Chari's Story

I have no blood siblings, I was an only child. At least I was until I pledged Alpha Xi Delta at Kansas State University in the fall of 1966! I gained 46 other new member Sisters that day and in March of 1967, when we were initiated, hundreds, even thousands or tens of thousands wonderful, amazing and awesome women became my Sisters. To this day, my dearest, sweetest and closest friends are also my Sisters in Alpha Xi! When I was married in 1970, my whole side of the wedding party were Alpha Xi Sisters and my Alum Mum (a Sister from the local alumni chapter) was escorted to a seat right behind my mother. Two of my three daughter's Godmothers are also my Alpha Xi Sisters. It was so amazing last spring to have 17 Sisters of my new member class attend our 50 year reunion and receive the Order of the Rose together at Alpha Kappa's Founder's Day celebration! Most of them, I had not seen since graduation! It was as if not even a day had passed since we parted! What a glorious Sisterhood! Even today, when I step inside the Alpha Kappa chapter house, I am welcomed by young women who, even though I'm old enough to be their Grandmother, treat me like their long lost Sister! Now, I serve on the AK Corporation Board and I love giving this time back to the chapter of Alpha Xi Delta that gave me such an abundant extended family!

Written by Chari Manry, '66 Kansas State