Kappa Epsilon Fraternity held the 47th National Convention August 5-8, 2009, at the Hilton, Indianapolis, Indiana. The convention theme was a Dakota proverb, “We are known forever by the tracks we leave,” and Kappa Epsilon members definitely left their special tracks in Indianapolis! In addition to participating in official Fraternity business, members enjoyed a variety of beneficial workshops, continuing education programs, and opportunities to make new friends and catch up with old ones.

Members of Alpha Phi chapter with Alpha Phi alumna and current KE Grand President, Elizabeth Kort.

Chapter Management Workshop for Collegiates and Advisors
Facilitator: Nancy Stankiewicz, Executive Director

This workshop provided information about reporting deadlines and responsibilities of individual chapters as well as information about National Fraternity programs such as Council Connections and National Liaisons. All of this important information was also provided in a laminated document that may serve as a reference for collegiate chapter officers and advisors.

Collegiate Workshops (I and II)
Facilitator: Alissa Lockwood, VP Collegiate Development

The first Collegiate Workshop focused on community service and social activities and provided plenty of time for open forum, discussion and collaboration between all collegiate members. The second Collegiate Workshop focused on an area many chapters find challenging, fundraising. The purpose of these workshops were to educate collegiate members regarding the importance of submitting timely and detailed Chapter Planning reports, to illustrate the use of event reports, to provide ideas for social, service, and fundraising events, to motivate chapter members to network with other chapters in their region, and to provide a forum in which chapter members can discuss ideas and difficulties in creating, planning, and executing social, service and fundraising events. A list of ideas was compiled and will be made available on the Kappa Epsilon website in the near future for chapter use.

Collegiate and alumni members of the University of Florida chapters proudly demonstrate the Gator Chomp!

Recruitment Workshop
Facilitator: Courtney Anderson, VP Member Recruitment

The purpose of this workshop was to share ideas among chapters in the different areas involved with membership recruitment. It began with a brief tutorial on the KE website of where the forms and recruitment ideas are located on the site. After the tutorial, collegiate members moved into a breakout session dividing by chapter size and type of recruitment. Members then discussed both recruitment ideas and barriers they face each year during their recruitment period. These ideas were then shared by a large group discuss of findings among each of the individual small groups. Recruitment ideas discussed during the workshop will be made available and listed on the website for all chapters to use following the convention.

Collegiate and Alumni Workshop
Facilitators: Alissa Lockwood, VP Collegiate Development and Erika Cortes, VP Alumni Development

This joint workshop highlighted opportunities for alumni and collegiates to work together. The role of the Alumni Liaison officer and Grand Council National Liaison were explained. Keeping alumni contact information updated with the Executive Office was stressed. Participants were divided into regions and discussed and shared ideas. The topics included contacting alumni and outreach, how to retain fourth year extern/alumni members, and ways for collegiate chapters to involve alumni. A summary of ideas presented can be found on the KE website.

Advisor and Alumni Workshop
Facilitators: Erika Cortes, VP Alumni Development, and Sloan Fleming, Immediate Past-President

This workshop addressed issues such as the importance of reporting, use of Facebook, and Advisor Manuals. The updated summary of deadlines document was distributed. Discussion and feedback were solicited regarding the functionality of alumni chapters as well as reducing costs associated with production and distribution of the BOND.

Past Grand Presidents

Kappa Epsilon Foundation

Thursday’s Luncheon was hosted by the Kappa Epsilon Foundation and conducted by Foundation President, Jenna Meglio. Recognition was given to all those that donated to the Foundation as an Order of the Rose, Order of the Scroll, Order of the Pearl, or Order of the Diamond. This was an especially momentous occasion as the Foundation recognized two amazing KE members who are the first to achieve the Order of the Diamond, Margaret Haehl (Pi) and Carolyn Eisenbart (Gamma). In appreciation for contributions exceeding $5,000, contributors achieving this level are presented with a stunning KE pin bordered with diamonds. Following the Order of the Rose Ceremony, Kappa Epsilon members were treated to a presentation full of sound financial advice and retirement planning information by Eric Wasserman, Advisory Trustee to the Kappa Epsilon Foundation.

Beta Chapter members

Continuing Education Programming

Continuing Education Programming was graciously coordinated by Dr. Kim Broedel-Zaugg in conjunction with Ohio Northern University. The three presentations were: “Preconception Care” presented by Natalie A. DiPietro, Pharm.D., R.Ph., MPH; “Women Pharmacists: Progress and Achievements” presented by Metta Lou Henderson, R.Ph., Ph.D.; and “A Brief Review of Medicare: Part A through D” presented by Kim Broedel Zaugg, R.Ph., MBA, Ph.D.

Some convention attendees took in an Indianapolis Knights baseball game on Pink Ribbon Night.

Eli Lilly Global Headquarters in Indianapolis

Eli Lilly was gracious enough to open their doors for Kappa Epsilon, where several pharmacists who were also Kappa Epsilon members talked about their professional experiences. After introductions and a brief presentation about the company, KE members toured the museum and artifacts including a replica of the original Eli Lilly and Company building which provided a riveting glimpse into the pharmaceutical business of the late 1800’s. There was also a reception with delicious food for attendees at the Eli Lilly facilities. After an enjoyable time, everyone went back to the hotel to top the night off with a dessert reception of apple pie a la mode!