These past four years have certainly flown by for our Senior class. Their journey began as they opened their envelope on Bid Day, receiving that invitation from Chi Omega to join a group of women who would become family. Here is a look back at some of the highlights and accomplishments over the past four years:

2015-2016 Freshman Year

Grew closer as they got their Big Sisters and Chi O families, spent their Saturdays at Kinnick, attended their first sisterhood and formal events together, and worked together to accomplish so much.

Won Iowa Shout and 2nd Place Overall during Homecoming Week
Received 1st place in Greek Week Follies and 3rd place overall
Overall Intramural Champions
Received the Chapter of Excellence Award from Chi Omega Headquarters
Raised over $10,000 for Make-A-Wish
Had the highest New Member Class GPA
Was a huge contribution to Chi Omega’s success in breaking the record for the most money raised by a sorority with over $95,000 For The Kids! (click HERE to read more about it)
2015 Chapter of the Year

2016-2017 Sophomore Year

At the end of summer they moved into 804 Iowa Avenue and grew even closer as they lived together. They experienced their first recruitment on the other side, and recruited an incredible class. They were thrilled to add “little sisters” to their families. The tradition of excellence continued as they were

Iowa Shout Champions and 2nd place overall in Homecoming Week
Greek Week & Follies Champions
the Top Fundraising Chapter for Dance Marathon 23
Once again held the highest all chapter GPA
Received the Chapter of Excellence Award from Chi Omega Headquarters
They also held numerous leadership positions in Chi Omega, and organizations across campus.

kathryn-lorenger-ran-26.2-dance-marathon-chicago-chi-omega.jpeg

2017-2018 Junior YEAR

Junior year marked the halfway point of their four years as active members of Chi Omega. Many of them spent a semester studying abroad and traveling together. They kicked off the year with another successful recruitment! They continued to lead when we held our first ever Wish Week for Make-A-Wish, and once again broke the record at Dance Marathon - raising over $100,000 as a chapter for the kids.

2017 Chapter of the Year
Iowa Shout Champions and 2nd Place overall at Homecoming
FSL and Follies Champions
celebrated with our Moms and Dads
ran the Chicago Marathon
Top Fundraising Chapter Award at Dance Marathon
Once again held the highest all chapter GPA
Received the Chapter of Excellence Award from Chi Omega Headquarters

2018-2019 Senior Year

In the wise words of Tom Petty, “The work never ends, but college does”. This would be a year of ‘lasts’. Their last formal, their last tailgates, their last recruitment, their last year all together in the same city. We are forever grateful that their leadership has made a lasting impression on this chapter, as the example they set leaves the bar high for the classes that follow.

2018 Chapter of the Year
Once again held the highest all chapter GPA
The Top Fundraising Chapter for Dance Marathon 25 - breaking the record by raising over $109,000 for the kids!
Iowa Shout Champions & Homecoming Champions
Cheered on our Sister Katie Cabel on Homecoming Court!
FSL Weekend - Best Choreography, Most Enthusiasm, Most Philanthropic (there is no longer an overall winner)
Received the Chapter of Excellence Award from Chi Omega Headquarters
Brought home Star Girls on Bid Day
Hung out with our Moms and Dads
Ran or cheered on our sisters at the Chicago Marathon

Read about the future plans and favorite memories of Some of our Seniors Below!

Graduation Photos by Katherine Mendieta

Margaret Kaufman

Degree: BBA Marketing and Event Planning Certificate

Future Plans: Moving to Chicago and working as an Assistant Account Executive for DDB Chicago :)

Chi O gave me my best friends! It was important to me to find people who were ambitious, fun loving, and had great values, and chi o helped me find that. I’m so grateful for the friends who have become sisters, and the women I look up to when I’m having a bad day.

RILEY MADIGAN

Degree: Graduating with a BS in biomedical sciences with University and Departmental Honors.

Future Plans: I am taking a gap year and I will be working as a Medical Assistant at a dermatology private practice in Lincoln Park, Chicago. I am applying to medical school in June and plan on attending in August 2020, with hopes of becoming a doctor in the future.

Chi Omega has had a life-changing impact on my undergraduate career. It has taught me how to love others and be loved by others unconditionally. I have learned to be a contributing member of the community and to always have a positive impact on those that I interact with. To be womanly always, discouraged never. I have grown into the person that I have always wanted to become - a person with compassion for others, determination and positivity. I would not be who I am today without the impact that Chi Omega has had on me. Forever grateful for this organization and the women who belong to it.

Bella Swan

Degree: Human Physiology, Spanish minor

Future Plans: Master’s Degree then Medical School

Favorite Memory: Convincing a few girls to have a slumber party with me on the balcony at the 804.

Morgan Diestler

Degree: Double major in Business Analytics and Marketing with a certificate in International Business

Future Plans: moving to Chicago to pursue a career in business intelligence with RSM

Favorite Chi O memory: There are way too many to count! Living in the house and getting ready for tailgate are times I will never forget.

In Chi Omega, you can really have it all. However, my favorite thing Chi Omega has given me is my life long best friends. I know I count on them to celebrate every high, but comfort me through every low. They have without a doubt shaped my college career - I am not sure how I would have survived without them.

Brooklyn Ophoff

Degree: Nursing

Future Plans: graduate in December and start working as a nurse YAY

Chi O has had such a positive impact on my life! I would not be the woman I am today if it weren’t for my sisters who continue to challenge and encourage me to go beyond what I think I can do. I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities, memories, and friendships that will truly last a lifetime!

Michaela Goodley

Major: Speech and Hearing Science

Future Plans: I will be attending the University of Iowa this coming Fall to pursue a Master's degree in Speech Pathology

I have been so fortunate to have so many amazing memories in Chi Omega. From running off the bus on bid day into my Big's arms to living at the 804 with some of my best friends. We've ran marathons together. We've watched countless Hawks games together. We've danced like crazy at Formals. And above all we have made memories and friendships that will last a life time.

Sara Kosela

Degree: BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing)

Future Plans: Moving to Chicago after graduation where I will continue my education in getting a masters in nursing specializing in pediatrics while working as a nurse.

Favorite Chi O Memory: Going on vacation with a giant group of Chi Os during winter break where four of us skied down a green hill, managing to crash every couple feet but never wiping the smile off our faces. As we say in recruitment we laughed, we cried, and we laughed until we cried. Never forgetting to enjoy buckets of ice-cream from the near by ice-cream shop.

Nicole Anderson

Graduating with: B.B.A. Economics, B.B.A. Business Analytics, International Business Certificate, Dance Minor

Future Plans: Working as a Business Intelligence Consultant for RSM in Chicago, IL

Fav Chi Omega Memory: I have so many great memories that I wish I could tell, but one of my recent favorites is at the Centennial Dinner when I held hands with the incredible friends I've made countless memories with over the last four years and sang Shades with hundreds of Chi Omega Alumnae. It made me reflect on the memories I've made with my sisters and how we've grown, cry because while my time as a Chi O active is nearly over, I realize that Chi Omega truly is for a lifetime.

Clare Keating

Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration- Management with a minor in Communication Studies

Future Plans: Moving to Chicago to work as a management consultant associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers

Chi Omega gave me the opportunity to meet life long best friends, and surround myself with women who inspire me to be my best. Without being a member of this sorority, I would not be the person I am today and I am grateful that it has had such a positive impact on my life.

Abby Gorsche

Degree: Finance major, International Business certificate

Future Plans: Working as a production accountant for HBO and Rotten Science Productions in Los Angeles, CA

Fav Chi O memory: Work week and recruitment every year because those were always the weeks I felt the closest with everyone in my chapter and bursting with pride for Chi O. The feeling of working your butt off as a chapter, getting to know people in other pledge classes on a deeper level, reflecting on all the reasons why we love Chi O, and encouraging a new group of woman to take part in a life-changing experience was unmatched.

Madeline Lawrence

Degree: Human Physiology, B.S.

Future Plans: I will be continuing at the University of Iowa for graduate school in the fall. I am pursuing a MS degree in Health and Human Physiology with an emphasis in Health Promotion.

Favorite XO Memory: Junior year formal in the Kinnick Stadium Press Box and being a part of the Psi Beta Centennial.

Chi Omega has truly shaped my entire college experience. The friends I have made through Chi O have continuously pushed me to be the best version of myself. These women have given me confidence in myself and my future. I am very sad to be closing this chapter of my life, however I know that Chi Omega is for a lifetime and the bonds I have made will last forever.

Katie Cabel

Degree: Biomedical Engineering

Future plans: Cardiac Technical Sales Specialist at Abbott, Minneapolis, MN

Favorite Chi O Memory: Choreographing Greek Week and being involved in Homecoming all 4 years! I also loved living in the house with my best friends!

Sarah Langholz

Degree: Finance

Future Plans: Moving to Chicago, working as an analyst in capital markets at JLL

Fav Chi O Memories: Spending 24 hours a day in the Chi O Rec Room. My two Littles and my multiplying family. Thanks Chi O for the best friends and the best years of college!

Taylor Bonnett

Degree: Nursing

Future Plans: I'll be graduating in December 2019 with my nursing degree. I'm planning on finding a job in a critical care unit.

Fav Chi O Memory: I am so grateful that I got to spend the last four years surrounded by strong women, philanthropists, and leaders. My favorite Chi O memory was welcoming my little sister into the sisterhood that I love so much!

Darby Drenzek

Degree: Interdepartmental Studies, minors in Rhetoric and Persuasion, and Human Relations

Future Plans: After traveling this summer I will be moving to Raleigh, North Carolina!

College has taken me down many different avenues. I've spent a lot of time involved within other aspects of campus, working with different people and within different organizations. I am so thankful that no matter how far my adventures taken me, I always have a home to come back to within Chi Omega. The women that are a part of this chapter are the best support system I could ask for, and am so grateful that in a period of a lot of life changes, Chi Omega is consistently a steady source of joy and community.

SARA BARSNESS

Degree: Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Psychology and Certificate in Disability Studies

Future Plans: Summer internship in Colorado at a day camp for kids with disabilities. Then follow my dreams of moving to Cayman Islands to advocate for disability awareness and help transition kids with disabilities into their school systems.

Chi O has been quite a ride these past 4 years! Met my best friends, and have made memories that I’ll remember for ever. Also cool that I met my future wedding photographer!!! #jeffers4ev #mendeetzFanClub

KATHRYN LORENGER

Degree: therapeutic recreation

Future Plans: attend Erikson Institute in Chicago for two years to get my masters in Social Work

Chi Omega has given me my best friends, friends that will last me a lifetime. <3

ANNE KORFF

Degree: B.A. in Health & Human Physiology - Exercise Science

Future Plans: Pursuing a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate then applying to an Accelerated Nursing Program to earn my BSN, RN

Fav Chi O Memory: My favorite memory within the past four years of being an active Chi Omega was Bid Day of my second year as an active. Although many people might say that their favorite bid day was their own, mine was of my sophomore year because not only did one of my best friends finally go Chi O after her second round of recruitment, but also because I could celebrate the day with my best friends and all the amazing girls that I knew so well. Being able to celebrate nearly 60 new members coming home to US where they would soon find their best friends the way I did was incredibly rewarding and reassuring. Watching the new member's faces on that day and knowing they would soon feel how I have felt throughout college was one of the coolest things.

ANNE FREDERICKSEN

Degree: Health and Human Physiology

Future Plans: are more..... MORE SCHOOL!!! At Iowa State in their Dietetics program

Favorite Chi O Memories: Chi o has given me all my favorite college memories!! The rec room! Pam’s queso! Music videos! Jungle and Union dance floor! Marcos and snow cones! Bathroom dance parties! Pranks during dinner! Flirting with house boys! The depot and living with 20+ chi os! Getting a dog and sharing him with sister Barsness! Walking to class and then deciding to skip and have a picnic on the Pentacrest!

Lauren Lynch

Degree: Communication Studies Major and Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management

Future Plans: public relations/creative marketing position at Cambridge Investment Research

Chi Omega has impacted me in a huge way. It has introduced me to girls that I didn’t know could ever actually exist. Smart, kind, beautiful, outgoing, and hardworking. Chi O has showed me how much hard work can pay off and there are actually people out there who care about you and your journey. All of the beautiful girls I’ve got to spend the past four years are so motivating and encouraging. Stay beautiful my favorite people!!

Elizabeth Recker

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science

Future plans: Getting my Masters in Speech Language Pathology at St. Ambrose in the fall!

Fav Memory: Because I can’t choose, I’d have to say my whole senior year. Chi Omega gave me my best friends and a few of my favorite memories are hanging out in our apartment, spring break, countless happy hours, and everything in between.

Heidi Swanson

Degree: Health and Human Physiology: Health Promotion Track. Entrepreneurial Management Certificate

Future Plans: Staying in Iowa City for a year to work, and then will begin to apply to grad schools for Health Administration and Management

Favorite Chi O memory: will forever be bid day freshman year! This was the moment that I realized I was about to embark on a journey that would lead me to some of the greatest experiences of my college years. This memory means so much to be because I was able to meet some of my best friends through this organization. I am so blessed that I was brought into this amazing sisterhood.

Katherine Crosby

Degree: BA English and Enterprise Leadership

Future Plans: finish up my marketing internship and move to Chicago for a big girl job

Chi O gave me a support system that I didn’t know I needed. They made my bad nights bearable and my good nights the best nights. I don’t know where I would be without my very best friends that I found through chi omega.

Genevieve Gaston

Degree: Nursing

Future Plans: I’m graduating in December with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. My future plans aren’t set yet since I’m not graduating yet, but at this point I am hoping to work in Women’s health in the Chicago area.

Favorite Memories are from living in the house and rooming with Brooklynn and Gillian

ANNA VOS

Degree: Global Health

Future Plans: I plan to volunteer in public health outreach in Central America before applying to Physician Assistant school.

The women in Chi Omega have inspired me to dream big, work hard, take risks, and travel the world. I am so lucky to have stood beside these fierce women throughout my collegiate career and look forward to the memories we have yet to make as alumnae.

Catherine (Kate) McLaughlin

Degree: Marketing Management BBA

Future Plans: Sales Associate for Wells Enterprises, Blue Bunny

Fav Chi O Memory: I loved living in the house and getting really close to my now best friends. Endless hours spent in the Rec Room or at dinner were some of the times I’ve laughed the hardest and will always cherish.

Jenna Larson

Degree: BA in journalism and English

Future Plans: Editorial intern at Bloomsbury Publishing Inc. in New York

My favorite part of being in Chi O was the opportunity to live in the house for two years. Not only did I get closer with my entire pledge class, but I met my lifelong friends. From late night drives to ice cream dates to a shoulder to cry on, the incredible, kind, and loving women gave me a home away from home. It’s because of them that I was encouraged to take chances throughout college and be the best I could be. I feel so lucky to have the friends I have and I owe it all to Chi O for allowing our paths to cross.

kayla carrothers

Degree: Human Physiology

Future Plans: Attend Dental School at the University of Iowa

My Favorite Chi O Memory is living in the house, and every Tuesday after dinner a big group of us would go get ice cream from different places all over Iowa City.

Ellie Begg

Degree: Elementary Education

My plan after graduation is to move to Chicago and teach!

Chi Omega has given me more than I could’ve ever imagined in the last 4 years. It has given me my best friends and shaped me into the woman I am today. I have never been surrounded by a more supportive group of people in my life. My favorite memories definitely all happened while living in the house for two years! I honestly can say joining Chi Omega was the best decision I made in college. XOXO

Megan Hixson

Degree: Marketing and Business Analytics

Future Plans: Risk Advisory for Ernst & Young

Chi Omega has given me a place to call home. Chi Omega has given me sisters to keep for a lifetime. Chi Omega made my college experience by giving me the confidence to be myself, challenge myself, and grow into the person I want to be.

Gillian Fiandaca

Degree: B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation

Future Plans: This summer, I will be interning at GLASA in Illinois! Here, I have the absolute honor of working alongside GLASA staff to live out their mission of promoting and supporting the development of individuals with disabilities through inclusive recreation and competitive sports activities. In the fall, I will be returning to Iowa City to continue my education as a student in the Child Life graduate program. I am so beyond excited to spend another two years at the best school in the world!

Favorite Chi O Memory: My favorite Chi O memory is when I participated in a Vida Volunteer trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua with some of my sisters! It was so much fun to explore the world together :)

Chi Omega Impact: Chi Omega has had a life-changing impact on my undergraduate career. It has taught me how to love others and be loved by others unconditionally. I have learned to be a contributing member of the community and to always have a positive impact on those that I interact with. To be womanly always, discouraged never. I have grown into the person that I have always wanted to become - a person with compassion for others, determination and positivity. I would not be who I am today without the impact that Chi Omega has had on me. Forever grateful for this organization and the women who belong to it.

Alicia Orr

Degree: Communications

Future Plans: law school in California starting in the Fall

Chi omega gave me my best friends.

Gretchen Vitek

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Future Plans: I will be working as a nurse in Chicago!

Chi Omega has defined my college experience. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my friends whom I’ve met through Chi O and Greek life in general. My favorite memories are from all of us living in the house, spending every second together. The days where we would spend all day laughing at nothing in the Chi O Rec Room are the days I’ll miss most.

Sarah Fisher

Degree: Communication Studies

Future Plans: National Leadership Consultant for National Chi Omega Headquarters starting this Summer.

Chi Omega has given me the most wonderful friends and the most amazing opportunities to impact others and grow into the woman I was meant to be. I am beyond thankful for the gift that is Chi Omega.