Chi Omega - Kansas State University

P hyllis Johnson Moore '49 was a hard worker long before she began school at Kansas State. Her parents instilled the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in Phyllis at a young age. Although she did not have the support of her father to attend college, Phyllis arrived in Manhattan with $1,000 and a warm wool coat she had saved up for from her job with the Kansas Light Company. An acquaintance from Phyllis's hometown of Concordia, Kan., contacted her and invited her to attend summer recruitment at Chi Omega. "I immediately fell in love with the gals at Kappa Alpha—I just hoped that I could be a Chi Omega," Phyllis explains. Although she had to work her way through college, she was still able to grow up and become more independent through her Chi Omega experience. "I learned to manage my time and get good grades. Since I always had a job, I didn't have time to be an officer, but my sisters understood this and didn't push me to do more." Phyllis' most recent Chi Omega experience took place at the Kappa Alpha Centennial last spring. She is still incredibly flattered for being honored as the "most seasoned" Kappa Alpha in attendance. "The planning and work that went into the Centennial was superb. I was on cloud nine the whole time I was there—I'm so proud that Chi Omegas are as friendly now as they were when I was in school!" When Phyllis recently moved from Bella Vista, Ark., to Overland Park, Kan., she received an invite to join a group of Kappa Alphas who lived in the Chapter House around the same time that Phyllis did. "I barely had my suitcase unpacked and I was already going to a luncheon. I feel right at home with these women and I love it," Phyllis shares. Outside of her alumnae group, Phyllis also shares the Chi Omega bond with her daughter, Kelly Moore Williams '72, and her granddaughter, Michelle Williams Warren '00. "I have such a warm feeling knowing that my daughter and granddaughter have followed in my footsteps!" Board over the last several years, and we have seen much improvement in Kappa Alpha's communication skills, GPA, social awareness, and pride. It's a different world today, and while we may not have had the alumna involvement in our years at K-State, National is encouraging and requiring it. With all of the challenges our young women face today as collegians and beyond, our support is needed more than ever. We have several openings on our board this fall. Keeping the board the size it has been has allowed each advisor to concentrate on one position, rather than taking on two or three. We've come a long way as an Advisory Board and a Chapter in the last 10 years. We owe many thanks to all those involved who gave their time, commitment, and stayed focused on Kappa Alpha's best interests. Let our theme for Kappa Alpha's next 100 years on campus be: "Sisters helping Sisters!" Loyally, Jill Tobler Erickson '74 xojerickson@yahoo.com Χ Ω 2 The Cardinal and Straw A Symphony of Sisterhood "Chi Omegas for a Lifetime." These words spoken by our beloved SH, Shelley Potter, Xi Kappa '75, at our Centennial celebration last April certainly rang true for those in attendance. Years in between reunions don't alienate us. Exchanges between generations demonstrate how even though our life experiences vary, there are common threads between all Kappa Alphas, some of which can't be explained with words. The knowledge, experience, and memories I've been honored to collect over the years as an advisor with our Chapter are some of my best treasures. Working with our collegiate members has enabled me to keep current (with Chi Omega as well as the times!), and has taught me so many things. I've learned to listen better and to keep open to new ideas. I'm thankful for what these young women have passed on to me as I can better appreciate the changes our Chapter has endured and accepted over the years. I've also had the pleasure of working with various members of our National team, which has deepened my knowledge of the workings and meaning behind what makes Chi Omega such a successful and strong fraternity. As a result of all of the above, my respect and love for what Chi Omega stands for has grown tremendously. I am reaching out to alumnae in the Manhattan and surrounding areas to encourage you to think about what Kappa Alpha has given to you and to consider giving back with your time and experience as a chapter advisor. We have been very fortunate to have a 9- to 10-member Advisory CONTACT Jill Tobler Erickson '74 at xojerickson@yahoo.com to find out more about giving back to the Kappa Alpha Chapter! A Lifetime of Sisterhood Phyllis Johnson Moore '49 Reflects on Her Chi Omega Experience Phyllis Johnson Moore '49, her daughter, Kelly Moore Williams '72, and her granddaughter, Michelle Williams Warren '00, celebrate their Chi Omega bond at the Centennial celebration.

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