Nu Chapter of Chi Omega at the University of Wisconsin
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Nu Chapter of Chi Omega at the University of Wisconsin • Spring 2017 THE NU'S Χ Ω Volunteering Connects Nu Alumnae Chi Omega Makes Significant Impact on Sisters A s a board member of the Nu Chapter House Corporation, I have a new appreciation for the role of volunteers. Many of the challenges the board has faced have not been easy. Volunteers are called upon to give their time and resources to solve many of the issues facing sororities, such as membership growth and aging properties that require regular upkeep and major renovations. However, volunteering has also given me an opportunity to reconnect with many Chi Os that I knew in college. It also has taken me back to the Madison area and to the University of Wisconsin campus. The campus has grown but many of the traditions remain the same. Preparing for the Future On a trip in March, I visited 115 Langdon and met with Tri North Builders. We were considering future renovation plans and managing a number of issues for a house built in 1905. I am happy to report that on a very cold and snowy day, the Chapter House was warm and toasty inside. As you can see from photos, the dining room remains very much as it was in the 1970s and 1980s. We are thinking about how to transform this space to accommodate the current Chapter needs. The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act The majority of donations made for Greek housing are not tax-deductible, unless the funds go toward educational spaces within the facility. The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) would allow for charitable funds to be given to existing foundations and earmarked for housing and facility purposes allowing for more safe, modern, and affordable sorority and fraternity housing. Congress is beginning to consider comprehensive tax reform and we want to ensure CHIA (H.R. 1200/S. 736) is included in that conversation. The best way to help is to contact your Congressional representatives and ask for their support and posting on your social media accounts to spread the word. Renovations Provide Important Study Spaces for Students The renovations we have made so far are encouraging Chi Omega members to stay and study in the Chapter House. The library off the entry had several women studying the afternoon I visited. The Chapter room (what we called the living room) also has some comfortable spots for women to study, read, or simply relax with other members or guests. Each time I return to Madison, I am excited to see how the renovations are impacting the lives of the current undergraduates living in and visiting the Chapter House. Alumnae Value Nu Chapter I continue to be impressed by the impact that Chi Omega had on the many alumnae that I have reconnected with. Many attribute profound changes to how their lives expanded after becoming a Chi Omega. One alumna acknowledged that she believes her Chi O experience was the most important factor in her self-development while at UW. Another relayed that she was able to grow by living with so many other young women and started to find her own voice to express her opinions and career goals. Loyally, Kathy Suckow Murtfeldt '72 House Corporation Vice President and Project Manager (408) 384-2571 / kmurtfeldt@aol.com P.S. I am now a grandma to a little baby boy named Julian Grey Murtfeldt. Recent renovations were made to the study room. Dining room updates are in the queue for future renovations. SISTER SPOTLIGHTS Abroad Spotlight: Hannah Bear '15 Last year, I was in Australia studying abroad and got to live with Melanie Wagner '14. It was unreal because I was able to explore Sydney as well as travel all over Australia, the South Island of New Zealand, and Indonesia. I had the best time because I was able to experience the Australian culture and got to meet the most amazing people (both from Australia and other study abroad students from other universities). Abroad I did some crazy things like bungee jumping at Nevis in New Zealand, paragliding, sky diving, playing with kangaroos, holding a koala, and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef with my mom. All the experiences I had in Australia were awesome and all the people I met were great. If you ever have the opportunity, go to Australia! Academic Spotlight: Robyn Ribotsky '15 I am a junior business school student majoring in marketing and digital studies. As a woman in business, I am grateful to surround myself with an amazing support system in Chi Omega that has motivated me to get involved in student organizations on campus. One organization that is very important to me is TAMID Group, which allows students to gain experiential learning through business startups. We are matched with multiple startup companies and provide services including market research and business development planning. Last summer, I worked in New York City at Sprinklr, a social media management company, in the product development department. I was exposed to the daily life of a businessperson, (Continued on page 3)