54th GCC
54th Grand Council Convention
“Brotherhood at the Beach”
Clearwater Beach, Florida
August 4-9, 2009
Convention Chairman: Dr. E. Ben Welch
Hosted By: Tampa Graduate, Province IV
Host Hotel: Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort
Attendance: Total Attendance:460
Convention Committees and Officials
Credentials: Michael Sherry, Derrick Egi, William Shealy
Resolutions: Latha Radhakrishnan, Matthew Lacroix, Andrew Bundeff, Ashley Toale, Chris Charles, Chris Coleman, Eric Geyer, Janice Louie, Deanna McDanel, Robert Mancini
Raffle: Mike Starvaggi, Amber Leavitt, Paul Cyprus, Chris Miller, Stephanie Stichert, Allison Strobel, Meagan Wilson
Continuing Education: John Grossomanides, David Maize
Registration: Korin Kennybrew
Slideshow: Cameron Van Dyke
Parliamentarian: Eric Gupta
Convention Secretary: Johnny Porter
Program: Daniel Welch, Johnny Porter
Golf Tournament: Brett Rathi
Convention Summary
Tuesday started with a 2 pm CE program entitled "The Impact of USP '797' on Current Practive: A Practical Approach," presented by Lou Diorio, R.Ph. the CE was attended by approximately 25 graduate brothers. Tuesday 's opening General Session started with the introduction of the Executive Committee by Executive Director, Johnny Porter. The convention was presided over by Grand Regent, Lawrence Brown. The Golden Bow opening ceremony was conducted by Grand Ritualist Melissa Hunt. The keynote address was given by Past Grand Regent Dewey Garner. His address concerned "leadership" and the traits that many of the great leaders possessed. He also mentioned the great opportunities that Kappa Psi offers the brothers. He suggested they take leadership roles which would certainly assist them in their careers.
Following the Key Note Address, the Grand Regent - Lawrence Brown, announced the committee appointments. The candidates for International Office were then introduced by Past Grand Regent Craig Johnston and each was given three (3) minutes to introduce themselves and present their plans/goals for the Fraternity if elected. Raffle announcements were made by brother Mike Starvaggi, indicating that at this convention, there would once again be a 50/50 raffle. Following the opening session, the brothers enjoyed the welcoming reception out side on the deck. The children had their own entertainment playing Wii and Guitar Hero in the Water's Edge Ballroom.
Wednesday's CE was presented by Jenny Donaldson, Pharm.D., entitled "Upper Respiratory Infections: Overcoming Symptoms and Resistance". The morning session began on a somber note as the "Grand Agora Ceremony" was conducted, honoring those brothers who are no longer with us. Following the "Grand Agora Ceremony" the remaining session was devoted to the various Grand Officer and Committee Summary Reports. The full reports are available on the Kappa Psi web pages. At noon, the "Seventh Biennial Scholarship Luncheon" was held, where the various chapter and brother awards were presented. Following the luncheon, three workshops were held in the Grand Ballroom. First was "Collegiate Development" by Collegeiate Member-at-Large, Brian MacDonald. The second workshop which started at 3:15, "Leadership," was given by Brother Marvin Smith. The third workshop of the day was given by Grand Regent Lawrence Brown, entitled "Pharmacy Unity". The Ice Cream social was held from 7 until 10pm later that night, once again in the Grand Ballroom, with the Pharmacy Pheud, sponsored by Rite-Aid, being brought back by popular demand. Province X took first place honors, followed by Province VIII and Province VII.
Thursday's CE, "An Update on Antihistamine Pharmacology," was given by David Maize, Ph.D. This morning’s session contained the Province reports, where each Province was allowed five minutes for their presentation. Seventeen Grand Council Deputies met for lunch in the Mangrove Room for lunch, where many topics were discussed. At the same time, Workshop #4, "The Ritual", was being presented by Grand Ritualist Melissa Hunt in the Grand Ballroom. This was also the day of the Kappa Psi Foundation Golf Tourney, which was held at Dunedin Golf Course. The "Vendor Showcase and Chapter Sales" was held from 7 pm until 10pm, along with the "Round Table" discussions. During this time the brothers had a chance to meet and talk with prospective employers and for the chapter's to sell fraternal items.
The Foundation Golf Tournament was a big success with 15, $100 Tee Marker Sponsors, 22, $200 Tee Marker Sponsors, and including the silent auction of a 1879 Silver Dollar (won by Eric Gupta), a complete set of men's Dunlap Sports clubs (won by Aaron Prince & Chris Miller) and a set of ladies’ irons, also Dunlap Sports (won by Kristy Sigvartsen), the tournament raised over $7100 for the foundation.
As is usually the case, whenever Kappa Psi travels to a beach, there is a volleyball tournament. This year, the tournament was coordinated by Ryan Ritchie (Delta Rho). There were 15 teams registered to play. After all the sand settled and the preliminary rounds were concluded on Wednesday, the third-place team was Epsilon Gamma. Coming in second was Mu chapter, and the 2009 winner of the tournament was Delta Sigma.
Friday's morning's CE was entitled "Pancreatic Enzymes: An Example of Recent FDA Initiative to Remove Marketed Non-Approved Products," and was given by Past Grand Regent Brian Reisetter, Ph.D. This Fourth General Session was fairly short and was devoted to any Committee Reports not presented on Wednesday. The remainder of the morning was occupied with the Grand Counselor, Andy Frasco, presiding over the Legislative Session, where the proposed amendments were read and discussed, to be voted on during the Sixth General Session on Saturday. Following the Legislative session, the fifth workshop, "Legislative" was also conducted by Grand Counselor Andy Frasco. The brothers then reassembled on the beach for the group photo. That evening, the Graduate/Benefactor/GCD/Spouse reception was held in the Water's Edge Ballroom, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. During the reception, a thunderstorm blew over the hotel, causing the lights to flicker and even go off for several seconds. The lightning show was pretty spectacular. The Kappa Psi Hold-'em card tournament followed the reception in the Grand Ballroom. The winner was Michael Winkler, with Michael Sisk taking second and Brett Rathi capturing the third spot. The tournament raised $477 for the foundation.
Prior to the Saturday morning session, Provinces VII and VIII treated the brothers, spouses and children to a Brown Bag Breakfast. The last CE was given by Leonard Naeger, Ph.D.,"PDS Phenomenon". Each CE session was one hour in length, allowing the graduate brothers to pick up five (5) hours toward their license renewal. At the start of the session, the Credentials committee gave their final report indicating there were 252 total votes (84 collegiate, 52 graduate, 9 province and 33 others), with 127 votes needed to elect.
The raffle held during the convention raised over $4,000 for the Foundation. The 50/50 raffle raised $914.00 and the winner graciously gave the money to the Foundation.
Each morning, the spouses and children were treated to a plated breakfast in the Executive Conference room, except for Saturday morning, when Province VII and VIII provided a brown bag breakfast for all attendees. The children also received a beach kit for their fun time on the sand.
The convention concluded with the 130th Chapter Anniversary Banquet. Being on the beach in Florida in the summer means the possibility of summer thundershowers. This happened during the Banquet. The lights went off several times and the A/C went out with the first lightning strike, making the remainder of the Banquet very warm. The newly elected Grand Officers were installed under subdued lightning and the Golden Bow was untied.
Continuing Education and Workshops
C.E. I: The Impact of USP '797' on Current Practice: A Practical Approach
C.E. II: Upper Respiratory Infections: Overcoming Symptoms and Resistance
C.E. III: Pancreatic Enzymes: An Example of Recent FDA Initiative to Remove Marketed Non-Approved Products
C.E. IV: An Update on Antihistamine Pharmacology
C.E. V: PDS Phenomenon
Workshop I: Collegiate Development
Workshop II: Leadership
Workshop III: Fraternity Unity
Workshop IV: Ritual
Workshop V: Legislative
Grand Officer and Member-at-Large Elections
Grand Regent: E. Ben Welch
Grand Vice Regent: Kali Weaver
Grand Counselor: Eric Gupta
Grand Historian: Michael Cournoyer
Grand Ritualist: Matthew Lacroix
Graduate Member at Large: Lath Radhakrishnan
Collegiate Member at Large: Kathryn Kropp
Biennial Scholarship Lunch Highlights
Frank H. Eby Award: William Shealy (Iota)
Frank H. Eby Scholarship Tray Award: Gamma Kappa
Nicholas W. Fenney Industry Scholarship Award: Delta Omicron
William R. Smith Most Improved Chapter: Beta Phi
Grand Council Deputy Outstanding Achievement Award: Craig Johnston (Delta Sigma)
Legislative Results
By-Law I, Sec 6
046. Sec. 6. A Collegiate Chapter or a Graduate Chapter may nominate for Honorary Membership in Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Incorporated, any person who has contributed in some distinguished manner to the Pharmaceutical Profession at the national level. Election to Honorary Membership shall be made by Alpha Chapter. The nominee, if elected, shall be granted Honorary Membership. No portion of the Ritual of Initiation will be administered to Honorary Members, but an embossed certificate of Membership will be issued. Honorary Members may not hold any active office and they shall not be required to pay dues. Honorary office may be granted to Honorary Members. PASSED
By-Law II, Sec 3
049. Sec. 3. Each Graduate Chapter shall pay by March fifteenth (15th) of each calendar year an Annual Graduate Chapter Fee of one hundred fifty dollars (U.S.) ($150.00) to The Central Office, and shall submit a copy of its current mailing list. PASSED
By-Law II, Sec 4
050. Sec. 4. Each Graduate Member shall be requested to pay during the calendar year, 2010, and each year thereafter, Graduate Voluntary Dues of fifty dollars (U.S.) ($50.00). These Graduate Voluntary Dues shall be used as follows: ten dollars (U.S.) ($10.00) to the Grand Council Convention Fund, and forty dollars (U.S.) ($40.00) to the General Fund. PASSED
By-Law IV, Sec 1
068. Sec. 1. Application for a Charter for the creation of a Chapter shall be made in writing, through The Central Office, and shall be signed by at least five (5) Graduate Members residing in the district. To be chartered or reactivated prior to the Grand Council Convention, all application materials must be received by the Central Office no fewer than 90 (ninety) days prior to the opening of a Grand Council Convention. PASSED
By-Law IV, Sec 4
071. Sec. 4. Upon approval of the Executive Committee and payment for creation and shipment of the Charter, the Grand Regent shall grant the Charter and cause either personally, or by appointment of a member of the Executive Committee or Advisory Committee, the new Chapter to be properly installed. PASSED
By-Law VI, Sec 1
077. Sec. 1. The Grand Council Convention Fund shall be used to pay the sum of three hundred dollars (U.S.) ($300) for one (1) Delegate (not a proxy) from each Collegiate Chapter, each Member of the Executive Committee, and such other Members of the Grand Council designated by the Executive Committee. Any monies remaining in this fund following the determination of anticipated transportation expenses may be utilized to fund other portions of the Grand Council Convention. FAILED
By-Law VII, Amend to add Sec 17
095. Sec. 17. Per usual rules of parliamentary procedure, all members of the Executive Committee shall have one vote on matters and business before the Executive Committee, unless a member shall recuse himself or herself. FAILED
By-Law VIII, Sec 2
096. Sec. 2. The Executive Director shall receive and be custodian of all funds of the Grand Council and shall disburse them in full payments of debts incurred by the Grand Council, its Officers, and Committees as approved by the Grand Regent. The Executive Director shall prepare an annual report no later than 30 days after the end of a fiscal year showing receipts and expenditures for said fiscal year and shall mail a copy of this report to each Chapter in good standing. A copy shall also be sent to each Province Satrap and each Grand Officer and member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Director shall work in conjunction with the Grand Regent and the Executive Committee to prepare an annual budget of fraternal expenses for each fiscal year. The Executive Director shall also prepare quarterly financial reports, including a summary of all assets, income and expenses within 30 days of the end of each quarter. Quarterly reports shall be submitted to members of the Executive Committee, members of the Advisory Committee and to the Chairman of any standing or ad hoc committee of the Grand Council with financial oversight of the Fraternity. Such reports and supporting financial records shall be subject to an audit at any time, by any Committee or accounting firm in a manner prescribed by the Grand Regent. PASSED
By-Law VIII, Sec 3
097. Sec. 3. The Executive Director shall be required to furnish a bond in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars (U.S.) ($100,000.00), the cost of which shall be paid from the funds of the General Fund. The bond shall be held in the custody of the Grand Regent. PASSED
By-Law VIII, Sec 6
100. Sec. 6. The Executive Director shall be provided with sufficient funds from the General Fund to provide The Central Office with the necessary stenographic and clerical assistance to carry on the work of said Central Office, the amount to be approved by the Executive Committee. PASSED
By-Law IX, Sec 14
114. Sec. 14. The Grand Regent will appoint an " Richard Bliss, Jr. Grand Council Citation of Appreciation Award" Nomination Committee composed of two (2) members: the Grand Regent and the Executive Director. The Committee will present at least one (1) name to the Executive Committee for consideration of the award four (4) months prior to its presentation. FAILED
By-Law XI, Sec 8
129. Sec. 8. The Henry J. Goeckel Grand Council Scholarship Key shall be gold-plated and properly engraved with the appropriate date concerning the Members to whom it is awarded. It shall be of such design and size as the Grand Council determines. After certification by the Dean or Director of the College of Pharmacy, the Grand Council shall award annually such a key to each Kappa Psi Member who graduates with First Honors or who stands highest in scholarship in the entire class of graduates. A Grand Council Scholarship Certificate of such design as shall be approved by the Grand Council shall accompany each Scholarship Key. The expense of furnishing such scholarship awards shall be borne by the Grand Council Treasury General Fund. PASSED
By-Law XIII, Sec 9
162. Sec. 9. There shall be available a Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Incorporated, "RICHARD BLISS, JR. GRAND COUNCIL CITATION OF APPRECIATION AWARD" which may be requested by any Chapter or Province to be publicly presented as a form of superior recognition for most extraordinary contributions to the Fraternity or Profession by either Members of the Fraternity or non-members. This Certificate shall be issued only at the discretion of the Executive Committee, or the Grand Council, pursuant to the recommendation of the A. Richard Bliss Committee. PASSED
Uniform Collegiate Chapter By-Laws, By-Law XVI, Sec 2
Any amendments to these By-Laws shall be in the form of Local Chapter Ordinances to be a part of By-Law XVII. All Local Chapter Ordinances shall be subordinate to and consistent with these By-Laws and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternity. Organization of Local Chapter Ordinances shall be such that the Arabic numeral of each Ordinance shall indicate content corresponding to and in modification of the numerically equivalent Roman numeral By-Law. Local Chapter Ordinances may consist of more than one (1) section, in which case, the order of sequence shall be similar to the order of sequence in the respectively modified By-Law. PASSED
Uniform Graduate Chapter By-Laws, By-Law XVI, Sec 2
G60. Sec. 2. Any amendments to these By-Laws shall be in the form of Local Chapter Ordinances to be a part of By-Law XVII. All Local Chapter Ordinances shall be subordinate to and consistent with these By-Laws and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternity. Organization of Local Chapter Ordinances shall be such that the Arabic numeral of each Ordinance shall indicate content corresponding to and in modification of the numerically equivalent Roman numeral By-Law. Local Chapter Ordinances may consist of more than one (1) section, in which case, the order of sequence shall be similar to the order of sequence in the respectively modified By-Law. PASSED
Uniform Province By-Laws, By-Law XII, Sec 1
P38. Sec. 1. Any amendments to these By-Laws shall be in the form of Local Province Ordinances to be a part of By-Law XIII. All Local Province Ordinances shall be subordinate to and consistent with these By-Laws and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternity. Organization of Local Province Ordinances shall be such that the Arabic numeral of each Ordinance shall indicate content corresponding to and in modification of the numerically equivalent Roman numeral By-Law. Local Province Ordinances may consist of more than one (1) section, in which case, the order of sequence shall be similar to the order of sequence in the respectively modified By-Law. PASSED
Uniform Collegiate Chapter By-Laws, By-Law IV, Sec 1
C07. Sec. 1. The Officers of the Chapter and Order of Election shall be: Regent, Vice Regent (more than one [1] Vice Regent allowable if indicated in By-Law XVII, Ordinance 4, if specific duties are indicated for each Vice Regent in By-Law XVII, Ordinance 6), Secretary (or Recording and Corresponding Secretaries if indicated in By-Law XVII, Ordinance 4), Treasurer, Chaplain, Historian, Sergeant-at-Arms, and such Officers as may be indicated in By-Law XVII, Ordinance 4, and Grand Council Deputy. Officers of the Ritual may be appointed by the Regent and shall serve at the pleasure of the Regent. PASSED
Uniform Collegiate Chapter By-Laws, By-Law VI, Sec 11
C25. Sec. 11. The Chapter Co-GCD(s) if the Chapter elects to have this [these] position(s) shall not be an officer(s) or member(s) of the Executive Committee of the Chapter, except when acting for the Grand Council Deputy during the latter's absence or inability; and shall assist the Grand Council Deputy in the discharge of duties of that Office. PASSED
Uniform Province By-Laws, By-Law VI, Sec 1
P23. Sec. 1. The Province Officers shall be: Satrap, Vice Satrap, Secretary-Treasurer (the Office of Secretary-Treasurer may be split into two [2] Offices, to wit: Secretary and Treasurer, if indicated in By-Law XVII, Ordinance 4), Chaplain, Historian, and Province Supervisor. These Officers, with the exception of the Province Supervisor, who shall be appointed by the Grand Regent, shall be elected from the Collegiate and Graduate Members in the Province. The Province may also elect other Officers, deemed necessary, as indicated in By-Law XIII, Ordinance 6. PASSED
Uniform Province By-Laws, By-Law XII, Sec 2
P39. Sec. 2. At Province Assemblies, motions to amend shall be presented to the Delegates at any Session prior to the Final Session, in writing, and shall be voted upon at the Final Session of the Assembly. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Assembly is necessary to adopt an amendment (ordinance) to By-Law XIII. Amendments to the Local Province Ordinances in the period between assemblies shall be defined by the Province in Local Province Ordinance 12, Sec 2. PASSED
Resolutions
1. WHEREAS, the members of the Executive Committee have dutifully served this Fraternity for the past two years, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the 54th Grand Council extends it appreciation to the Executive Committee for their diligence and dedication. PASSED
2. WHEREAS, an incredible effort has been made to provide an enjoyable experience at the 54th Grand Council Convention, and, WHEREAS, the Convention Chairman and Committee have devoted significant time and energy toward planning this event, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Brotherhood extends their thanks and appreciation to Brother E. Ben Welch and his committee for their efforts. PASSED
3. WHEREAS, being a host Chapter and Province for the 54th Grand Council Convention is greatly appreciated and involves a great amount of time and devotion, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Grand Council recognizes and thank the Brothers of Tampa Grad and Province IV. PASSED
4. WHEREAS, the support of spouses, significant others, children, and family members for the brothers of Kappa Psi is essential, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Brothers of Kappa Psi extend their thanks, love, and appreciation to those who support the Fraternity. PASSED
5. WHEREAS, the hotel accommodations and meeting facilities are the keys to a successful meeting, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the 54th Grand Council acknowledges the hotel staff's efforts at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. PASSED
6. WHEREAS, The Central Office devotes extensive time and energy to make the Grand Council Convention run smoothly and, WHEREAS, the Brothers of Kappa Psi all benefit from the devotion of all support staff, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the 54th grand council offer thanks to Johnny Porter, Wendy Flores, Korin Kenneybrew and all The Central Office support. PASSED
7. WHEREAS, the Kappa Psi Foundation strives for excellence in scholarship for brothers in the Fraternity and WHEREAS it takes many helping hands to support and drive the foundation, BE IT RESOLVED THAT we thank all the brothers that have partaken in the golf tournament, raffle or other activity that helps support the Kappa Psi Foundation. PASSED
8. WHEREAS, all teams that played in the volleyball tournament had a fun and sunburned time, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Fraternity would like to sincerely thank Province V and the Tennessee Graduate Chapter for their very generous donations to ensure we had ample playing opportunities. PASSED
9. WHEREAS, the charity Texas Hold'em Tournament was a great success with $477 donated to the Kappa Psi Foundation, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Fraternity would like to specially thank Brother Andy Asberry and his fiancé Ashley Biggers for running the tournament. PASSED
10. WHEREAS, first time GCC attendees are overwhelmed in a sea of Brotherly love and fraternal excitement and WHEREAS, they need a lot of guidance on procedure, BE IT RESOLVED THAT there be a more thorough agenda with regards to dress code for all fraternal events and that it be readily available prior to GCC. PASSED
11. WHEREAS, we want to recognize all of the members of national committees for their hard work in fraternal business for the last two years and, WHEREAS, the committee reports are integral in sharing the proceedings of their committee to delegates, BE IT RESOLVED THAT a standard template for submitting committee reports be created and assigned as a charge for the publication committee. PASSED
12. WHEREAS, we would like to recognize all brothers for their academic achievement and whereas not all colleges use a traditional grading system, BE IT RESOLVED THAT a committee be charged with creation of a rubric to allow pass fail programs to partake in a scholarship tray and certificate awards program. PASSED
13. WHEREAS risk management is important to protect the Brotherhood of Kappa Psi, BE IT RESOLVED brothers should be advised to not drink alcohol or participate in illicit activities while in Fraternity letters and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the risk management committee be charged to discuss this topic further. FAILED
14. WHEREAS the Grand Council is a combination of the Collegiate and Graduate Chapters of Kappa Psi, and a proper balance of graduate and collegiate influence in fraternal business is integral in making appropriate decisions for the good of the order, and WHEREAS, there are currently no criteria for determining the appropriate number of Graduate Chapters in a given geographical region, and there are currently no limits on the number of Graduate Chapters that can be chartered, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the next Executive Committee create a task force to make recommendations to the Executive Committee on 1) the appropriate number of Graduate Chapters within a geographic region, 2) the appropriate process for approving proposed new Graduate Chapters by the Executive Committee, and 3) a proposed policy and procedure for this process. PASSED
Convention Favors
