Partnering For Success, Potpourri

Random reactions to the Partnering For Success meetings on Thursday, Aug. 5:

1) Money talks.

Some attendees smiled and a few were audibly thrilled (“Wow!”; “Impressive!”; “Gasp!”) about the exponential growth in applications for the 80 $500 Love of Learning Grants that the Society awards annually for post-baccalaureate and professional development. In 2007, about 280 entries. This year, more than 1,200. Phi Kappa Phi distributes $700,000 in grants each year in one category or another.

2) You can never go wrong with sweet snacks.

Attendees munched on – no, gobbled up – decadent brownies and chewy chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter cookies on breaks. By 4:30 p.m., all were gone.

3) Welcome to the World Wide Web, 2.0

The upgraded Web site earned plaudits for being user-friendly and helpful.

4) Certified smart! Certified smart?

Various people weighed in on the new Great Minds Think Alike advertising campaign. Most liked the initiative, and some campuses have personalized the promotion for their given school. One constructive criticism was that the first three words – Great Minds Think – did the job but that the last word – Alike – should be crossed out.

5) Where’s my Phi Kappa Phi merchandise?

A number of people were disappointed that there was no Phi Kappa Phi gear on sale at the Convention (because historically, the amount of money brought in didn’t offset the expenses involved). Time-sensitive coupons for free shipping for purchases by attendees were distributed, however. Suggestions for new merchandise included Convention tee-shirts, Phi Kappa Phi flip-flops and women’s dress scarves.