Delta Delta Delta - Kansas State University

Crescent The Golden THETA IOTA CHAPTER • KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Updated Bathroom Improves Chapter hoUse GUest QUarters T he Theta Iota House Corporation Board continues to meet at the Chapter House monthly both in person and via Facetime. We are grateful for this technology as it enables us to invaluably have real-time exchanges. Our collegiate chapter officers are committed to attending our meetings, helping us get to know and learn from one another, and managing the Chapter House more efficiently. We are pleased to report during this school year we completed two major projects. During winter break, we finished the remodeling of the bathroom in the guestroom. This long-needed project was made possible through a generous gift of $10,000 from Jean Greenough McKenzie '47 in memory of her sister, Phyllis Greenough Brownlee '47, a Theta Iota alumna and former Theta Iota housemother. The gift enabled us to make cosmetic improvements and structural and plumbing updates. Our committee combined the original wall tile with the new, and improved ceiling design, lighting, flooring tile, sink, mirror, and storage. This resulted in a fresh and lovely bathroom for our guests. With the updates, we made sure the style of the bathroom matched the conjoined bedroom and overall style of the Chapter House. The bedroom suite is frequently used, so we are particularly happy it is available for guests of the chapter and the members. From October through winter break, a professional exterminator was hired to rid the house of bats and sealed hundreds of potential openings throughout the Chapter House. House Corporation members had known for some time that bats would find their way into the Chapter House with their appearances becoming more frequent. Our research found other houses in the area were experiencing the visitors as well. It convinced us the health hazards they posed to our members were considerable. The process was tedious and time consuming, but thorough. Collegiate and alumnae members learned more about the lifespan and lifestyle of bats than we ever expected and are relieved to have this project completed. The bat eradication cost $5,000, which came out of our savings. We are grateful we had it available, but now we need to replenish it. We also continue to pay on the $56,000 loan we secured for the air conditioning chiller behind the Chapter House. We extend our sincerest thanks to those who have contributed to the chiller to date. Just like in our personal homes, there is always another project around the corner. The individual heating and cooling fan units in the bedrooms of the "new" wing (built more than 50 years ago) need replacing, along with several original units in the foyer, dining room, living room, library, and hallways. They have all become increasingly problematic and replacement parts are difficult to find. Many of these units also cause water issues on the floors and in the ceilings of rooms beneath them. Costs to repair them are becoming prohibitive. This project estimates around $43,000, an average of $2,050 per unit. Due to the cost, we will likely have to replace them individually over a longer timeframe and hope we can start doing so this summer. Like the chiller project, we will apply for a Tri Delta National Housing Endowment Fund 2017 Grant to help with this undertaking. Grant requests are capped at $10,000, but any amount received will be helpful. We must also turn to you, our Theta Iota alumnae, for assistance. Without your help, these maintenance projects cannot be completed. Please consider helping with the replacement of the heating and cooling units. Your contribution will help eliminate many maintenance problems that frequently cost the chapter and House Corporation money. Your gift would be greatly appreciated and most helpful. Perhaps you would consider joining with others in your pledge class or your close Tri Delta friends or family to make a joint gift to the chapter. Contributions may be mailed with the enclosed envelope. Any donation of time or money will go a long way to improving the Chapter House. As always, take time to come visit 1834 Laramie if ever in the area and do not hesitate to contact any of our board members if you have questions or concerns. Loyally, Laura Anderson Pestinger '76 House Corporation President LMPestinger@hotmail.com Spring 2017

• Cover