35th GCC
35th Grand Council Convention
Buffalo, New York
Sunday-Thursday, August 17-21, 1969
Host Hotel: Statler-Hilton Hotel
Attendance: Total Attendance: 214
183 Brothers, 31 Guests
74 Chapters (53 Collegiate & 21 Graduate), 10 Provinces
Convention Summary
The 35th Grand Council Convention of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity was held at the Statler-Hilton Hotel in Buffalo, New York, August 17-21, 1969, with Grand Regent James C. King presiding. One hundred and eighty-three members, representing 53 collegiate and 21 graduate chapters and all 10 provinces were in attendance plus 31 additional guests.
The registrants saw the meetings open with reports from officers, committees, and the Central Office. Grand Regent King reported on a successful year salvaged from the grief following the untimely death of Brother Walter Williams. The Eby Educational Loan Fund was identified as successful because a significant number of brothers have utilized this fund in order to complete scholastic requirements.
Monday afternoon saw a lively panel discussion of education, internship and ethics. This was followed in the evening by perhaps the most spirited discussions of the convention as major changes in the constitution and by-laws were discussed along with a proposal for the creation of a service organization for the Fraternity.
In his Keynote Address on Tuesday morning, Brother Joseph E. Pierce, Sr. gave a realistic appraisal of the role of the professional fraternity in contemporary pharmacy. His address was followed by a discussion of graduate development. Tuesday afternoon was devoted to the problems of the undergraduate chapters with chapter houses, grand council deputies, communications, and rushing and pledging practices discussed. The seriousness of the afternoon was quickly put aside, however, on the bus trip to Niagara Falls for a breath-taking dinner at The Skylon, a revolving restaurant 500 feet above the foot of Niagara Falls, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Wednesday saw emphasis on change as The Central Office and The Mask were represented as committed to this concept. The topic of Province realignment generated its usual heated debate. Brother August Danti presented his views on Kappa Psi expansion. The Wednesday activities were climaxed by a most impressive 90th Anniversary Dinner.
The last day of the convention was devoted to reports of the committees on position papers, resolutions, and the election and installation of officers. An Advisory Board was instituted and will consist of the past Grand Regents. The purpose of the Board is to offer guidance to the Executive Committee.
Grand Officers and Graduate Member-at-Large Elected
Grand Regent: August G. Danti
First Grand Vice Regent: Norman A. Campbell
Second Grand Vice Regent: Edward Krupski
Third Grand Vice Regent: John Atkinson, Jr.
Grand Historian: James C. Seymour
Grand Counselor: Robert R. Auger
Grand Ritualist: Patrick R. Wells
Graduate Member-at-Large: Benjamin R. Hershenson