Chi Omega - University of Wisconsin

THE NU'S 2 Χ Ω H oping to find a place to belong, Janilee Nelson Ihlenfeld '74 found Nu Chapter to be her small and perfect fit on the University of Wisconsin-Madison's large campus. Throughout her undergraduate years, Janilee developed her leadership and communication skills, served as Chapter president, and met the women who would one day be her bridesmaids. "I wanted to belong to a group. Madison was very large and Nu Chapter was small and I felt like I really fit in." Some of her favorite memories during her undergraduate years included Monday night dinners, Mom's Day, formals, and simply spending time in the Chapter House. Throughout the years, Janilee has stayed involved in alumnae groups in the North Shore area and also served as an advisor for the Xi Chapter at Northwestern. Janilee has recently had the opportunity to reconnect with sisters, and encourages other Nu alumnae to do the same. "Remember your college years and reconnect," she said. "The Chapter has certainly grown a lot. It's a very exciting time for the Chapter and they're well established, which is great to see." After earning her degree in music, the first company Janilee worked for was Shure Brothers, a microphone manufacturer. "I got the job because I was a Chi Omega. The interviewing skills I had learned were what opened that door," she said. Janilee later went to work in international business until she and her husband, Brad, began their family. Today, Janilee spends her time volunteering at a fair trade show and the BMW golf championship, crafting, and playing cards. Additionally, she stays involved with her children and spends her time traveling to Texas and Florida to be with them. Janilee's younger sister, Melinda Nelson Bergman '79, joined Nu Chapter and was also a member of the marching band and Wisconsin Singers. Janilee encourages current undergraduate members to be involved, whether that is through Chi Omega or another campus organization. "Be proud of Chi Omega no matter what you're doing," she said. "When people are involved in other ways, it can enhance the whole Chapter." The Chi Omega legacy continued when Janilee's daughter, Aimee Ihlenfeld, Theta Kappa '14, pledged at Baylor University. Janilee and Brad have a son, Ryan, as well. The couple lives in Lake Forest, Ill., and Janilee can be reached at jihlenfeld@comcast.net. FINDING HER HOME AT 115 LANGDON ST. Janilee Nelson Ihlenfeld '74 Encourages Alumnae to Reconnect A ttending the University of Wisconsin- Madison at different times, the Ward sisters, Carol, Lori, and Barb, did not join a sorority to be with each other, yet each one of them was attracted to the same place— Nu Chapter. For Carol Ward Knox '70, her motivation to join Chi Omega was from an older friend, Betsy Taylor '69. For Barbara Ward McCrory '80, Nu Chapter was where she felt most welcome during recruitment. "I watched Carol enjoy her college time as a Chi Omega and I loved it when her Chi O sisters sang the Symphony at her wedding," Lori Ward Bocher '74 said. "At the last recruitment round, when the women sang the Symphony in the candlelight, my mind was made up. There was an emotional connection at Chi Omega that I didn't feel at the other sororities." During Carol and Lori's undergraduate years, the Vietnam War caused a great deal of unrest on campus and the Greek system was not a favored institution. Pledge classes were small all-around, but Nu Chapter persevered and rebounded. By the time Barbara enrolled at UW, Greek life was making a comeback. "The members during the 1970s made it possible for the Chi Omega legacy to continue on the UW campus," Lori said. "We were strong!" The three women enjoy being "sister-sisters" and have a paver at the Chapter House recognizing their bond. "Because we continue to be close, we've also come to know some of one another's sorority sisters," Carol said. "It's nice to have something in common when you spend time with someone new." Growing up on a farm, Carol and Lori spent their professional fields expanding on their knowledge of agriculture. Carol spent her career in public relations, owning a firm that built brands, relationships, and reputations primarily in the agricultural and food industries. She has since retired. Lori plans to retire this fall from her position as agricultural information specialist for the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center. In this role, she translates the results of scientific research so it can be understood and utilized by agricultural producers and others. As for Barbara, she was the first woman elected to the bench in Rock County and has served as a county circuit court judge since 2012. In addition, she is the drug treatment court judge and works with a team of professionals whose goal is to work with clients and stop their drug use and criminal behavior. "Enjoy and appreciate what you have. Seek new experiences that expose you to different ways of thinking and different ways of life," Carol advises current undergraduates. "The best memories are based on lifelong friends." Carol has two sons, Chris and Ben, who are both married with children. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend time at her vacation home with family and friends. Carol lives in Verona, Wis., and can be reached at carolwardknox@ gmail.com. Barbara thanks Chi Omega for introducing her to her best friend, Anne Bouffard Bern '80, and for teaching her leadership skills and how Sister-Sisters Ward Family Shares Nu Chapter Connection Lori Ward Bocher '74, Anne Bouffard Bern '80, Barbara Ward McCrory '80, Cynthia Compton '81, and Carol Ward Knox '70 showing their ΧΩ pride at a wedding. 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