PHOTO: HEATHER GOOCH
The mission of industry fraternity Pi Chi Omega is to connect and enrich the urban pest management community. We want to create a collaborative environment where technical knowledge is shared by our engaged members. To that end, we’ve developed several ways to connect our membership:
PestWorld 2018
Members enjoyed a magical time at Disney during the national conference in Orlando, Fla. The fun began when attendees tested their entomological skills at the Pi Chi Omega Ultimate Insect ID Challenge! Brave participants reached into a bag of live insects to identify them by touch. Ever had a bess beetle (Passalidae) latch onto your finger? The little fellas have quite a grip!
Congratulations to our winner, Kevin Hathorne, BCE, who is technical director of Terminix Service Inc., Columbia, S.C. Participants received a complimentary drink ticket for the Pi Chi Omega Raise the Bar event held Thursday evening at the Phins Lobby Bar. The bar was packed, and members enjoyed catching up with each other and talking to prospective members about the organization.
Also at PestWorld, Pi Chi Omega enjoyed one of the largest membership meetings in recent history. Even Dr. Austin Frishman, BCE-Emeritus, dropped in to comment on the invigorated energy of the organization and to encourage members to make recommendations to Purdue University for the open Dr. John Osmun Endowed Professorship. Elections confirmed returning director Dr. Cassie Krejci and first-term director Tom Mueller. At the conclusion of the meeting, four awards were presented: Judy Black, BCE, was recognized with the Pi Chi Omega Award of Achievement; Tom Wright and David Mueller were both selected to receive the Generosity Award; and Dr. Dini Miller received the Publication of Professional Services Award for co-authoring Modern Bed Bugs.
2019 Purdue Pest Management Conference
We always enjoy coming “home” to Purdue where our organization was first created. We also were excited to recognize longstanding member Dr. Gary Bennett, BCE, with the Pi Chi Omega Award of Achievement.
The night before the conference got underway, Pi Chi Omega members met at Purdue University’s Union Rack and Roll for its Bowling Stones event. Rolling Stones music blasted while members threw (bowling) stones down the alley at those stubborn pins. The fun continued the next night at the Hospitality Suite, where members and students gathered to watch the college football playoff game and catch up with one another. Thank you to J.T. Eaton, Trécé and Rockwell Labs for providing a fun evening.
The good times culminated at the Pi Chi Omega membership meeting, where Dean Stephen Cameron, department head and professor of entomology, shared information about the establishment and funding of the Osmun Endowed Professorship and the pending search for candidates to fill that position.
Read more:
- Highlights from the 83rd Purdue Pest Management Conference
- An industry tradition: Posing at Purdue
- Dr. Gary Bennett honored for attending 50th Purdue Pest Management Conference
PiChiOmega.org
Our website has a fresh new look. Be sure to check out the calendar at the bottom of our homepage. Let us know which industry events you’ll be attending, so we can arrange member meet-ups — just click on an event and RSVP. Our new membership system also is integrated into the site, making maintaining membership data a breeze. If you haven’t activated your member profile, email us and we will send you a link. This system will also automatically generate your dues invoice in June, which will be easy to pay in just one click.
Leadership opportunities
The nominations committee is searching for individuals to serve on the Pi Chi Omega board of directors. If you are inclined to get involved in a leadership position, please email us at office@PiChiOmega.org. A slate of candidates will be presented during elections conducted at the Pi Chi Omega membership meeting at PestWorld 2019 in San Diego, Calif., this October. Nominations from the floor also will be accepted.
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