58th GCC
58th Grand Council Convention
“Preserving our Future”'
Naples, Florida
August 1-5, 2017
Convention Chairman: Dr. Robert Mancini
Host Hotel: Naples Grande Beach Resort
Attendance: Total Attendance: 637
Introduction
Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. held its 58th Grand Council Convention August 1-5, 2017 in the Naples, Florida. The host hotel was the Naples Grande Beach Resort and the convention chairperson was Dr. Robert Mancini. The logo for this GCC was designed by Adam Gates (Gamma Psi). There were 637 Brothers and guests registered for the convention.
Convention Committees and Officials
Credentials: Derrick Egi, Erin Chartier, Kelsey Johnson, Jessica Reno
Resolutions: Jordan Marie Ballou, Devin Barlowe, Jonathan Bradford, Bethany Chmil, Ashley Covert, TingTing Fu, Todd Harris, Austin Onyen, Katie Schlebecker, Vicky Shah, Ogechi Ubanyionwu, Sam Ubanyionwu
Continuing Education: Cynthia Nguyen, David Maize
Registration: Korin Kennybrew, Wendy Flores, Deadra King
Parliamentarian: Chai Wang
Convention Secretary: Johnny Porter
Program: Robert Mancini
Meeting Summary
Prior to the opening of the Grand Council Convention, Jenny Donaldson, PharmD, BCPPS gave the convention's first continuing education session "Autism: Focusing on the Pharmacist's Role". Kappa Psi expanded use of technology at GCC by utilizing the 58th GCC app, sponsored by the Northeast Province, and Brothers were able to answer poll questions during the CE as well as rating the quality of the program. Following the CE program, General Session I commenced with Grand Ritualist Jason Milton conducting the Golden Bow opening ceremony. Grand Regent Latha Radhakrishnan, Grand Vice Regent Mancini, and Executive Director Johnny Porter welcomed the Brotherhood and their guests to the 58th Grand Council Convention. The candidates for the 2017-2019 International Executive Committee were introduced and they shared their visions and goals for the Fraternity over the next two years. Past Grand Regent Norman Campbell introduced the keynote speaker of the evening, Donald Floriddia who served as Kappa Psi's Executive Director from 1972-1980. Brother Floriddia shared his extensive leadership experiences in the Fraternity and profession, inspiring many of our collegiate Brothers. Following the keynote speech, Grand Regent Radhakrishnan invited Past Grand Regent Campbell back to the stage to announce that he would be honored at the 2017 Professional Fraternity Association Meeting as the recipient of the Career Achievement Award. With this exciting news, Brothers and their guests gathered in the Vista Ballroom for the opening reception. The theme of the opening reception was GCCs Past - Remembering our past so we can look to the future. There were fifteen table centerpieces that highlighted fifteen different previous locations of Kappa Psi Grand Council Conventions and a crossword puzzle created by the 2015-2017 International History Committee with fraternity history facts. Also during the opening reception, Brothers played Kappa Psi Go by scanning QR codes on people's badges as an icebreaker to meet Brothers from all over the Fraternity throughout the generations.
Wednesday morning began with a continuing education program “Hazmat Overview”, given by Dana Roman, PharmD. This was the first of three sessions for those interested in Basic Hazmat Life Support (BHLS) certification. General Session II followed with officer reports and the Memorial Exercise was performed. A special photo presentation was given in remembrance of Past Grand Regent E. Ben Welch. Also during the Wednesday session, Brother Joseph Lavino gave a presentation on #SexyStrong - an effort from the Boston Graduate Chapter to create a charity to help amputees inspired by Brother David Caristi, a recent amputee. General Session II concluded and Brothers dispersed to Officer Forums led by members of the Executive Committee:
Province Affairs - Satraps with Grand Regent Radhakrishnan,
Province Meeting Planning - Vice Satraps with Coordinator of Province Affairs Chris Miller and Grand Vice Regent Mancini
Legislative Issues and Management of Chapter Challenges - Parliamentarians with Grand Counselor Askew
Historical Archiving - Historians with Grand Historian Buchanan,
Reconnecting with our Ritual - Chaplains with Grand Ritualist Milton
Grad Chapters: Retention and Other Fun Stuff - Graduate Brothers with Graduate Member at Large Starvaggi
Collegiate Conversations: A Panel Discussion - Collegiates with Collegiate Member at Large Hoang,
Chapter Operations - GCDs with Executive Director Porter.
Following the officer forums, the 11th Biennial Scholarship and Awards Luncheon was held. Many Brothers and Chapters were recognized for their hard work over the 2016-2017 academic year.
Thirteen Kappa Psi Foundation scholarships were awarded in amounts ranging from $1,000-$2,500. Please see the 2017 Fall edition of The MASK for a comprehensive list of award recipients. Following the luncheon, Brothers gathered at the pools with DJ G-n-S (otherwise known as Brother Harry Marcelin) and participated in beach games. The beach volleyball tournament generated $960 to donate to the Kappa Psi Foundation. The evening ended with the Graduate/Benefactor Reception where Brothers and their guests enjoyed tasty treats and conversations with each other.
Thursday’s events began with continuing education “Hazmat Toxidromes & Antidotes Part I” given by Dana Roman, the second of the class series. General Session III was filled with international committee reports and a presentation on Title IX. During the meeting, Brother spotlights were displayed on the screens highlighting non-Kappa Psi achievements of our Brothers. Grand Regent Radhakrishnan also announced that Brother Dr. Joey Mattingly is the recipient of the 2017 PFA Volunteer of the Year Award. GCDs and members of the Advisory Committee attended their luncheons and other Brothers visited restaurants that agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County. Kappa Psi was able to raise $954.61 for this charity. In the afternoon, Brothers attended various workshops. Workshop Session I included “Networking: Making a Lasting Impression” with speakers Drs. Thomas Roduta and Erin Chartier, “The Art of Successful Negotiations” with Dr. Brian Reisetter, and “Utilizing Social Media to Your Advantage” with iPartnerMedia representative Albert Arguellas. Workshop Session II included “The Financial Side of Pharmacy” with Peter Bourg and Blake Miller from Ashford Advisors and “Leadership 101” presented by Dr. Lawrence Brown. Workshop Session III included “It Starts NOW: Positioning Yourself for Your Ideal Residency or Dream Job” presented by Drs. Adam Gregg and Christyn Mullen-Lee, “Recruitment Bootcamp: Identifying Future Leaders of Kappa Psi” with Drs. Kelsie Connolly, Timmy Do, CJ Duru, and Mr. Joshua Leggette, and “GCD Training” with Drs. Deanna McDanel and Sarah Kuntz. The evening was filled with chapter sales, exhibitor hall, and career roundtables. Brothers and guests also enjoyed a movie night and the SexyStrong fundraiser was held at CAVO lounge raising $5000.
Brother Roman completed her three part CE series on Friday with “Hazmat Toxidromes & Antidotes Part II” and General Session IV commenced with a legislative hearing and special reports on the Leadership Symposium, APhA Institute on Alcoholism, and a Hazing Interview Video. Kappa Psi invited Deena Baxter to give the powerful plenary session “Understanding Suicide: A Lived Story of Sudden Loss & Search for Normal”. She shared her personal experiences and described the therapeutic effects of art and meditation. Her mission is to promote mental health advocacy and outreach. After her presentation, Ms. Baxter was available for book signings and conversations. The meeting was paused for the group photo and lunch breaks. In the afternoon, the Foundation Golf Tournament was held and the guests enjoyed a Naples Trolley Tour. General Session V was held after lunch and province reports were given that showcased the many talents of our Brothers including singing, dancing, and Pokemon acting. Province caucuses were held in the late afternoon and early evening. The Foundation Poker Tournament, organized by James Wall, and the Foundation Bowling Fundraiser, organized by Judy Chao and Jennifer Nguyen, were held Friday evening.
On Saturday morning, Vicky Shah, PharmD, BCPS gave a continuing education session “Super Bugs – How to treat the worst of the worst infectious pathogens”. General Session VI started with a legislative session, resolutions were presented for approval, and the new strategic plan of the Fraternity was adopted. As all business was completed early, the Grand Council then moved to the election of international officers. For the first time in Kappa Psi history, legislation and elections were done via electronic ballots leading to the conclusion of business in record time. Congratulations to the new Executive Committee: Grand Regent Robert Mancini, Grand Vice Regent Christy Askew, Grand Counselor Jason Milton, Grand Historian Melissa Buchanan, Grand Ritualist Mike Starvaggi, Graduate Member at Large Chris Miller, and Collegiate Member at Large Joe Nardolillo. General session VII was cancelled and Brothers enjoyed the unexpected free time at the pool and beach. The Alpha Chapter Anniversary Reception and Banquet was held Saturday evening. Our newly elected officers were installed (with the exception of Grand Historian Buchanan who was later installed at the Executive Committee Dallas retreat) and newly installed Grand Ritualist Starvaggi untied the Golden Bow. During the banquet, Grand Vice Regent Askew announced the location of the 59th GCC to be held at the Grand Hyatt in our nation’s capital of Washington DC July 17-21, 2019. After an exciting week in Naples, FL filled with education, business, and fellowship, Brothers returned to their respective chapters to share their experiences to preserve our future.
Grand Officer and Member-at-Large Elections
Grand Regent: Robert Mancini
Grand Vice Regent: Christy Askew
Grand Counselor: Jason Milton
Grand Historian: Melissa Buchanan
Grand Ritualist: Mike Starvaggi
Graduate Member at Large: Chris Miller
Collegiate Member at Large: Joe Nardolillo
Biennial Scholarship Lunch Highlights
Frank H. Eby Award: Shannon Blizzard – Zeta Delta
Frank H. Eby Scholarship Tray Award: Beta Xi – University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Nicholas W. Fenney Industry Scholarship Award: Gamma Zeta – Samford University
William R. Smith Most Improved Chapter: Zeta Iota – University of St. Joseph
Grand Council Deputy Outstanding Achievement Award: Deanna McDanel (Delta Zeta)
Legislative Highlights
Amendments to the Constitution: None
Amendments to the By-Laws:
Amendment to By-Law V, Section 2 (076) – The Grand Council (Proposal #1) PASSED
Amendment to By-Law VII, Section 5 (085) – Officers of the Grand Council: Election and Duties (Proposal #2) PASSED
Amendment to By-Law VIII, Section 3 (099) – The Central Office (Proposal #3) PASSED
Amendment to By-Law IX, Section 7 (109) – Committees of the Grand Council (Proposal #4) PASSED
Amendments to the Uniform Collegiate Chapter By-Laws
Amendment to By-Law III, Section 1 (C05) – Election of Members (Proposal #5, en bloc) PASSED
Amendment to By-Law V, Section 1 (C08) – Qualification, Election, and Installation of Officers (Proposal #6, en bloc) PASSED
Amendment to By-Law VI, Section 10 (C24) – Duties of Officers (Proposal #6, en bloc) PASSED
Amendment to By-Law VI, Section 11 (C25) – Duties of Officers (Proposal #7) FAILED
Amendment to By-Law VII, Section 5, Sub-sec B – Committees and their Duties (Proposal #6, en bloc) PASSED
Amendments to the Uniform Graduate Chapter By-Laws
Amendment to By-Law III, Section 1 (G05) – Election of Members (Proposal #5, en bloc) PASSED
Amendments to the Uniform Province By-Laws
Amendment to By-Law V, Section 8 (P21) – Composition of the Province Assembly (Proposal #8) PASSED
Amendment to By-Law V, Section 9 (P22) – Composition of the Province Assembly (Proposal #6, en bloc) PASSED
Amendment to By-Law IX, Section 1 (P36) – Order of Business for Province Assemblies (Proposal #6, en bloc) PASSED
Resolutions
1. Whereas, the members of the International Executive Committee have dutifully served this Fraternity for the past two years; Be it resolved, That the 58th Grand Council extends its appreciation to the International Executive Committee for their diligence and dedication. Be it further resolved, that we also thank the Past Grand Regents for their continued support and attendance at the Grand Council Convention.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
MOTION PASSED
Resolutions 2-13 were voted en bloc
2. Whereas, an incredible effort has been made to provide an enjoyable experience at the 58th 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 Robert Mancini and his committee for their efforts.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
3. Whereas, voluntary sponsorship of the Grand Council Convention is essential to reducing costs for attendees; Be it resolved, that the Brothers of Kappa Psi thank all Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Scarlet and Grey level and other sponsors of the Grand Council Convention including Brothers, Chapters, Provinces and Corporations.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
4. Whereas, Graduate involvement is beneficial in helping collegiate Brothers understand the opportunities available to them; Be it resolved, that the Brothers of Kappa Psi thank the Graduate Brothers who volunteered during the roundtables and Brother Sanaz Farhadian for organizing the roundtable and chapter sales event.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
5. Whereas, philanthropic efforts are close to the heart of many Kappa Psi Brothers; and Whereas, the Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition is a great cause that works to improve health outcomes and prevent injuries among children in Collier County;
Be it resolved, that the 58th Grand Council thanks Brother Trisha Miller for organizing the restaurant fundraisers at The Counter Custom Burgers, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and California Pizza Kitchen in support of the Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
6. 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.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
7. Whereas, the hotel accommodations and meeting facilities are key to a successful meeting; Be it resolved, that the 58th Grand Council acknowledges the Naples Grande Beach Resort and its staff's efforts.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
8. 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 58th Grand Council extend thanks to Brother Johnny Porter, Wendy Flores, Korin Kenneybrew, and all of The Central Office support staff. Be it further resolved, that the 58th Grand Council extend thanks to the Web Services Coordinator, Brother Phillip Trieu, for his work on behalf of the Fraternity.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
9. Whereas, the Brothers learn valuable information from those who share their knowledge and experience; Be it resolved, that the Brothers of the 58th Grand Council thank Brother Don Floriddia and Deena Baxter, MBA for their insightful presentations during general sessions; and Be it further resolved, that we thank Dr. Jennifer Donaldson, Dr. Dana Roman, and Dr. Vicky Shah for their CE presentations, and Dr. David Maize and Dr. Cynthia Nguyen and the University of the Incarnate Word for coordination of the CE activities and credits; and Be it further resolved, that we thank all of the Brothers and Speakers who lead forums, workshops, and roundtables in brotherhood and professional development.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
10. Whereas, it is vital to have volunteer support for many Grand Council Convention events and duties; Be it resolved, that the Brotherhood extends thanks to all Collegiate and Graduate Brothers that volunteered during the week of the 58th Grand Council Convention.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
11. 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 the 58th Grand Council thanks Brothers Eliana Kurzum, James Wall, Samantha Schmidt, Nickhil Patel, and Jennifer Nguyen and Judy Chau and others that have organized and participated in the raffle, poker tournament, golf tournament, volleyball tournament, and bowling fundraiser, respectively.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
12. Whereas, the Kappa Psi Foundation provides many scholarship opportunities for collegiate Brothers; and, Whereas, the Foundation is supported solely through the generous contributions of our Brothers; Be it resolved, that the 58th Grand Council thanks the Foundation Board members for their continual efforts; Be it further resolved, that all collegiate and graduate chapters are encouraged to make an annual donation to the Kappa Psi Foundation.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
13. Whereas, running for office takes careful thought and demonstration of commitment to the Fraternity; Be it resolved, that the 58th Grand Council thank all of the candidates running for office for their willingness to serve on the International Executive Committee.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Graduate Chapter
RESOLUTIONS 2-13 VOTED EN BLOC – MOTION PASSED
14. Whereas, it is essential that Brothers stay alert and hydrated; Be it resolved, that the Brothers of the Southwest Province thank Brother Robert Nunan for his assistance in providing refreshments during the Southwest Province Caucus.
Submitted by Sam Ubanyionwu, Dallas/Fort Worth Graduate
MOTION PASSED
15. Whereas, the Brothers of the Fraternity appreciate collaborative efforts of all Brothers near and far; Be it resolved, that the Brothers of the 58th Grand Council thank all Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors for their leadership throughout their tenure.
Submitted by Sam Ubanyionwu, Dallas/Fort Worth Graduate
MOTION PASSED
16. Whereas, in a time of need, 99 Hands will always be ready to assist; Be it resolved, that we thank Brother Joe Lavino and the Boston Graduate Chapter, as well as all Brothers who provided donations, for their efforts in fundraising for the medical expenses of Brother David “Big Sexy” Caristi.
Submitted by Chris Winslow, Southeast Province Delegate
MOTION PASSED
17. Whereas, the work of the Fraternity takes many Brothers; Be it resolved, that the 58th Grand Council thanks the international committee and task force chairs and members that have served over the last term.
Submitted by Jonathan Bradford, Kentucky Graduate
MOTION PASSED
18. Whereas, the ingenuity of modern conveniences allows Brothers to stay connected and informed with the most up-to-date information; Be it resolved, that the Brothers appreciate and support the continued use of the mobile application for future Grand Council Conventions.
Submitted by Vicky Shah, District of Columbia Graduate
MOTION PASSED
19. Whereas, chapters may need continued assistance in understanding and adhering to Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity Policies and Procedures;
Be it resolved, that the Chapter Enhancement Task Force be continued into the next term.
Submitted by Eric Gupta, Past Grand Regent
MOTION PASSED
20. Whereas, the 2012 Province realignment has created new lasting bonds of Brotherhood; Be it resolved, that the Province Realignment 5-year Post-Analysis Task Force be continued into the next term to develop an assessment strategy related to the impact of this and any potential future realignments.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Grad, on behalf of the Governance Task Force
MOTION FAILED
21. Whereas, Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity has grown during the last two decades, and there has been limited review of the governance structure of the Fraternity during this time; Be it resolved, that the Governance Taskforce continue its work into the next term.
Submitted by Jordan Marie Ballou, Buies Creek Grad, on behalf of the Governance Task Force
MOTION PASSED
22. Whereas, Brotherhood within our fraternity is an honor and privilege, expulsion for conduct unbecoming of a Brother does occur; Be it resolved, that a form be created that allows standardized documentation of the expulsion process to ensure the appropriate disciplinary procedures were followed and the necessary information is included for record keeping at The Central Office.
Submitted by Deanna McDanel, Iowa Graduate
MOTION PASSED
23. Whereas, the Constitution defines all Provinces as having Assemblies; Be it resolved, that the term Conclave no longer be used.
Submitted by Cameron Van Dyke, Editor of The Mask
MOTION PASSED
Convention Favors: Beach bag, luggage tags, sponsorship items