Happy New Year 2012

I have really gotten behind on my blog writing. The fall begins new issues of the NEWS to get out and on a personal note, the final pieces of my doctorate work. So I thought I'd spend some time bringing you up-to-date. The Jan/Feb News will be in your mailboxes soon. It is filled with convention information and a registration form or you may register online at http://tinyurl.com/7z4k7r5

In December I completed my oral defense of my dissertation and passed! For this defense, I traveled to California for a face to face presentation with my dissertation committee. Yea, I'm done. My doctorate is in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University, Malibu, California. It's been a long journey and I'm so thrilled to be finished.

During the holiday season I went to Tennessee to visit family and friends. Part of my visit was to Nita Scott's farm in West Tennessee where I had the opportunity to ride their horse, Colonel Rey Sugar, a.k.a. Sugar Rey. That was much fun and I look forward to Nita and James finishing their move to Texas and riding again.

The Calendar Says Fall

Greetings from Austin, Texas where it is still hot and dry. Many of you are now experiencing fall temperatures with pleasant days and delightful evenings. Please enjoy! 

Here at Society Headquarters, we are preparing for the international convention in July 2012.  From ballrooms to meeting rooms, from convention program planning to meals and menus much happens in preparation for this international event. The convention will be July 24-28 in New York City.  Great speakers are being planned and interesting break out sessions with a computer lab for some and a few pre-conference surprises. I'll be doing a hands-on session in the computer lab, Web 2.0 and You ( the expanded version).

This will be an opportunity for personal learning, some professional growth, a bit of entertainment and of course seeing members you haven't seen in a long time. The convention will be help at the Sheraton Hotel and Tower on 7th Avenue. What a location to visit, the heart of Manhattan. If you plan wisely, you can be part of this exciting event. Looking forward to seeing many in 2012.

Regional Conference Travel 2011

Have you ever been to all five DKG regional conferences in one summer? It is an experience. So much planning, packing, unpacking, repacking, catching a plane or two, speeches and presentations keep a person busy. But it provides new understandings, connections across the membership and incredible fellowship.

International Achievement Award
Recipients present in the NW

Reception held  in Baden- Baden, Germany
as part of Europe Regional

From the mountains in Colorado and Alberta to the racetrack world in Kentucky, from the chocolate infused world of Hershey, PA to the grape vine covered hillsides of the Black Forest in Germany, members greeted, attended a spectacular opening night, learned new things at general meetings, listened in at workshops and dressed up for a final banquet. Although each region has its own flavor, regional conferences have the mission of Delta Kappa Gamma running through the events. It is incredible to learn about regional differences but see the Society purposes in action at each regional event.

A field trip visit to Strasburg, France and
the Council of Europe

Personally, I have gained new experiences, met more members, shared a bit of knowledge in a few workshops and strengthen the collaborative ties that we have at Society Headquarters. I had the opportunity to see members in the Southeast and began getting to know more members in the Southwest. Sandi Causey is a Texas member and in my new chapter. She has served as the registrar for each region. Working with her has been a joy. Joan Hester, Alpha chapter president in Texas, joined other U.S. members in Germany and I had the honor of getting to know her better. Traveling with my companions; Corlea Plowman, Sandra Smith Bull, Phyllis Hickey, Becky Sadowski, leadership development chair and Dr. Jensi Souders, international president, has topped this experience. We are a team. We work as a team and travel as a team. We help each other, enjoy great meals together and support one another professionally and personal. I am so lucky.

Southeast Regional Conference

State organization presidents and executive secretaries have gathered in Louisville, Kentucky for the Southeast Regional conference for pre-conference training as they begin a new biennium with state organizations. The sessions provide training in budgeting, Society structure, chapter strengthening, Schools for Africa, the international project, technology and new modes of communication, membership and the new orientation materials and parliamentary procedure.

On Wednesday of pre-conference training, chairs of membership and educational excellence committees attend all day sessions in preparation for the new biennium and new information available. State level editors, web masters and treasures attend a half day session. First timers have an opportunity to learn all about a regional conference on Wednesday afternoon.

General sessions and workshops begin with Kentucky night on Wednesday and continue through Saturday. Check the international web site for speakers and the overall schedule for the conference.

At the end of June, the Southwest state organization presidents and other leaders attended a similar pre-conference and conference session. For the next three weeks, regional events will be back to back with the Northeast in Hershey; the Northwest in Edmonton, Alberta and the Europe Regional in Baden-Baden, Germany in earlier August. It's not too late to attend a regional conference where you will learn, network and grow both personally and professional.