The Madness that was Convention

Pretty soon, the other officers of the North Central District should be also sharing their experiences from National Convention in Orlando, but as I am the first to think of it, here is what I got out of convention:

1) A better understanding of the National Council. Previously, I had skimmed through the National Constitution in an attempt at understanding exactly what the members of Kappa Kappa Psi's National Council do while in office. However, I found that once I was in Orlando and had an opportunity to talk to the (now past) Officers, along with the Candidates, and after looking through their bid packets, I have a much better understanding of their roles in the fraternity. I'm glad that I gained this knowledge, because it will undoubtedly be helpful when I am looking for aide and will now know who to appropriately turn to.

2) Insight into the opinions of other district councils. As a part of the Student Advisory Committee, we discussed certain issues in an attempt to make recommendations to committees. It was interesting to see and hear of some of the issues which unfolded, especially concerning argument over the color of letters on our fraternity clothing. Additionally, it was interesting to see how the other district councils differed in setup from our own. I believe every other district council contained at least one member-at-large. To be quite honest, it makes me curious as to how the new Vice President of Student Affairs, Jason Morris, will try and coordinate contacts between the councils.

3) A big bunch of new people, and a great sense of pride in the NCD. Upon returning home, I found that I had quite a number of Facebook friend invites. The times spent at the pool were very fun, and getting to know more brothers in the NCD and other districts was my favorite part of National Convention. Additionally, I was very impressed with the ways which our district conducted itself during our caucuses. The brothers of the NCD were very efficient with our time, and asked the candidates for National Council great questions. They acted in a very professional manner which makes me proud to be a brother of the NCD.

4) Excitement for the future! For those who are yet unaware, we have a new National Council.

NATIONAL COUNCIL
National President: Dr. Malinda Matney
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership: Mr. Derrick Mills
National Vice President for Programs: Mr. Adam Cantley
National Vice President for Student Affairs: Mr. Jason Morris
National Vice President for Professional Relations: Dr. Bruce Moss
Immediate Past National President: Dr. Rod Chesnutt (ex officio)

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Michael Golemo (2007-2011)
Mr. Michael Osborn (2007-2011)
Dr. Kirk Randazzo (2005-2009)
Mr. Scott Stowell (2005-2009)
Mr. Ken Corbett (2005-2009)
Immediate Past National President: Dr. Rod Chesnutt
National President: Dr. Malinda Matney (ex officio)


Additionally, the next National Convention will be held in the Arizona Biltmore (the hotel has its own Podcast! Though nothing quite compares to the Rodcast...) in Phoenix, AZ! While that will be a bit of a trip for those from the NCD (we will most definitely have to fly, unless you like 25+ hr. road trips), but I'm sure it will be well worth it (waterslide!!!!!).

See you all at MER on Sudnay, September 16 at Tiffin University!!!

Alex