Source: Katie Briscoe, 785-532-2753, schurman@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Shelby Haag, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu
Friday, September 14, 2007
K-STATE CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA PSI HONORED AT NATIONAL CONVENTION
MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University Alpha Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi received four chapter awards and three individual awards at the organization's biennial national convention, Aug. 1-5, in Washington, D.C.
Alpha Kappa Psi is America's oldest professional business fraternity.
The K-State chapter's honors included:
* The Award of Achievement for Outstanding Chapter, which recognizes chapters which receive between 95,000-99,000 points -- out of a possible 100,000 points -- on the annual chapter report. Points are awarded based on knowledge, brotherhood, integrity, service and unity.
* The Certificate of Improvement, which recognizes chapters with a 20,000 point increase in annual chapter report points over the previous year.
* The Circle of Achievement, which acknowledges chapters that initiated at least 40 members during the previous academic year.
* The Circle of Excellence, which honors chapters which increased their initiates 25 percent over the previous year.
The K-State chapter also has been recognized as the top chapter in the organization's central region.
K-State won three of the six individual awards presented at the national level to members who demonstrate commitment and service to the organization. The two students and K-State faculty member receiving honors were:
Lana Costello, junior in finance, Topeka, the National Psi Award. The honor recognizes collegiate members for outstanding contribution in enhancing professional development.
Darcy Osterhaus, senior in management information systems, Topeka, the National Member of the Year award. The award is given to a member who is not only involved with Alpha Kappa Psi, but other organizations on campus and in the community.
Donita Whitney-Bammerlin, instructor of management, National Friend of Alpha Kappa Psi award. The award is given to nonmembers that have shown a commitment to bettering the fraternity through time, talent or treasure.
Briena Engelken, senior in marketing, Seneca, and president of the K-State chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi, said she is pleased with the chapter's growth and development.
"After a year of hard work and a lot of fun, we were extremely surprised to win this many awards," Engelken said. "We knew that our chapter had improved and that we were one of the best, but we didn't realize how much that showed to our national offices."
Alpha Kappa Psi is known as the premier developer of principled business leaders. K-State's Alpha Omega chapter, chartered in 1927, is the oldest and largest organization in the College of Business Administration. Members strive to build skills in professional development, networking and education. Alpha Kappa Psi has 197 chapters in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.