Chi Omega - Kansas State University

Χ Ω 2 The Cardinal and Straw The ImporTance of Greek LIfe and SISTerhood Why Joan McCrillis Lafferty '69 Stays Connected to Kappa Alpha F ollowing in the pressure-free footsteps of her mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Hammond McCrillis, Omicron Beta '36, Joan McCrillis Lafferty '69 went through recruitment at Kansas State University with an open mind and found a home away from home at Chi Omega. One of the main reasons she joined Kappa Alpha was because of the warm and inviting nature of her pledge mom, Mimi Balderson '68. "She was very caring and that really resonated with me," Joan said. After Joan joined the Kappa Alpha sisterhood, her younger sister, Marilyn McCrillis Nichols '75, her daughter, Amber Lafferty '02, and her niece, Kristin Nichols '04, followed suit. "We did end up being quite a Chi O family," she stated. "We didn't know it when it started, but it worked out great. We can share so much: initiations, reunions, mom's weekends, and much more." As an undergraduate member, Joan served as house manager. While living in the Chapter House, Joan recalls the respect she and her fellow underclassmen had for the seniors. "I had always been taught to be respectful, but that time was a life- modeling situation," she said. "I remember being afraid of some of the seniors, but it was a wonderful opportunity to have had sophomore, juniors, and seniors all living in the house." Joan highlights the variety and top-notch character of the women in the Chapter House during her undergraduate years, and continues to be impressed with the current members. "There were so many different choices on how to spend your time in college," she stated. "I decided to be focused on grades, but also made time for fun and building great memories like late-night trips to Vista, Aggieville after Chapter, Tuttle Creek experiences, formals, Homecoming displays, tailgating, and etcetera." Joan earned a bachelor's degree in general home economics and education and a master's degree in clothing and textiles from Kansas State University. Before retiring this May, Joan worked at Johnson County Community College for 40 years; she was the department chairman for the fashion and merchandising program for 31 of those years. "I really enjoy working with college-age students while they formulate their plans for the future, and possibly change plans along the way," Joan said. Fortunately for Joan, she is still able to engage with college students and Kappa Alpha sisters through her involvement on the House Corporation Board. Since joining the HCB in 2005, Joan has served as president and recently rotated to the position of vice president. "It's a great opportunity to work with some wonderful women who have become my closest friends," she stated. Joan especially enjoys the feeling of contributing to the improvement of the Chapter House and the Kappa Alpha sisterhood overall. "One of the important things Greek life can offer is a structure and a support system," she stated. "There are also many philanthropic and social opportunities." The HCB opportunities Joan values include attending Conventions and Fireside with Chi Omega. Over the years, she has guided the Chi Omega Senior Experience. One of the questions they ask the current seniors is, "Where would you be today without Chi Omega?" The answers are diverse, but very powerful. Some answers have included, "Still at home with mom and dad," "Not in college," and "Pregnant with my old loser boyfriend." The answers certainly speak to the power of the sisterhood. Although Joan hasn't had much spare time lately, she enjoys photography and spending time with her family: Pat, her husband of 42 years, and two children: a son, Cory, and a daughter, Amber (all K-State alumni). She also has two granddaughters, ages 6 and 9. Joan lives in Lenexa, Kan. E-mail: joanlafferty@gmail.com Alumnae Update OMEGA CHAPTER Carol Moorman Brester '73 entered Omega Chapter peacefully on April 1 at home under hospice care and surrounded by family. She served as president of the Bluegrass Junior Women's Club and was a founding member of the Lexington Dream Factory. In addition to her husband, Joe, of 36 years, Carol is survived by her four children: Drew (Erin and grandchildren Dolen, Finley, and Cora), Adam, James (Paula and grandchildren Thomas and Caroline), and Lisa Beth. ALUMNAE NEWS Judie Evert Valkanet '57 enjoys sunny Florida year-round with her husband, Ed, who is a pastor for a large Assembly of God church in Fort Myers. All four of their daughters and their families live in Florida. Judie and her husband love to travel and hope to travel more often whenever they retire. Maurine Murphree Dodge '61 moved back to the Midwest after 40 years in California. Lynn's first winter back was a challenge, but she is happy with her choice to be near her family and her roots again. "Please call if you are in the area and let's meet for lunch!" E-mail: lmecalif@aol.com Sandy Garner Vierling '61 is semiretired as a landscape designer. She enjoys working on the addition of memorial walls and landscaping at the Carroll Country Veterans Memorial Park in Carollton, Ga. Sandy and her husband, Larry, enjoy traveling to see their daughters, grandchildren, and for Chi O reunions. They live in Carollton, Ga. E-mail: lbv@bellsouth.net Lindsey Patterson '07 was promoted to account executive for Kansas City Lancome Cosmetics in November 2015. She lives in Kansas City, Mo. E-mail: lindseyjeanpatterson@ gmail.com Sarah Mayerle '15 and Kelly Mayerle '12 enjoy a Cardinal and Straw sunset together this summer.

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