Alpha Chi Omega - Kansas State University

The Lyre Letter G A M M A Z E T A C H A P T E R O F A L P H A C H I O M E G A A T K A N S A S S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y SPRING 2018 Restructuring Greek Life K-State Transitions Fraternity and Sorority Life into Independent Organizations G reetings, sisters! As you may re- call in May of 2017, Kansas State Univer- sity had a restructur- ing of fraternity and sorority life on our campus. The Office of Student Activities and Services and the Office of Fraternity and So- rority Life were merged into a new office called the Center for Student Involvement. In turn, all fraternities and sororities became independent student organizations and much transition was brought about, including the hiring of new staff and the loss of many resources that were fun- neled directly from campus to the organizations. The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council at Kansas State University now have interim advisers, Tim Lindemuth and Mary Var- nier, as they await the hire of a new executive director. Both councils have worked tirelessly to keep the traditions and values of fraternity and sorority life going at Kansas State University and they are looking forward to the upcoming recruitment season next fall. All chapters have worked to stay connected and the community has grown closer throughout this process. If you hold interest in supporting the chapter through advising or alumnae involvement, please see my contact information below. Thank you for the support that you give our community! Loyally, Lizzie Penton '14 Graduate Assistant, Fraternity and Sorority Life at Kansas State University lizbethlorren@ksu.edu G rowing up in Salina, Kansas, where the town bleeds purple almost as much as Manhattan, Katie Siemsen '14 knew Kansas State University was the right fit for her. After becoming interested in Greek life, Katie discov- ered Alpha Chi Omega while going through re- cruitment. "I chose Gamma Zeta because from the very first days of recruitment my freshman year, you could tell the girls were genuine and really cared about getting to know you, not just how you presented yourself," she recalled. Beginning 10 months ago in the summer before her senior year, Katie went to the hospital with chest pains, coughs, hot flashes, and trouble breathing. It all hit her at once, and she was immediately admitted to the hospital after her X-ray revealed a seven-inch tumor pushing up against her heart, lungs, and ribs. The disease was non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the tumor was wrapping around her trachea, causing her inability to breathe. Within five days of this dis- covery, Katie underwent multiple surgeries to stabilize her organs and prepare for chemotherapy. This included two biopsies, a spinal tap, a bone marrow biopsy, and a port to be able to administer the chemo. "I was in and out of the hospital like this for six more months until my tumor was 100% gone, and now I am cancer free," Katie shared. Through everything, her friends, family, boyfriend, and Gamma Zeta sisters have been there to support Katie. It was this con- stant love and support that she attributes to beating cancer. "I was amazed by how many people who didn't know, or hardly even knew me, reached out to let me know they were thinking about me and to see if they could help," Turning Dark Days into a Brighter Future Katie Siemsen '14 Beats Her Battle with Cancer through Endless Gamma Zeta Support she remembered. Her Gamma Zeta sisters went above and beyond, proving Katie's initial thoughts about the chapter to be true. "They put together a T-shirt fundraiser to help pay for medical bills and a hat drive," she shared. "I still can't honestly thank them enough for everything they have done." Even though she couldn't physically be there, her sisters did their best to make sure she still felt like part of the chapter—that Gamma Zeta was still her home. For Katie, going back to school this coming fall means every- thing will finally be going back to normal, especially when just a few months ago it felt like it might not be possible. She will graduate with a bachelor's in management information sys- tems with a minor in leader- ship, and hopes to work in IT for healthcare. Katie is extremely grateful for all that everyone has done for her during this dif- ficult time, especially her family, friends, and Gamma Zeta sisters. You can connect with Katie at katjo14@ksu.edu. "I was in and out of the hospital like this for six more months until my tumor was 100% gone, and now I am cancer free." Who do you think we should feature next? Share your thoughts with sjohnston@penningtonco.com!

• Cover