Psi State Convention Meeting Minutes · The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International – Psi State Organization Psi State Convention – April 17-19, 2015 Page | 1 Psi State Convention

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International – Psi State Organization

Psi State Convention – April 17-19, 2015 Page | 1

Psi State Convention

Meeting Minutes April 17 – 19, 2015

First General Session

The first general session of the 2015 Psi State Convention began at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17,

at the Centreplex in Macon, Georgia, with Second Vice-President Dr. Patti Newman (Beta

Theta) playing the processional as those at the head table and the flag bearers entered. President

Gail Ford (Alpha Omega) called the session to order, and First Vice-President Virginia

McChesney (Iota) recognized flag bearers: Janice Walden (Alpha Omega), flag of the United

States of America; Janis Webb (Beta Kappa) flag for Delta Kappa Gamma International; Mary

Leonard (Alpha Epsilon), Georgia state flag; and Jenny Hendricks (Gamma Chi), Psi State flag.

Participants then recited the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag.

Convention Committee co-chairs Jane Belflower (Gamma Omicron) and Ann Fitzgerald

(Gamma Lambda) welcomed participants to the Psi State Convention. President Ford introduced

the head table and discussed the convention theme, “Sparkle and Shine.” Seated at the head

table were Jo Davis (Alpha Omicron), Psi State Parliamentarian; Gail Springstead (Delta), Psi

State Executive Secretary; Jane Belflower (Gamma Omicron), Convention Committee co-

chairman; the Rev. Dr. Otis Andrews, keynote speaker; Gail Ford (Alpha Omega), Psi State

President; Becky Sadowski (Alpha Lambda, Xi State), Southeast Regional Director; Lynda Byrd

(Beta Kappa), Music Committee chairman; and Mavis Johnson (Xi), past Psi State President,

who brought an inspiration which used the convention’s theme.

Linda Byrd led in singing “I Am a Member of DKG,” followed by an introduction of the keynote

speaker given by Jane Belflower. The Rev. Dr. Otis Andrews has served as a clinical chaplain at

the Georgia Youth Development Center for Girls in Macon, pastor of Glenwood Hills Baptist

Church in Macon, a marriage and family therapist, and has authored and co-authored several

books with his wife, Deirdre. He brought an entertaining message.

Following the keynote speaker, Psi State Parliamentarian Jo Davis (Alpha Omicron) gave the

credentials report. Of the 136 (one hundred thirty-six) members who registered for convention,

there are 112 (one hundred twelve) in attendance. Each member must wear her badge which

indicates she has registered and assures that we have a quorum in order to conduct business.

President Ford reminded members that the amendments to the bylaws and standing rules from

the February Executive Board meeting will be voted on in the second general session. It is

important for members who have registered to attend that session.

To conclude the first general session, Convention Committee co-chairmen Jane Belflower and

Ann Fitzgerald made announcements about registration, hotel dining times, mobility assistance,

and room locations for the remaining meetings of the evening. Following the recessional of the

head table, participants met for a reception and book signing honoring the evening’s keynote

speaker and our guest from international headquarters, Becky Sadowski. Rehearsals for the

Presidents’ Parade and the Psi State Chorus were the final events of the evening.



Second General Session

President Gail Ford (Alpha Omega) called the second general session of the 2013 Psi State

Convention to order at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2013, following the prelude and

processional provided by Psi State Second Vice-President Dr. Patti Newman (Beta Theta).

President Ford then introduced the head table: Gail Springstead (Delta), Psi State Executive

Secretary; Leslie Giraldo (Tau), chapter president; Jo Davis (Alpha Omicron), Psi State

Parliamentarian; Virginia McChesney (Iota), Psi State First Vice-President; Becky Sadowski

(Alpha Lambda, Xi State), Southeast Regional Director; Denise Klesick (Tau), Psi State By-laws

and Standing Rules Committee chairman; Jonnie Ghetti (Alpha Theta), Psi State Finance

Committee chairman; and Kim Hobbs (Xi), Psi State Nominations Committee chairman.

Leslie Giraldo (Tau) brought the inspiration which compared Delta Kappa Gamma to the

Hollywood’s newly released take on the Cinderella tale with its message of empowering women.

Virginia McChesney led members on the choral reading “Georgia’s Gold” she had written to

celebrate the convention theme and incorporate the society’s mission, vision, and purposes.

Jo Davis (Alpha Omicron) provided the credentials report for the executive board meeting

regarding the voting members, members who can bring a motion or speak to a motion, and the

definition of quorum. As there are 136 (one hundred thirty-six) members registered and 120

(one hundred twenty) present, the convention assembly has met the requirements for a quorum.

Members of the Psi State Chorus provided a presentation of the DKG founders putting the

finishing touches on “The Delta Kappa Gamma Song,” a skit written by Marsha Brewer (Xi

State). The chorus then led participants in singing the anthem.

Psi State Finance Committee chairman Jonnie Ghetti (Alpha Theta) presented a brief summary

of the budget for 2015-2017. Projected income and expenses were given.

2015-16 2016-17 Totals

Income:

Membership dues $27,258 $27,258 $54,516

Interest on CD $ 1,278 $ 1,278 $ 2,556

Total income: $28,536 $28,536 $57,072

Expenditures: $36,449 $27,724 $64,173

Net -$ 7,913 $ 812 -$ 7,101

Jonnie reported that there is approximately $93,000 (ninety-three thousand dollars) in reserve. A

detailed budget is printed on pages 48-52 of the convention program, and an electronic

spreadsheet of the budget can be obtained by contacting Jonnie at [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]



Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee chairman Denise Klesick (Alpha Tau) brought a

recommendation from the committee that only proposed amendments to the bylaws that are

identified by members be read and voted on. Coming from committee, the recommendation

required no second. The recommendation was adopted. President Ford opened the floor for

any particular amendments to the bylaws to be taken out for discussion. Dr. Corinne Daniel

(Rho) made a recommendation to insert the phrase “at least six (6) weeks” prior to the state

convention in the Psi State Bylaws when referring to publishing the proposed changes in the Psi

State Newsletter. The phrase would be inserted in the following locations.

Article VI. Section C.c

Article X. Section B.3

Article VII. Section G.1.f

Article VIII. Section B.13

Article IX. Section B.1

Article X. Section B.3

The rationale for the recommendation was that the insert will provide a time for publishing the

proposed changes to the Psi State Bylaws, allowing chapter presidents and other state leaders

more time to advise members of the recommended changes.

A vote was taken on the recommendation on the floor, and the amendment to the amendment

was adopted. President Ford called for a vote on the remainder of the bylaws as amended. As

the voting was unanimously in favor, the remainder of the amendments to the bylaws was

adopted.

Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee chairman Denise Klesick (Alpha Tau) brought a

recommendation from the committee that only proposed amendments to the standing rules that

are identified by members be read and voted on. Coming from committee, the recommendation

required no second. The recommendation was adopted. President Ford opened the floor for

any particular amendments to the standing rules to be taken out for discussion. Dr. Corinne

Daniel (Rho) made a recommendation to insert the phrase “at least six (6) weeks” prior to the

state convention in the Psi State Standing Rules when referring to publishing the proposed

changes in the Psi State Newsletter. The phrase would be inserted in the following locations.

Section XXIII. Section A.5

Section XXIII. Section A.12

The rationale for this recommendation was the same as the similar one for the bylaws. A vote

was taken on the recommendation on the floor, and the amendment to the amendment was

adopted. President Ford called for a vote on the remainder of the standing rules as amended. As

the voting was unanimously in favor, the remainder of the amendments to the standing rules

was adopted.

Nominations Committee chairman Kim Hobbs (Xi) presented the slate of Psi State officers for

the 2015-2017 biennium: President – Gail Springstead (Delta); First Vice-President – Virginia

McChesney (Iota); Second Vice-President – Dr. Kathy Brown (Mu); Recording Secretary –

Alice Bass (Mu); and Corresponding Secretary – Merrimac Forsyth (Iota). As each position and

nominee was announced, President Ford opened the floor for nominations. No nominations were

made from the floor for any of the positions. A vote was taken for each nominee, and the 2015-

2017 Psi State officers were approved as recommended.



Kim also brought a recommendation for members to serve on the 2015-2017 Nominations

Committee: District I – Donna Riordan (Iota); District II – Yvonne Jett (Omicron); District III –

Dr. Debbie Ball (Epsilon); District IV – Barbara Maddox (Gamma Tau) – Chairman; District V –

Becky Avera (Xi); and District VI – Shelly Foster (Alpha Tau). Coming from committee in the

form of a motion, the recommendation required no second. There were no nominations from the

floor, and a vote was taken. The members of the 2015-2017 Nominations Committee were

approved.

Convention Committee co-chairman Ann Fitzgerald (Gamma Lambda) provided directions

break, district meetings, the mini-market, workshops, lunch, and the tour. Drawings for door

prizes resulted in the following winners: Sheri Black (Beta Rho), Joan Cordell (Alpha Epsilon),

Cathy Davis (Alpha Phi), Judy Farrigan (Upsilon), Lorelei Faucette (Alpha Tau), Shannon Floyd

(Alpha Tau), Lynn Jewell (Gamma Theta), Virginia McChesney (Iota), Maidana Nunn (Delta),

Jackie Palazzolo (Beta Tau), Anne Peterson (Alpha Zeta), Gail Springstead (Delta), Phyllis

Stephens (Alpha Omega), Jeanne Stroebel (Rho), Shirley Tolbert (Beta Nu), Mary Frances

Wellborn (Omicron), Janice Westberg (Alpha Delta), Gwen White (Gamma Chi), Gail Wilcher

(Alpha Theta), Patricia Wingate (Xi), and Elizabeth Vance (Delta).

With the second session coming to a close earlier than scheduled, President Ford suggested that

the Executive Board meeting slated for the afternoon be moved up. Sheri Black (Alpha Gamma)

made a motion to move the Executive Board meeting to 9:30 a.m., and Angela White (Beta

Alpha) seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned with the retiring of the flags and recessional of the head table.

Members enjoyed the break with refreshments in the atrium and shopping at the mini-market.

Meeting of the Psi State Executive Board

The Psi State Executive Board meeting was called to order by President Gail Ford (Alpha

Omega) at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The purpose of the meeting was to nominate

and select the Psi State Executive Secretary and the Psi State Treasurer. Parliamentarian Jo

Davis reminded participants about voting and non-voting members, and a count was held to

determine that a quorum of voting members were present. A quorum was in attendance for the

Executive Board meeting. First, the floor was opened for nominations for Psi State Executive

Secretary. Dr. Patti Newman (Beta Theta) nominated Dr. Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta) for the

position. Becky Avera (Xi) seconded the motion. There were no further nominations from the

floor. Nominations were closed, and Hanna gave a brief speech outlining her qualifications for

the position. A vote was taken, and the nomination of Dr. Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta) for

Psi State Executive Secretary passed. Next, the floor was opened for nominations for Psi State

Treasurer. Alice Bass (Mu) nominated Jonnie Ghetti (Alpha Theta) for the position, and Dr.

Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta) seconded the nomination. As there were no more nominations

from the floor, nominations were closed. Jonnie provided information about her qualifications

for the position in a brief address to members. A vote was taken, and the nomination of Jonnie

Ghetti (Alpha Theta) for Psi State Treasurer passed.



Southeast Regional Conference chairman Peggy McCall (Beta Eta) promoted the 2015 Southeast

Regional Conference to be held July 15-18, 2015, in Savannah. She encouraged members to

register for the conference – which can be accomplished online at

https://www.dkg.org/content/se-registration using the password dkg2014society – and to

volunteer to help at various events during the conference. She described the Georgia Night event

as well as other Georgia-infused entertainment and refreshments. A tour booklet designed by

Denise Klesick (Alpha Tau) will be given to all in attendance so that participants can arrange

their own sightseeing. Space is available in the conference program for purchase by chapters to

honor members or to promote chapter projects; contact Gail Ford (Alpha Omega) for

information.

There was no new or unfinished business. Convention Committee co-chairman Ann Fitzgerald

(Gamma Lambda) conducted a drawing for the final door prizes. Winners were Becky Avera

(Xi), Marian Fletcher (Alpha Xi), Laura Kersey (Delta), Denise Klesick (Alpha Tau), Beth

McConnell (Upsilon), Deborah Pearson (Omega), and Susan Woods (Mu). Following the

announcements, the meeting adjourned at 10 a.m. so that members could shop at the mini-

market, attend workshops, and district meetings.

A Golden Celebration Luncheon

Following the processional of past state presidents, Psi State First Vice-President Virginia

McChesney (Iota) welcomed members and guests to the Golden Celebration Luncheon held in

the banquet room at 12:30 p.m. Past state presidents in attendance included Joan Cordell (Alpha

Epsilon, 1975-1977), Mavis Johnson (Xi, 1981-1983), Dr. Corinne Daniel (Rho, 1989-1991),

Becky Avera (Xi, 2003-2005), Dr. Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta, 2005-2007), Dr. Patti Newman

(Beta Theta, 2007-2009), Jo Davis (Alpha Omicron, 2009-2011), and Peggy McCall (Beta Eta,

2011-2013).

Seated at the head table in addition to Virginia were Missy Collins (Alpha Omega), Scrapbook

Committee chairman; Dianne Sharpe (Epsilon), Scholarship Committee chairman; Betty

Richardson (Beta Kappa), Communications Committee chairman; Alice Bass (Mu),

Corresponding Secretary; Dr. Patti Newman (Beta Theta), Second Vice-President; Judy Scarboro

(Beta Theta), Membership Committee chairman; Gail Springstead (Delta), Executive Secretary;

Dr. Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta), International Member-at-Large; Becky Sadowski (Alpha

Lambda, Xi State), and Linda Byrd (Beta Kappa), Music Committee chairman.

Psi State Scrapbook Committee chairman Missy Collins (Alpha Omega) reported on collecting

digital scrapbook pages from chapters and obtaining additional chapter pictures in the process of

putting together the state’s 2013-2015 scrapbook. Technical difficulties prevented the slideshow

from progressing, but Missy and her committee will have the scrapbook burned to CDs so that

each chapter can receive a copy at the Fall Executive Board meeting.

The Psi State Trio brought “A Grace for Delta Kappa Gamma” as a choral blessing after which

First Vice-President Virginia McChesney invited participants to enjoy their lunch.



Following the meal, the planned program continued. President Ford recognized all participants

who were in attendance at convention for the first time. Psi State Scholarships Committee

chairman Dianne Sharpe (Epsilon) acknowledged her committee and introduced scholarship

recipients. Jackie Palazzolo (Beta Tau) received the Eva Gardener scholarship, and Patricia

Massengale (Gamma Eta) received the Annie Frances Flanagan scholarship. Each recipient

received a scholarship in the amount of $2000 (two thousand dollars).

Communications Committee chairman Betty Richardson (Beta Kappa) recognized her committee

members who assisted with presenting a total of 32 (thirty-two) awards for 2013-2015 chapter

communications.

Exemplary Communication

Presented with a plaque

District I District II District III District IV District V District VI

Iota

Beta Nu

Gamma Theta

Beta Delta

Beta Epsilon

Beta Kappa

Lambda

Beta Rho

Alpha Xi

Gamma

Alpha

Epsilon

Beta Beta Xi

Alpha

Omicron

Alpha Delta

Alpha Chi

Alpha Alpha

Merit Communication

50-65 points – presented with a certificate


Alpha Kappa

Gamma Chi

Gamma Eta

Alpha

Lambda

Beta Gamma

Delta

Rho

Gamma Tau

Sigma Tau

Honorable Communication

35-45 points – presented with a certificate


Delta Alpha Alpha Iota Eta

Beta Zeta

Alpha Omega

President Ford presented media awards to two recipients: Frank Malloy of WMAZ Channel 13

and Alline Kent of HHJ Online. Both media personalities spoke briefly, praising educators for

providing positive experiences for students and happy, good news to report.

Corresponding Secretary Alice Bass (Mu) reported that 171 (one hundred seventy-one)

applications were received for the “Shining Stars of Gold” recognition. This program raised

$735 (seven hundred thirty-five dollars) for Leadership Development. Alice asked recipients to

stand as their names were called.

Dr. Patti Newman (Beta Theta), Second Vice-President, presented Outstanding Chapter Program

awards to recognize a collaborative spirit between the chapter and profession and to showcase

programs that impact the chapter and its community. Receiving recognition were Delta chapter

for its “Let Your Voice Be Heard” program on Teacher Keys Effectiveness System and



legislative contacts; Iota chapter for its “A Walk on the Wild Side” program emphasizing the

Schools for Africa (SFA) international project; Alpha Omicron for “Kacee’s Trip to Uganda”

which promoted SFA; Beta Kappa for its program on the Decatur Women’s Resource Center and

subsequent adoption of the center as a project; Gamma Alpha for its research on early literacy

skills in Clayton County schools; and Gamma Lambda for its program using Dr. Jensi Souders’

“Gifts of DKG” inspiration to donate to the Catoosa County Children’s Fund. Epsilon chapter

was recognized as the most outstanding of the Outstanding Chapter Program recipients. Epsilon

used a program featuring a presentation by a doctor in Zimbabwe to springboard its SFA project.

Glasses, money, and school supplies were collected and sent; and members are corresponding

with a school in Zimbabwe.

Membership Committee chairman Judy Scarboro (Beta Theta) recognized her committee

members who helped with the presentation of certificates for “Order of the Rose” given to

chapters maintaining their membership numbers and for “Setting the Gold Standard” given to

chapters increasing their number of members.

District Order of the Rose Setting the Gold Standard

I

Alpha Alpha

Iota Iota

Gamma Theta Gamma Theta

II

Alpha Gamma Alpha Gamma

Alpha Kappa Beta Kappa

Beta Kappa Beta Rho

Beta Rho Gamma Chi

Gamma Chi Gamma Eta

Gamma Eta

III

Epsilon Epsilon

Mu Mu

Upsilon Upsilon

Gamma Alpha Gamma Alpha

Gamma Psi Gamma Psi

IV Rho Rho

Alpha Kappa

V

Sigma Sigma

Alpha Chi Alpha Chi

Alpha Delta Alpha Delta

Alpha Epsilon Alpha Epsilon

Alpha Omicron Alpha Omicron

Beta Pi Beta Pi

First Vice-President Virginia McChesney (Iota) recognized chapters which contributed to the

Schools for Africa project by making monetary donations through UNICEF.



Schools for Africa Contributors


Zeta

Iota

Alpha Beta

Beta Delta

Beta Nu

Gamma

Lambda

Alpha Rho

Beta Kappa

Epsilon

Mu

Upsilon

Delta

Gamma Tau

Sigma

Alpha

Omicron

Alpha Alpha

Alpha Tau

Beta Theta

Virginia also recognized chapters who submitted an application acknowledging chapter

leadership, programs, projects and activities, dynamics, member participation, planning,

communication, and financial support for the Award of Chapter Excellence (ACE). Iota chapter

was recognized as the overall winner for ACE. A donation will be made to the Elise Boylston

Foundation in the chapter’s honor, a donation will be given to the chapter, and the name of the

chapter will be engraved on a plaque which will continue to be updated each biennium. ACE

chapters for 2013-2015 are listed in the table.

Award for Chapter Excellence


Iota

Gamma

Lambda

Beta Epsilon

Beta Kappa

Beta Rho

Gamma Chi

Epsilon

Gamma

Alpha

Delta

Rho

Alpha Delta

Alpha Epsilon

Alpha

Omicron

Alpha Tau

President Gail Ford (Alpha Omega) made a special recognition for the program cover design.

Dorothy Pope, president of Alpha Omega chapter and retired art educator, created the program

cover. Although Dorothy could not attend the convention, Gail wanted to recognize her for her

talents and contribution.

Executive Secretary Gail Springstead (Delta) read a letter from Macon Mayor Robert Reichert who was unable to attend. The Psi State Trio provided a musical interlude with a rendition of

“Georgia on My Mind”.

International Member-at-Large Dr. Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta) introduced our guest from

international headquarters, Becky Sadowski (Alpha Lambda, Xi State), the Southeast Regional

Director for 2014-2016. Becky brought greetings from International President Dr. Lyn Schmid

who promotes “blue sky thinking” – the type of thinking that allows us to make our future rather

than waiting for our future to happen. Saying that our organization does a great job of holding

business meetings and taking care of business, Becky encouraged members to be intentional

about spending time with each other, getting to know one another, and taking time for

discussions. DKG is an organization that embraces meaningful change, she noted, and members

were invited to come to Savannah to see what happens when “you speak and we listen.” A

donation to Schools for Africa will be made in Becky’s honor by Psi State.



Convention Committee co-chairman Ann Fitzgerald (Gamma Lambda) announced that there are

still some spaces available for participants in Leadership Seminar II. The registration form is on

the state website. She reminded members about upcoming events in the afternoon and evening

as well as the Hour of Remembrance on Sunday morning.

Virginia McChesney dismissed members from the luncheon to participate in other activities as

scheduled.

Presidents’ Banquet: Golden Moments, Shining Memories

Beginning at 7 p.m. on April 18 in the Macon Marriott Centreplex ballroom, a processional of

the Psi State Past Presidents launched the Presidents’ Banquet. The past presidents were

followed by those to be seated at the head table as Dr. Patti Newman (Beta Theta) played. First

Vice-President Virginia McChesney (Iota) introduced each of the District Directors – Judy

Hulsey (Iota, District I), Janice Cochran (Beta Epsilon, District II), Dr. Kathy Brown (Mu,

District III), Cissy Peebles (Beta Beta, District IV), Becky Avera (Xi, District V), and Angela

White (Beta Alpha, District VI) – who in turn recognized each chapter president or

representative as they participated in the presidents’ parade ceremony, bearing the chapter flag

and tipping it to Psi State President Gail Ford (Alpha Omega) before placing it in the stand.

President Ford welcomed everyone and introduced special guests and the head table. Seated at

the head table were Kim Hobbs (Xi), Psi State Nominations Committee chairman; Betsy Box

(Beta Nu), chapter president; Becky Sadowski (Alpha Lambda, Xi State), 2014-2016 Southeast

Regional Director; Dr. Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta), International Member-at-Large; Gail Ford

(Alpha Omega), Psi State President; Gail Springstead (Delta), Psi State Executive Secretary and

President-elect; Mary Anne Barlow(Alpha Kappa), Psi State Achievement Award Committee

chairman, Peggy McCall (Beta Eta), Southeast Regional Conference Committee chairman; and

Dr. Lynn Skinner (Beta Gamma), Psi State Recording Secretary; and Virginia McChesney (Iota),

First Vice-President.

Chapter president Betsy Box (Beta Nu) brought an inspiration, and Music Committee chairman

Linda Byrd (Beta Kappa) led a choral blessing, after which President Ford invited everyone to

enjoy dinner.

At the conclusion of the meal, Psi State Nominating Committee chairman Kim Hobbs (Xi)

presented the 2015-2017 Psi State Nominations Committee members: Donna Riordan (Iota,

District I), Yvonne Jett (Omicron, District II), Dr. Debbie Ball (Gamma Omicron, District III),

Barbara Maddox (Gamma Iota, District IV and Chairman), Becky Avera (Xi, District V), and

Shelly Foster (Tau, District VI).

Judy Farrigan (Upsilon) and Peggy McCall (Beta Eta) were recognized as outgoing members of

the Elise Boylston House Memorial Foundation Board. Members of the 2015-2017 Elise

Boylston House Memorial Foundation Board were recognized: Dr. Corinne Daniel (Rho),

Becky Avera (Xi), Joan Cordell (Alpha Epsilon), Jonnie Ghetti (Alpha Theta), Dr. Hanna Fowler

(Alpha Theta), Gail Springstead (Delta), and Gail Ford (Alpha Omega).



The 2015-2017 District Directors were installed: Donna Riordan (Iota, District I), Linda Byrd

(Beta Kappa, District II), Tina Marsh (Mu, District III), Patricia Croft (Rho, District IV), Lisa

Goodin (Alpha Chi, District V), and Lorelei Faucette (Alpha Tau, District VI).

Gail Ford (Alpha Omega), Dr. Patti Newman (Beta Theta), Dr. Lynn Skinner (Beta Gamma),

and Judy Farrigan (Upsilon) were recognized as outgoing officers prior to the installation of the

2015-2017 Psi State officers. Being installed to serve and receiving a rose and a pin were Gail

Springstead (Delta) – Psi State President, Virginia McChesney (Iota) – First Vice-President, Dr.

Kathy Brown (Mu) – Second Vice-President, Alice Bass (Mu) – Recording Secretary, Merrimac

Forsyth (Iota) – Corresponding Secretary, Jonnie Ghetti (Alpha Theta) – Treasurer, Dr. Hanna

Fowler (Alpha Theta) – Executive Secretary, and Jo Davis (Alpha Omicron) – Parliamentarian.

Achievement Award chairman Mary Anne Barlow (Alpha Kappa) recognized Peggy McCall

(Beta Eta) for being the 2014 Achievement Award recipient. Peggy is a 26-year DKG member

who has served and continues to serve in numerous chapter, state, and international roles. Mary

Anne then recognized Virginia McChesney (Iota) as the 2015 Achievement Award recipient.

Virginia has been a member of DKG for 13 years, serving in various chapter and state capacities.

In addition, Virginia has received numerous professional recognitions, and she serves on many

community organizations.

Dr. Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta), newly installed Executive Secretary and a past Psi State

President, brought a golden nugget moment, aligning DKG membership with the dictionary

definitions of “golden” and “nugget.”

A selection of songs performed by the Psi State Convention Chorus provided entertainment.

Selections included a song penned by President Ford – “Oh the Gold in Psi State Georgia” – as

well as the “Pearl Girl” song from Gail’s Golden Gift class. First Vice-President Virginia

McChesney (Iota) presented Gail with a gift of a stained glass Tudor rose from the 2013-2015

officers on behalf of the Psi State membership.

Passing the gavel to Gail Springstead (Delta), President Ford said that it had been an honor to

serve with such a great group of women in Psi State, and she expressed appreciation to her

family for their love and support. In accepting the gavel, President-elect Springstead related a

memory of an early DKG experience she had outside the chapter. At a meeting, she sat with

Malissa Cox, long-time Psi State Executive Secretary, who enthusiastically promoted all things

DKG. The president pin presented to her in the officer installation ceremony had belonged to

Malissa.

President-elect Springstead reflected on two questions posed at a Psi State Executive Board

meeting held in 1966. The first question – have I become the key woman educator that the

person who sponsored me expected me to become? – informed her first focus for the 2015-2017

biennium: impacting members. She said each person must discover something valuable and

worthwhile in this organization, and so the organization must continue to create and enhance

opportunities. The second question – what do you do for Delta Kappa Gamma besides belong? –

provided the second focus for the biennium: impacting communities. She emphasized that Delta



Kappa Gamma must matter to current members and appeal to prospective members.

Membership in the organization must provide a unique combination of supporting individual

growth and making a larger difference. The emblem for the 2015-2017 biennium will feature the

society’s coat of arms surrounded by these two foci.

President Ford announced that a total of $440 (four hundred forty dollars) was collected by

districts for the International Emergency Fund. Drawings were held for items for which

members made donations to the Southeast Regional Conference Georgia Night fund. Betsy Barb

(Alpha Kappa) won the large basket of pecan products which raised a total of $185 (one hundred

eighty-five dollars). Lisa Goodin (Alpha Chi) won the two-night stay at the Dragonfly Dreams

cabin, for which $579 (five hundred seventy-nine dollars) was donated.

Members and guests joined hands as they sang “The Delta Kappa Gamma Song”. Following the

recessional, a reception to honor the 2015-2017 leadership team was held in the atrium.

Celebration of Remembrance

“A Celebration of Life” remembrance service for members who died during the biennium was

held in the Centreplex Atrium on Sunday, April 19, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. Members of the Psi State

Membership Committee planned and assisted in the service which was led by committee

chairman Judy Scarboro (Beta Theta). The prelude was presented by Dr. Patti Newman (Beta

Theta), and she initiated the celebration of life. Gail Springstead (Delta) led participants in an

opening prayer, and Linda Byrd (Beta Kappa) led members in singing a verse of the hymn

“Sweet, Sweet Spirit.” Inspirational readings were given by Judy Farrigan (Upsilon) and Dr.

Lynn Skinner (Beta Gamma). Soloist Betsy Johnson (Beta Beta) sang a medley of hymns, and

Virginia McChesney (Iota) shared a special reading of “A Butterfly Story.” Alice Bass (Mu)

brought a call to celebrate, followed by the reading of the names of the DKG International

founders by Dr. Hanna Fowler (Alpha Theta) and the names of the Psi State founders by Gail

Ford (Alpha Omega). Each district director – Judy Hulsey (Iota, District I), Janice Cochran

(Beta Epsilon, District II), Dr. Kathy Brown (Mu, District III), Cissy Peebles (Beta Beta, District

IV), Becky Avera (Xi, District V), and Angela White (Beta Alpha, District VI) – read the names

of members in her district who died during the 2013-2015 biennium. With the reading of each

name, the member’s picture was revealed, a chime sounded, and members of her chapter stood

briefly. Gwen White (Gamma Chi) and Patricia Croft (Rho) moved the cage of butterflies

outside for release. Celebrants quietly followed and formed a large circle around the butterfly

cage. Gail Ford (Alpha Omega) gave a fond farewell as the butterflies were released in memory

of our departed sisters, and Jo Davis (Alpha Omicron) led celebrants in saying the benediction.

State President’s Breakfast

The Psi State President’s Breakfast was held at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015, in the Hotel

Salon. President Ford presented each member of her leadership team with a silver bracelet

adorned with a sparkling and shining Georgia charm along with a personal note of thanks. Gail



Springstead (Delta) led the group in a blessing for the food after which participants enjoyed a

delicious breakfast buffet.

Minutes submitted by: Dr. Lynn Skinner, Psi State Recording Secretary

Minutes approved by: Minutes Approval Committee

Psi State Convention Meeting Minutes · The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International – Psi State Organization Psi State Convention – April 17-19, 2015 Page | 1 Psi State Convention

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