#PSPNC14
| This summer Delta Eta Chapter had two brothers, President Kevin Mell and Initiate Advisor Emily Lowman, go to the Phi Sigma Pi National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. There, they were able to participate in Grand Chapter, listen to speakers, and meet Brothers from around the Nation. We asked Emily and Kevin a few questions about their experience and what they took away from it. What was the biggest lesson/idea you took away from Nationals? EL: The biggest lesson I took from nationals was the importance of Inter Chapter Relationships. There is a huge PSP support group out there in the form of other chapters from different schools. We should really take advantage of them! KM: It is absolutely essential to ensure that Brothers are constantly being provided as many opportunities to be involved as possible. This organization allows its Members to grow and form bonds of Brotherhood that can last a lifetime. In order to ensure that all Brothers have access to what we have to offer, we as Brothers must always think of ways to include others. |
At Convention, I had the pleasure of speaking with former Vice President of Chapter Development, David Serafini. With regards to inclusion, he gave me a piece of advice which was so powerful yet incredibly simple: people like to be asked to do things. While the events hosted by our Chapter are incredible in their ability to bring people with such varied schedules together under the banner of Brotherhood, there’s something to be said about how included someone can be made to feel by being personally asked to help. This is a great way to discover new things about our fellow Brothers, and help our Chapter grow alongside our individual Members.
What is something that you learned that you want to try to incorporate into our Chapter?
EL: [Inter-chapter relations] is something I want to incorporate into our chapter because it would be so fun to have friends from the other chapters in our region to be able to visit and learn from!
KM: I would like to promote creating strong ties with other Chapters within our region. While Phi Sigma Pi consistently attracts and cultivates well-rounded individuals, it allows a flexibility in identity from Chapter to Chapter. I think our Chapter would benefit greatly from allowing a constant exchange of ideas between nearby Chapters, in order to allow all Brothers to make an impact on Phi Sigma Pi.
In essence, I would like to have our Chapter interact more often with other Chapters in meaningful ways, as this will allow us reference points for understanding our Chapters identity. Our Chapter at Illinois State consists of thoughtful, enthusiastic, and determined people, and I think if we take some time to really pinpoint what makes us uniquely what we are, we will continue our tradition of growth and Brotherhood.
What was the best experience you had?
EL: The best experience I had was learning about the 30 second elevator pitch for PSP. It was about learning how to explain what PSP is all about in under 30 seconds.
KM: I cannot emphasize how grateful I am to our Chapter for allowing me the opportunity to attend Grand Chapter. Being able to sit in a room, surrounded by peers from around the nation, and bear witness to the importance of our Brotherhood’s mission was an honor. This year, Grand Chapter passed a resolution to identify as a “gender-inclusive honor fraternity”, and I think that’s a great step forward. That decision is, in my opinion, indicative of the thoughtfulness and dedication to morality that Phi Sigma Pi exemplifies.
Any funny moments/stories?
EL: Some funny moments revolve around the amazing people we met from Deleware, Virginia and Michigan. It was a blast learning how different their lives were from us in Illinois.
KM: When a few of us went to the World of Coca-Cola factory in Atlanta, I skipped past all of the other attractions to immediately start trying all of the flavors of Coke products from around the world. Three continents in, I had given myself a wicked stomachache, and only then did I look at anything else.
Also, after the Banquet, we sang our Fraternal songs and it was an exciting experience seeing Brothers from all walks of life link arms and sing along. I just wish somebody had a video of it.
What is something that you learned that you want to try to incorporate into our Chapter?
EL: [Inter-chapter relations] is something I want to incorporate into our chapter because it would be so fun to have friends from the other chapters in our region to be able to visit and learn from!
KM: I would like to promote creating strong ties with other Chapters within our region. While Phi Sigma Pi consistently attracts and cultivates well-rounded individuals, it allows a flexibility in identity from Chapter to Chapter. I think our Chapter would benefit greatly from allowing a constant exchange of ideas between nearby Chapters, in order to allow all Brothers to make an impact on Phi Sigma Pi.
In essence, I would like to have our Chapter interact more often with other Chapters in meaningful ways, as this will allow us reference points for understanding our Chapters identity. Our Chapter at Illinois State consists of thoughtful, enthusiastic, and determined people, and I think if we take some time to really pinpoint what makes us uniquely what we are, we will continue our tradition of growth and Brotherhood.
What was the best experience you had?
EL: The best experience I had was learning about the 30 second elevator pitch for PSP. It was about learning how to explain what PSP is all about in under 30 seconds.
KM: I cannot emphasize how grateful I am to our Chapter for allowing me the opportunity to attend Grand Chapter. Being able to sit in a room, surrounded by peers from around the nation, and bear witness to the importance of our Brotherhood’s mission was an honor. This year, Grand Chapter passed a resolution to identify as a “gender-inclusive honor fraternity”, and I think that’s a great step forward. That decision is, in my opinion, indicative of the thoughtfulness and dedication to morality that Phi Sigma Pi exemplifies.
Any funny moments/stories?
EL: Some funny moments revolve around the amazing people we met from Deleware, Virginia and Michigan. It was a blast learning how different their lives were from us in Illinois.
KM: When a few of us went to the World of Coca-Cola factory in Atlanta, I skipped past all of the other attractions to immediately start trying all of the flavors of Coke products from around the world. Three continents in, I had given myself a wicked stomachache, and only then did I look at anything else.
Also, after the Banquet, we sang our Fraternal songs and it was an exciting experience seeing Brothers from all walks of life link arms and sing along. I just wish somebody had a video of it.
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