After the Society gavel had been passed from outgoing Phi Kappa Phi President Robert B. Rogow to incoming President William A. Bloodworth, Jr., at dinner last Saturday, it was time for chapter delegates, chapter officers, board members past and present, and others who attended the 2010-12 Phi Kappa Phi Convention, “Traditions & Transitions: Responding to a World of Change,” in Kansas City, Mo., to reflect on the proceedings.
Fuller reactions will emerge in the coming weeks and months as surveys are returned. Initial responses, gathered informally right after Saturday’s closing ceremonial dinner, were by and large appreciative and otherwise positive.
Here are excerpts from random takes, arranged in the chronological order that members were interviewed:
Found beneficial: “I got recharged and developed a new level of enthusiasm as a chapter officer. ... I talked with other folks at chapters to see what we have in common and where we were different. … The highlight for me without a doubt was the student awardees (who had won Phi Kappa Phi grants and who spoke at last Friday’s dinner); they’re the epitome of what Phi Kappa Phi is all about.”
Constructive criticism: “We were stuck here at the airport hotel. We were not close enough to downtown to be able to explore a great American city.”
— Richard L. Ford, Weber State University chapter president
Found beneficial: “I’m a new initiate. It was so exciting to work with people across the country. I had no idea how impressive the Society is. … I came here to learn how to bring my chapter out of hibernation. I’m excited to get back to campus and get to work.”
— Danae Davis, student vice president at the University of New Mexico chapter, and a senior chemistry major
Found beneficial: “I’m most excited about the new student involvement on the Board of Directors. It’ll give a new perspective. … I also like what President Bloodworth said about including members on the board who aren’t affiliated with the academy.”
Constructive criticism: More help on getting chapters involved in events beyond initiations and on otherwise harnessing volunteers.
— Peggy Rosson, University of the Pacific chapter secretary
Found beneficial: “I learned more about the inner workings of the Society. … I picked up ideas to try to activate my chapter more.” She also enjoyed meeting with chapters close by perhaps to partner up with.
Constructive criticism: “We will never build ourselves up by tearing ourselves down. Several times we spent too much time talking about other folks. The emphasis should be on us, a lot more on us.”
— Stacy Jones, coordinator of chapter initiation ceremonies at University of Alabama
Found beneficial: “I liked all of the training I went to with Partnering For Success. I liked the sharing of ideas to increase visibility,” for instance, physically handing invitations to initiates in front of classmates.
Constructive criticism: Hold the convention earlier in the summer because many attendees are academics needing to prepare for fall classes
— Carolyn Maidon, Campbell University chapter president
Found beneficial: How to get students involved.
Constructive criticism: No Phi Kappa Phi merchandise available to buy.
— Kathryn Cava, student vice president at the Campbell University chapter and a senior education major
Found beneficial: “It was inspiring to hear what awards recipients are doing.”
— Robin Straka, Elon University chapter president
Found beneficial: “I’m very new to Phi Kappa Phi and my role in this chapter. The convention gave me ideas about how to grow the chapter, induct honorary members and incorporate international students.”
— Mikhelle Taylor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vice president-elect
Found beneficial: “Partnering For Success was very helpful, particularly in sharing chapter success stories,” such as teaming with undergraduate research conferences to help advance the cause and holding initiations in the fall as opposed to the spring to be able to host more activities for student members.
Constructive criticism: More interactive events, especially before the excursion “because I didn’t know anyone.”
— Lisa Root, Bowling Green University chapter treasurer
Found beneficial: “The idea sharing. The importance of social networking. And we have not adopted student officers yet (at University of Tennessee-Knoxville) but after seeing their input and openness, we need to move on this at a chapter level.”
— John B. Riley, past president of the chapters at University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Kansas State University
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