Kappa Alpha Theta - Purdue University

O n Saturday, January 23, our chapter gathered for a lunch with alumnae to celebrate Founders Day at the Lafayette Country Club. The day was sunny without snow and ice, and we all were wrapped in the warmth of our sisterhood. A special moment of the day was awarding 75-year and 50-year pins, and recognizing those reaching their 25-year milestone this year. Libby Quinn '14, alumnae relations director, and Ann Neale, Rho '82, did an excellent job organizing the event. On the Sunday morning following Founders Day, the Facility Corporation Board met at Greyhouse Coffee for our second annual retreat. Three members of the chapter—the CEO, the CFO, and Facility Director—are also members of FCB by virtue of their office. This is an admirable design, required by Theta headquarters of all Theta chapters and specified in Theta's model bylaws to which Alpha Chis were confirmed in the fall of 2011. Our mission to maintain and enhance the chapter house intersects with the responsibilities of these three chapter officers. Because FCB is heavily engaged in creating and maintaining alumni connectivity, we also had the chapter officers in charge of marketing, alumnae relations, and education to attend the retreat. At this year's retreat, we focused on How We Live at 607. You may have read in our annual report of our ongoing work to clarify and unify the documents that embody what is expected of each of us during our live-in years. We explored ways to make the ideas in these documents come alive. Chapter officers conceived of great ideas to help new members learn about what is expected of them after they move in as well as ways to help everyone comply with these expectations. During these winter months, we have been hard at work planning for the first-floor renovation. The plans were shown and discussed by FCB members, including members of the chapter's leadership team. Those who attended the centennial celebration saw a bit of a sneak preview. As we add more detail to our plans, visions of the finished project look even better. Our design budget is complete and initial orders have been placed. It will be great fun for us all at the end of the renovation to consider which of the many updates is a personal favorite. The dining room will have new flooring with wiring underneath to provide outlets under each of the 12 new tables. New chairs, a new ceiling, and new draperies will provide a younger, more colorful look. In the living room, the three seating and conversation areas will include beautiful greens, blues, and deep pinks in the upholstery selections. Larger windows on the south side of the room, new lighting, and the removal of the wall that separates the room from the light in the courtyard will give us the benefit of natural and artificial light to the maximum extent practical. I'll close by sharing that we have collected over 92% of campaign pledges. Payments continue and are scheduled to continue through 2017. These funds are what have made these renovations possible. We can all feel proud of our generosity that has led to a disappearing mortgage and to a great new look and feel to our Theta home. Loyally in Theta, Mary Lincoln Campbell '64 Alpha Chi Facility Corporation President (734) 516-8337 Theta Kite Alpha Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta • Established at Purdue University in 1915 • Spring 2016 Facility Corporation Board Prepares and Plans for Chapter House Renovations Alumnae Receive 75-year and 50-year Pins at Founders Day Ruth Frier Oliver '41 75-year Pin Recipient Carole Heckard Keller '66 50-year Pin Recipient Marilynn Bottomley Dammon '66 50-year Pin Recipient and presenter of Alpha Chi's history Alumna Is Grateful for Her Alpha Chi Chapter Experiences W hen Lorna Gless Utley '73 thinks about the Alpha Chi Chapter, she recalls the sisterhood, the fun memories, and the leadership skills afforded to her as an undergraduate. As scholarship chairman and vice president of efficiency, she felt those offices allowed her to step out of her comfort zone, and ultimately helped her become who she is today. "I've told many people over time that the sorority experience provides a home away from home," Lorna says. "You get to know people, have a support group, and go out into the world prepared." As the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, she feels constantly rewarded, and recognizes working in the nonprofit sector is a true capstone to her career. Although Lorna will retire at the end of the year from Goodwill, she and her husband, Jud, plan to launch a new entrepreneurial venture. (Continued on page 2) Why Lorna Gless Utley '73 Stays Connected with Theta

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