Chi Omega - Kansas State University

Χ Ω 2 The Cardinal and Straw M arilyn McCrillis Nichols '75 has experi- enced firsthand the true testament of Chi Omega membership. From the Chi Omega legacy her family holds to the lifelong friendships that have withstood long distance, Marilyn is sure of one thing—Chi Omega truly lasts forever. When Marilyn went through recruitment at KSU, she came close to joining another sorority, but she decided to continue the legacy her mother and sister established in Chi Omega. The legacy has since expanded even further, to Marilyn's daughter and niece, and she is incredibly proud of the bonds she's made with Chi Omega sisters as an active and alumna. Through distance, Marilyn was able to uphold her collegiate friendships, and after nearly 30 years in Dallas, when she returned to Kansas, Marilyn immediately reached out to Kappa Alpha sisters. "What active members need to understand is when they pledge to a sorority, they will establish bonds and friendships that will last forever," she said. "Sisterhood is forever." Following graduation, Marilyn married Glenn and moved to Dallas to be- gin her fashion career. The couple spent the next 29 years in Texas, where Marilyn worked for various manufacturers in the fashion industry. At the cusp of 2008, Marilyn moved back to Kansas and transitioned easily into a new career and rekindled friendships with Chi O sis- ters. She was also recruited by her older sister to vol- unteer with Kappa Alpha's House Corporation Board, and eventually found herself involved with the Kansas City Chi Omega Alumnae Association and the National House Corporation Board. "I got outstanding experience being on the national house board for a year," she said. "Getting involved with the KC Alumnae Association, not only am I working with and meeting my own sisters, but sisters nationally from other chapters and that's been very fun." Marilyn serves as the secretary of the Kappa Alpha House Corporation and treasurer of the KC Alumnae As- sociation. "As an active, you don't think about every- thing that goes into maintaining a house that homes 65 people," she said. "It's great to go back and literally sit in the house where I spent four years and be part of their current growth." Marilyn's daughter, Kristin '04, originally pledged at Kappa Alpha and transferred to Texas State University her junior year. Kristin also returned to Kansas and was warmly welcomed and able to continue her career thanks to Kappa Alpha friendships. Both Marilyn and Kristin live in Lenexa and Marilyn can be reached at xoka1975@gmail.com. Omega Chapter Mary Alice Durr Bosley '44 entered the Omega Chapter on March 26, 2017. Mary Alice gradu- ated with the Class of 1942 from Dighton High School. She earned her bachelor of science de- gree in home economics and art from K-State in 1946. On January 19, 1947, she married Charles Bosley in Dighton. He died on May 13, 2003. She taught one year at Manning Grade School and for five years at Dighton Grade School and continued as a substitute teacher for many years. She enjoyed art and painted a mural on canvas that had a sod house on one side and a painting of the Alamota Store, the Dighton bank, and a building in Healy that was used in the Kansas centennial celebration in Lane County. It was lat- er on display at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchin- son. It now hangs in the courtroom of the Lane County Courthouse and was published in Kansas Murals by Lora Jost and Dave Loewenstein. Jane Willard Gideon '46 of Topeka, Kan., en- tered the Omega Chapter on April 20, 2017. Jane attended Potwin and Roosevelt schools and graduated from Topeka High School in 1945. She graduated from KSU in 1949 with a B.S. degree and served as Chi Omega's chapter president. Sisterhood for Life Marilyn McCrillis Nichols '75 Treasures Chi Omega Friendships Alumnae Update Jane was married to James Holstine in 1954 and until his death in 2002. She and Clarence Gideon were married in 2004 and until his death in 2015. Alumnae News Lois Johnson Swanson '43 says she is "quite okay—old, of course." Lois has many wonderful memories of Kappa Alpha. She pledged spring of her sophomore year and was active at Chi Omega on campus all her life. Lois was mar- ried to her husband for 70 years until his death in January 2017. She now lives in an assisted living facility in Highland Heights, Oregon. Beryl Wesche Linders '44 was born and lived in Manhattan all her life. In grade school and high school, she went with her family to K-State football games for 25 cents. Beryl was in charge of her husband's veterinary hospital until 1958, when they built their clinic. They raised four children and volunteered for everything KSU. Beryl currently has two grandchildren at K-State. Mary Brewer Thomas '50 and her husband, Kenton, keep busy with their children and grandchildren, of whom they are very proud. Their daughter, Wendy Guillies, is president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. Their son, Steven, is a vested partner in his law firm. Mary and Kenton keep busy with church and activi- ties. Chi Omega is particularly special to Mary, as her mother, Florence Mitchell Brewer, was a founder in 1915. Eloise Sparks Allen '55 has lived in Green Val- ley, Ariz., since 2003; "it's a great place to retire." She and her husband, Ronald, spent four years touring the U.S. full time in an RV after both retir- ing in 1995. They are both still healthy and expect to continue the good life for a few more years. Beverly Bass Rehkop '58 has lunch a few times a month with several Chi O sisters. She continues to work full time as customer service and mar- keting manager for Manufacturer's Representa- tives in the design industry. Bev also volunteers at church, the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, and other organizations in the Kansas City area. E-mail: brehkop2674@sbcglobal.net (Continued on page 4)

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