Pi Chi Omega holds virtual Raise the Bar event

Pi Chi Omega President Mark “Shep” Sheperdigian, BCE, a PMP columnist and VP of technical services at Rose Pest Solutions, kicked off the first virtual version of Raise the Bar by welcoming members and guests.

IMAGE: PMP/PI CHI OMEGA

Typically, the Raise the Bar event features a 50/50 raffle to help raise money for its scholarship fund, as five scholarships currently are available. Because that wasn’t possible with this year’s virtual event, members were encouraged to visit the Pi Chi Omega website and make a donation. Anyone who wants to learn more about the scholarship program should check out the video at Pi Chi Omega’s PestWorld 2020 booth. It features this year’s Alain Van Ryckeghem Memorial Scholarship recipient Aaron Rodriques, and 2017 scholarship recipient Aaron Ashbrook, both Purdue University students who explaining why the scholarships are so important to students seeking a career in the industry.

In addition to the scholarship video, the virtual booth will include two other videos, along with information about this year’s scholarship recipients. Visitors can test their knowledge by taking a Pest ID quiz. Quipped Sheperdigian, “It’s not for sissies. May the best professional win.”

Sheperdigian, who adorned his top hat with a Pi Chi Omega button, shared an original verse for the occasion:
The Pi Chi Omega meeting was due
But they couldn’t gather for SARS-CoV-2
So they logged on to Zoom
And the next thing they knew
An old dog learned tricks that were new

Then, Raise the Bar attendees broke into virtual groups to test their knowledge on questions related to Pi Chi Omega, the National Pest Management Association, the pest control industry, and pests. Member Gene White announced the three members who answered the most questions correctly and were rewarded with gift cards. They were Richard Spigler, Richard Spigler, BCE, market specialist, Pest Segment, FMC Professional Solutions; Judy Black, BCE, VP of Quality Assurance and Technical Service, Rollins Inc.; and Kim Kelly-Tunnis, ACE, BCE, technical manager, Terminix Commercial (who donated her prize back to the organization).

Those interested in joining Pi Chi Omega is encouraged to visit the PestWorld 2020 booth; the deadline for membership applications is Dec. 1, 2020.

Pi Chi Omega is an international fraternity for pest management professionals. Initiated in 1950 by six students of Dr. John V. Osmun at Purdue University, the fraternity today is comprised of nearly 450 members representing 38 states and five countries. Fellowship among our members provides shared technical and professional support.

Pi Chi Omega’s mission is to connect and enrich the Urban Pest Management Community. Its vision is a collaborative environment in which technical knowledge is shared by engaged members, elevating the professionalism of the urban pest management community.

Follow along with more of PMP‘s PestWorld 2020 coverage here.