One of our four Patronesses, Betty Mertz Campbell '71, was present. Our alumna who traveled the furthest, Jane Gottsch Sainsbury '80, traveled from New Zealand for the event! And our oldest attending alumna (yet very young at heart!) was Phyllis Johnson Moore '49. Lyn Harris gave a very well-received presentation of Chi Omega's and Kappa Alpha's history. Lyn's talent for holding the attention of a crowd is legendary and it wasn't missed on the guests that afternoon! She held the entire room in the palm of her hand and didn't miss a beat when the A/V equipment suffered a glitch. Her love of Chi Omega is contagious. The older alumnae learned a few things and the younger ones were reminded of how very special and determined our founding members were as young women in a time when not many attended college or sought careers. In 1915, women didn't even have the right to vote! Our SH, Shelley, gave a moving speech reminding all that to be a Chi Omega is to be a Chi Omega for life. She emphasized the importance of staying involved on the alumnae level and acknowledged all members who had served in leadership roles as alumna. For the collegians, Shelley expressed gratitude for a wonderful visit, a job well done on the initiation, and the chance to meet so many Kappa Alphas. She also addressed the importance of scholarship; our first obligation on the collegiate level. With all of her accomplishments, both personally and professionally, Shelley is an incredible mentor for all members and the perfect person to give the last presentation for our Centennial celebration. After a moment of silence in honor of our sisters who have entered the Omega Chapter, our collegiate song leader, Katie Bourk '12, led the room in the Toast and Shades. Immediately following the luncheon was an Open House at our Chapter House. Our collegiate sisters did a wonderful job of displaying old pictures, awards, composites, and other memorabilia throughout the house. Active members were on hand to give tours and answer questions. Many alumnae had not been back since our renovation several years ago and enjoyed seeing the updates around the house. Also, placed around town at our first and second Chapter Houses were signs where alumnae could have their pictures taken. Shelby Estes '12 was the chairman for the collegiate committee and did a remarkable job keeping everything running smoothly throughout the weekend. Later in the afternoon, many sisters relaxed at their hotels, did some sight-seeing and campus tours, or met at other locations to keep the conversations flowing. In the evening, a cocktail reception was held prior to the steak and salmon dinner. From the sounds of laughter and so many voices, it was easy to see that the Kappa Alphas hadn't slowed down! After dinner, we were entertained by a DJ who enticed a few onstage as he went through the crowd with Chi O trivia questions! This was followed by a rousing game of "Survivor" where contestants had to run through the room collecting items that were requested by the DJ—all Chi O or K-State related. Competitive spirit is still alive at Kappa Alpha! As the dance floor and photo booth kept busy, the last minute pictures, conversations, and hugs began to take place. There was even a possible sighting of our beloved SH on the dance floor! Eventually the room emptied, some sisters lingered in the common areas, and soon the long- awaited weekend slowly came to an end. Sunday morning found some sisters sharing one more meal together, bags lined up to be taken out to cars or shuttles, cards being passed around and data being entered into cell phones with the promises of staying in better touch and not letting another five years go by without getting together. It was a wonderful weekend of Sisterhood. The message we were hoping to get across was that Chi Omega IS for life. Our older alumnae know it and our younger ones felt it. This is the legacy we want to keep alive; and it takes commitment from each and every one of us to ensure that it does. Thank you, Sisters, for a very special weekend and one not soon forgotten by all who attended. It was a pleasure meeting those I hadn't met, getting reacquainted with old friends, and working with all who gave their time and love to organizing this very special event. Lovingly Yours in Chi Omega, Jill Tobler Erickson '74 Centennial Reunion Chair jill.erickson54@gmail.com Kappa Alpha Celebrates 100 Years on the K-State Campus (Continued from page 1) Keeping Close with Kappa Alpha Χ Ω 7 Gina Jamison Mueller '80 works as the president of Academic Entertainment Inc. in Snohomish, Wash. She was so happy at the Centennial celebration since she could spend time with her Chi Omega sisters! E-mail: gina@academicentertainment.com Stephanie Schmutz Simpson '92 graduated from St. Edwards University in 2012 with an MBA in business administration. She works for the Texas Association of Manufacturers as vice president of legislative affairs and operations. She resides in Austin, Texas. E-mail: stephschmutz@yahoo.com Krista Annan Estes '00 is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado. She enjoys teaching graduate students in the college of nursing. Krista, her husband, Jerome, and their daughter, Elliana (2), recently welcomed baby girl number two! E-mail: krista.estes@live.com Alumnae News

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