Chi Omega - University of Kansas

pg. 2 Lambda Log Finding Her Passion in the Arts Cindy Creek Maude '68 Thankful for Lambda Experiences C hi Omega is known for its friendship, personal integrity, service to others, and academic excellence. When she arrived at the University of Kansas, Cindy Creek Maude '68 went through recruitment not knowing anyone else. Chi Omega's reputation stood out as a chapter with smart young women. "I felt most comfortable at the Chi Omega house," she shared. Lambda Chapter provided a home during turbulent times. The Vietnam War was going on, students had a curfew on campus, and fraternities and sororities weren't terribly popular. "It was an interesting time at KU." And while this made the university environment more serious, the women of Chi Omega did not let it diminish their spirit. Cindy participated in many activities, particularly enjoying Rock Chalk Revue. "We won several awards and it was so much fun." With 40 years of experience, Cindy has spent the majority of her career in advertising and marketing for her own company, Callahan Creek, a full-service agency that focuses on national consumer brands. After building a successful community of thinkers and makers, she says it was rewarding to hand over the reins. She feels fortunate to have had a career she loved in a creative business, where each day was interesting and different. When the former CEO of the Lawrence Arts Center resigned in summer 2017, Cindy agreed to step in as interim. She feels strongly that the arts center is an important part of Lawrence and wanted to help continue its success. She encourages active members of Lambda to do something fulfilling with their lives and careers. "Pursue your passion—that it the most important advice I can give," she shared. "Find something you'll be passionate about and do that." Although she hasn't been back to the chapter house in a while, Cindy is thankful to the alumnae who devote their time to ensuring the house remains beautiful and well maintained. She has kept in touch with many sisters from her initiation class and occasionally gets together with other sisters from time to time, including reunions and Homecoming weekend. "Intertwined with my KU experience, the people I met and the friendships I've made have had a big effect on my life," she recalled. Cindy loves all forms of art and enjoys attending musicals, concerts, and art exhibits. Her passion for art has rubbed off on her two children, who have both pursued artistic careers. Cindy's son, Marshall, is a professor of ceramics at KU and her daughter, Kyle, is a musical theatre major working as a producing director at the Bill T. Jones Dance Company for New York Live Arts. Cindy now has grandchildren she looks forward to seeing and spends much of her free time with her 98-year-old mother, who lives in Lawrence as well. You can connect with Cindy at cindylmaude@gmail.com. An AlumnA's DeDicAtion to PhilAnthroPy Sue Shields Watson '72 Gives Time and Treasure to Lambda Chapter and KU H appy and fulfilled: this is how Sue Shields Watson '72 describes her college days. Although she didn't intend on going through rush—"It was the '70s!"— Sue's mother, Patricia G. Shields '44, convinced her to visit different sorori- ties and meet the members before de- ciding that Greek life wasn't for her. She loved the diversity and kindness displayed by the Chi Omega members and proudly joined Lambda Chapter. As a member of the chapter, Sue learned lessons that have guided her through the years, such as how to live with others and work together toward shared goals. "I made wonderful friends, and [joining Chi Omega] made the large campus seem smaller, easier to navigate." Among the many memories Sue has of living in the chapter house, she especially loved Bid Day, participat- ing in Rock Chalk Revue, decorating for Homecoming, and the Owl Hoots. After a rewarding summer job as a camp counselor, Sue felt called to work with special needs children. She graduated with a B.S. in special and el- ementary education. "The highlight of my teaching career was seeing two former students holding paying jobs in Lawrence and succeeding in life. I hope I played a small role in their success." Following her passion led Sue to a rewarding career. She advises young alumnae to "find what you love to do, with people you enjoy, in a community where you want to live." As an alumna, Sue enjoys volunteering for Lambda Chapter, as well as sup- porting KU. She has served as pledge trainer and on the Owl Foundation Board. She and her husband, Kurt, co-chaired the Far Above capital cam- paign for KU, which raised $1.66 billion. In 2012 they received the Volun- teers of the Year award through District VI of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, a professional association serving educational institutions and the advancement professionals who work on their behalf. Sue is also the former national chairman of the KU Alumni Association and serves on the School of Education board. Sue and Kurt have been married for 44 years and live in Andover, Kan- sas. They have spent a great deal of their time making an impact on local organizations as well. Sue is a board member of the Wichita Art Museum, Sedgwick County Zoo, and the KU School of Medicine in Wichita. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and golfing. Sue and Kurt's son, Brett, lives in Andover with his family. And the Lambda Chapter legacy carried on with their daughter, Kelly Watson Muther '96. Kelly and her family live in Lawrence, so Sue and Kurt visit quite frequently to see grandchildren and attend football and basketball games. "I loved my time in the Chi Omega house. Kelly and I often think about liv- ing in the same place as my mother and her grandmother. It's very special. It made my college days happy and fulfilled." Sue can be reached at swatson6@cox.net.

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