An Introduction to Norfolk

Hello! I’m Emmy Jo Maguire and I’m a part of the Delta class of Psi Delta at Shenandoah University located in Winchester, VA. I am from Norfolk, VA, so I’m glad to give you tips and pointers about my home!

 

In Norfolk (pronounced Naw-fik), there are many things going on all year long, but since Convention is in my lovely city, I’m happy to talk about things to do, places to visit, etc. A major place that everyone should visit is MacArthur Mall. This is located only a few blocks away from the conference center/hotel. There are stores to satisfy your sweet tooth, and even your expensive lifestyle. There is a Men’s Warehouse there, so put to use those discounts we receive! There’s a Charming Charlie’s, which is a color coordinated jewelry/clothing shop for the ladies; a William and Sonoma for the people who want to buy kitchen supplies and different foods and spices; a movie theater, a food court, and even a two floored Forever 21.

 

Besides the shopping in MacArthur Mall, there are great restaurants inside. There’s the simple food court which includes Panda Express, Firehouse Subs (Both are personal favorites, feel free to ask me about them!) and Burger King, and more expensive places such as California Pizza Kitchen and Max and Erma’s. Both are very good for a nice dinner out.

Enough about MacArthur Mall! I recently discovered a place called “The Mermaid Factory”. Norfolk is known to have mermaid statues around the city, with different designs and styles. This store/shop has little mermaid statues that you can decorate! I highly recommend this store if you are in the mood for a meaningful souvenir. Prices range from $25 to $55. $25 is for a 12 inch mermaid and base, along with access to all paints and glitter. It’s a great store! The address is 919a W. 21st Street, Norfolk, VA.

 

If you are a person that is curious about the history of MacArthur, there is a museum for General MacArthur across the street from the mall! Also, we have the Norfolk Zoo, The Norfolk Tides Stadium if you’d like to watch some baseball (good news — its within walking distance from the Sheraton!) We also have a museum named Nauticus, which is great for all ages! If you’ve ever wanted to be on a Naval ship, look no further! Norfolk is known as the home to the world’s LARGEST Naval base! Be sure to check out Nauticus. This museum is also within walking distance from the Sheraton.

 

For families who want a day with the kids, there is a water park called Ocean Breeze, which is right by the beach! I am fortunate enough to have worked with the amazing staff there and meet customers from around the state and even the world. I recommend this for a great cool off place! It’s also right next to the Virginia Aquarium!

 

So, as you can tell, Norfolk is full of many places and fun things to do. Those fun things will multiply with most of the Alpha Kappa Psi brothers! I’m very excited to show my brothers around, and you all as well!

 

God Bless,

 

Emmy Jo Maguire

Emmy Jo Maguire (right) with her big brother, Shelby Dehaven (left)

Call for Articles: AKPsi Convention experiences, Norfolk, etc.

I am looking for volunteers to submit articles for the 2015 version of the AKPsi convention blog.  I am looking for a variety of articles, pictures, and videos on any of the following topics:

• Convention Experiences
• College of Leadership
• Things to do in Norfolk and the surrounding areas
• Restaurant and Night Club Reviews
• Cultural Event and Museum Reviews
• Convention with Kids
• Reunions
• Brotherhood
• Fund-raising Success Stories

Any other convention related articles will be considered.  Please send contributions to Stephen Smith at sesmith [at] gol [dot] com (yes, that is GOL, not aol). Please include a headshot brief fraternal, professional, and/or personal bio to be included with the article so that due credit can be given.

Welcome from Pi Chi at Tulane

Pi Chi Chapter @ Tulane

Welcome to NOLA! It’s an exciting time to visit New Orleans and we hope you find your stay in the Big Easy, well, easy.

This is also an exciting time to be a Brother of AKPsi. We are all excited to see what the new board has in store for the fraternity, and while we are sad to see CEO Gary Epperson retire, we are also that much more excited to see our fraternity evolve from these changes.

Change is something normal down here in New Orleans. Our chapter aims to drive change in our community and lead others in bringing it about. We hope NOLA stirs up a desire for change in each and every one of you, and we hope you stay in touch to let us know how it goes.

Lagniappe is a special word we use down here to describe that “extra little something”.  We urge you to take the time to explore all that this city has to offer- fantastic restaurants, shopping, historical districts, and then some- to find your lagniappe and discover something about yourself and your Brothers.

We figure that for many of you this is your first time visiting NOLA, and as your unofficial hosts, we are more than happy to provide recommendations about where to go and what to do. If you want to fit in right away, here are a few phrases you should know:

Bayou: body of water running through a marsh or swamp

Cajun: French Acadians who settled here from Canada

Creole: descendents of French, Spanish, and Carribean slaves and natives

Dressed: the only way to eat a po’ boy! Includes lettuce, tomato, and mayo

Laissez les bons temps rouler (lazay lay bon tom roulay): let the good times roll

Praline (praw-leen) brown sugar and pecan candy patty

Snowball: powdered ice served with flavored syrups

Tchoupitoulas (chop it two les): spelling this street name is a fun party trick

Vieux Carre: French for “old quarter”, this term is used for the French Quarter

Who Dat: because no one down here respects a Falcons fan

On behalf of the Pi Chi chapter at Tulane University, have a great time this weekend, and laissez les bons temps rouler!

In U…& I…,

Caitlin Sperling

President, Pi Chi Chapter

Tulane University

Yoga in Nola

By now you may have heard, we’re offering free vinyasa yoga at the 2013 Convention in New Orleans. Wondering how we started this offering (here’s how it evolved)… I dabbled in yoga since I was in college, taking a class here and there or doing a video at home. In early 2010, I truly found a home on my mat. And since I’ve always liked to teach, I knew immediately that I would want to become a yoga teacher. I pursued my 200 hour certification in the winter of 2011 – a 3-month process (and since then in December of 2012 also completed my 500 certification – a 16-month process). With my 200 hour certification in hand, I made a crazy request, I asked Jessica Seitz during a break at a Foundation Board meeting (I was a Foundation Director at the time) if she was open to the idea of me teaching free yoga classes at the 2011 convention in Phoenix – subject to space availability. I thought it would be fun and different and I had found a passion that I wanted to share with my brothers. And Jessica made it happen.

Space was available, so every morning of the Phoenix convention, I was up at 5 AM to get into my “yoga teacher professional” attire and head out to the courtyard to teach sunrise yoga. It was so much fun. Every morning 1 to 2 dozen brothers and friends got up to join me for a 65 or so minute vinyasa flow. The Biltmore provided us with bath towels to use for mats, hand towels, and a water station. The class was a mix of newcomers and seasoned yogis. Teaching yoga was by far one of my favorite experiences from all the conventions I’ve attended. I can honestly say I met brothers – students and alumni – that I otherwise would never have met. And Alpha Kappa Psi helped me introduce yoga to some people who may otherwise not have tried it out.

I’m psyched to be able to offer yoga again at the 2013 Convention in New Orleans. I teach vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa yoga is the practice of linking breath with movement, flowing from one pose to the next. We’ll be jump starting the day with a moderately paced all-levels vinyasa class designed to help energize you for the day ahead and flush out any toxins lingering from the night before. The class will be suitable for newcomers and regular yoga practitioners alike, incorporating poses to strengthen your core, open your hips, and wring out your internal organs (twists) – all in an effort to help energize and detoxify the body, while increasing strength and flexibility.

I hope that you’ll consider joining me for one or more of these early morning yoga classes. Looking forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

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Lisa Calandriello is an alumna of Alpha Kappa Psi – Lambda Nu Chapter, a certified public accountant, and a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level. She teaches beginner and all-levels vinyasa yoga classes in the DC metro area at Tranquil Space.

Do You Believe in Magic?

Here is another great contribution from Michaella Woo.

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Well, maybe voodoo isn’t magic, but it’s kind of similar right? I mean even creepy magic is still magic. Anyways, now I am getting off topic…while you’re in New Orleans for Convention and soaking up information like a sponge, why don’t you take a trip to visit some of the historical voodoo museums located in the heart of New Orleans?? There are several historical voodoo museums that you can go too:

• Marie Laveau House of Voodoo (739 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116)
• Mystic tea Leaves (638 1/2 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130)
• Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo (723 St. Peter St., New Orleans, LA 70130)
• Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans Culture Center & Collection (612 Dumaine St., New Orleans, LA 70116)
• VooDoo Spiritual Temple (828 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116)

While Voodoo might seem to cover all areas of Voodoo, if you actually look it up, there are several different types of voodoo. There’s even one specifically for Louisiana! It’s called “Louisiana Voodoo” or “New Orleans Voodoo.”

The Voodoo shops and museums in New Orleans are big tourist attractions. And although most of the museums are located in or around the French Quarters, it might be worth it. You get to explore “all the mysteries, the secrets, the history and folklore of rituals, zombies, of gris-gris, of Voodoo Queens and all that jazz…”[1]  in one location. I mean, who isn’t intrigued by all that stuff?

New Orleans is full of so much history, and there is so much to do while you’re there! It would be a shame to travel all the way to New Orleans and not see or experience some sort of voodoo. So why not take a risk and go see a historic voodoo museum or shop for yourself. You never know what you magic may take place. 😉

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[1] http://www.voodoomuseum.com/

Beta Psi at Florida State University NOLA Corporate Trip

In the Spring of 2012, Beta Psi chapter at FSU went to New Orleans on a corporate tour.  Keather Cofield shares their experiences with us.

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Florida State University’s Beta Psi chapter attended their semiannual corporate tour in New Orleans in the spring of 2012 for 4 days. Their Vice President of Professional Activities, Ms. Alyssa Nelson, was in charge of planning the whole event and getting in contact with alumni and corporations within the city. Each semester, the chapter reaches out to a different city and different companies catering to all business majors to make connections and possible job opportunities for the brothers.

In New Orleans, the brothers were each allowed to visit 2 of the several companies who agreed to host the chapter:  Ernst & Young, Merrill Lynch, The Ritz Carlton, and Harrah’s Casino. I personally, being an accounting major, toured Ernst & Young and Harrah’s Casino because I was one of the 21+ brothers old enough to go on the tour. I’m proud to say I now have graduated from FSU and will be starting full time with Ernst & Young in August. E&Y gave us a tour of their office and then had a Q&A session with some of their staff and senior staff employees and served breakfast. Harrah’s was an excellent tour. They catered to all of the 21+ brothers and had an entire panel discussion and PowerPoint presentation with some of their Directors and department Heads. We met with the HR director, Head of Security, the Accounting/Finance manager, and a few other higher ups. They gave us an entire tour of the property and Security showed us into the High Rollers suite that most people will never get to see in their lives. They also showed us into the VIP area of the club inside the casino and some of the tables. I had never considered working in the gambling industry before until that tour, but now I hope to do audits with E&Y in the gaming industry. Most of the hospitality majors went on the Ritz Carlton tour and said the hotel was absolutely beautiful and lived up to the name and standards that you think of when the name Ritz Carlton is said.

We got to spend the weekend in NOLA seeing the sights after the tours too. We were there the weekend of St. Patrick’s day and watched the St. Patty’s day parade expecting to get some beads and were surprised when they threw cabbages, onions, potatoes, and other food products instead. It is a New Orleans tradition, we learned, to catch the vegetables and make an Irish stew out of them for the holiday. The French Quarter was an amazing experience and the beignets at Cafe Du Monde were absolutely to die for. While everyone thinks New Orleans is only known for their jazz music and Bourbon Street, it is definitely the next up and coming business district of the south. It boasts so many different things to do for young professionals and is an excellent place for AKPsi to hold our convention this year. I was looking forward to going back and meeting all my brothers from around the country, but unfortunately, my start date with E&Y is August 7, but I hope everyone enjoys their time at convention and really reap all the benefits that the city has to offer.

Lisa Calandriello’s Convention Thoughts

I never went to convention as an undergraduate. My first convention was in 2005 in Las Vegas as an alumna. I figured it was a good place to vacation and there were a bunch of Lambda Nu alumni going, so I couldn’t go wrong – catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and visit a place I’d never been. I didn’t have any specific plans for the convention or really know what I’d do, except that I was going to golf (wasn’t good then, a little better now, but had a great foursome – thank you Steve and Debbie for being so patient with me), see a few shows, and hang out with my brothers (I missed what is my favorite part of convention – Celebration of Brotherhood – I didn’t learn the significance of it until Washington, DC in 2007). For as unplanned as it was and for missing the best part of convention, Las Vegas lit the Alpha Kappa Psi fire in me again. I met a ton of great people and remembered why I joined AKPsi to begin with.

I continue to attend convention because I get to catch up with old friends, make new friends, and keep giving back to my brotherhood. New Orleans will be the 5^th convention I’m attending. I only wish I had started to attend sooner. After attending convention in Las Vegas, with a reignited passion for the fraternity, I became a colony advisor and since then, have served in a variety of volunteer roles. I love to share my passion for AKPsi. I also love being able to share my passions outside AKPsi with my brothers. At Phoenix Convention in 2011, I had the pleasure of sharing my passion for yoga with my brothers. I taught Sunrise Yoga (it really was, class was at 6:30 AM, with views of the mountains) every convention morning (and yes, people came – everyday). I loved the opportunity to bring 2 of my passions together (and can’t wait to do it again in New Orleans – more to come on that at a later date).

So, if you’ve been to convention before, I hope to get to see you there. If you’ve never been to convention, you should come and give it a try. Put Celebration of Brotherhood, Alumni Meet-N-Greet, and Grand Banquet on your must-do list and see what it’s all about. Truly, what better city is there to make your first convention (or to come back after having been away for a while), then New Orleans. You never know, it could reignite your fire, build your network, and you may just keep coming back too. Hope to see you in New Orleans in August!

Lisa Calandriello

 

Lisa is an alumna of Alpha Kappa Psi – Lambda Nu Chapter, a certified public accountant, and a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level. She teaches beginner and all-levels vinyasa yoga classes in the DC metro area at Tranquil Space.

All That Jazz

Okay, I know that the title of this blurb is also the title for a song in the musical “Chicago”…but I couldn’t come up with something wittier. I also figured that this post will be all about Jazz, it worked. As all of you might know, New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz. You will find every type of Jazz in New Orleans…everything from traditional jazz and acid jazz.

If you want to go to a Jazz club (for those of you who are of legal drinking age), you will not find a shortage of places to go. Some of the clubs that are closest to the hotel (on Canal Street) are Chickie Wah Wah (which is on Canal Street), Bombay Club, and The Davenport Lounge in The Ritz Carlton. Of course, there are other Jazz clubs in New Orleans…and you can take a streetcar to them. Walking to them however….might not be the smartest idea. Hehe

Did you know that New Orleans has a Jazz National Heritage Park?? The Park is located in the Tremé neighborhood near the French Quarter.[1] The park was originally created to be able to celebrate the origins and the evolution of jazz in the year of 1994.

If you love music, and you love jazz music…you are in for a treat. So why not treat yourself to a night of smooth jazz and fun! I mean, you are “jazzing up your network with professionalism and brotherhood!” 

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans_Jazz_National_Historical_Park

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Brother Michaella Woo gladly contributed this article for the convention blog.

 

 

College of Leadership Planning, Part 4

The following is the final installment of the College of Leadership Program and comes from the Alpha Kappa Psi website.

The College of Leadership provides students and alumni with advanced chapter management and personal development skills. These dynamic sessions—focusing on advance team and chapter leadership, effective recruitment strategies, fundraising, and risk management—equip students with the tools needed to lead successful chapters. Additional personal and professional development sessions will encourage personal growth. These programs are designed to be interactive discussions to give attendees the opportunities to learn and share ideas from business professionals, AKPsi leaders and chapters from across the Fraternity.

Saturday Afternoon  Parallel Sessions:

1:45 – 2:55 p.m

Leadership Challenge  Kim Chesky
Saturday, August 10 @ 1:45 – 2:55 p.m.
Track: Leadership

 

How and why AKPsi will get you your first job  Stephanie Potter, E*TRADE Financial
Saturday, August 10 @ 1:45 – 2:55 p.m.
Track: Entrepreneur

Landing that first job is a monumental feat. In today’s job market you need to stand out from the other applicants. This session will include information to allow you to assess if you are on track in your AKPsi experience to ensure at graduation you have the right skills to offer a potential employer. Real life lessons learned and how students can use AKPsi to set themselves apart will also be discussed.

As a result of attending this program, attendees will be able to …

1. best communicate the AKPsi experience to potential employers;
2. comprehend what key elements all employers are seeking no matter the job; and
3. communicate skills learned in AKPsi during the interviewing process.

Grasping the Pledge Education Program  Ryan Gaston
Saturday, August 10 @ 1:45 – 2:55 p.m.
Track: Invest in You

Ever wonder why there is a pledge program? Need help understanding the details of the program? This session provides participants with the benefits of following PEP to educate pledges to prepare them to be successful brothers. Participants will also comprehend the minimum standards of the program and the skill set needed as a pledge educator.

As a result of attending this program, attendees will be able to …

1. understand the creation of the current Pledge Education Program;
2. grasp the minimum standards to employ a more efficient program; and
3. hone in the skills necessary to be an effective pledge educator.

Technology and your chapter  Tim Veigle, AT&T
Saturday, August 10 @ 1:45 – 2:55 p.m.
Track: Invest in You

In the last 20 years our world has seen more advancements in the area of technology then we have seen in the previous 100 years. This technology has defined a generation and has reshaped the way business is conducted. In many cases it has also reshaped the way AKPsi functions as an organization. How has your chapter changed because of technology? What ways can technology improve your chapter’s performance? These questions and many many more will be answered in this program.

As a result of attending this program, attendees will be able to …

1. compare different technologies currently available for use;
2. absorb how new technology will boost recruitment and fundraising goals; and
3. glean ideas from other chapters about how they currently use technology.

Breaking through the brick wall  J. Christian Nuccio, United States Army
Saturday, August 10 @ 1:45 – 2:55 p.m.
Track: Roundtable

Ever feel like you are having the same conversation over and over with your brothers? Feel like you are hitting a brick wall? This is an opportunity for you to have your scenario heard, without judgment, and glean some tactics for chapter improvement. A select group of alumni brothers will be made available for you to discuss issues occurring in your chapter – risk management related or not – and get solutions without feeling as though you’re “tattling.” Seating is limited and not all scenarios will be addressed.

As a result of attending this program, attendees will be able to …

1. discuss solutions to chapter-related issues;
2. ascertain areas where the chapter can make improvements; and
3. create options for implementing change in the chapter.

3:15 – 4:25 p.m

Leadership Challenge  Kim Chesky
Saturday, August 10 @ 3:15 – 4:25 p.m.
Track: Leadership

 

How to navigate the corporate waters  Rob Bui, Calvetti, Ferguson & Wagner, PC

Saturday, August 10 @ 3:15 – 4:25 p.m.
Track: Entrepreneur

The waters of the corporate world are deep and vast. Without a compass, someone can be lost and stuck “treading water.” This program is designed to help you to select the job that is the right fit for you using tips on what to do (or not to do) to retain your job. Most importantly, how to build bridges for the next step in your career will also be covered.

As a result of attending this program, attendees will be able to …

1. realize how to select the right job for their future;
2. understand methods used to retain their job; and
3. build bridges for the next stage in their careers.

Leading and maintaining a high-performing chapter  Mike Dickerson, CFV, Booz Allen Hamilton
Saturday, August 10 @ 3:15 – 4:25 p.m.
Track: Invest in You

Retention simply means “keeping or holding of something.” Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to ensure success for your chapter in the area of membership retention! AKPsi chapters, like any successful business, aren’t static bodies but rather are dynamic and can be completely different from one semester to the next. Join us to learn tactics to manage standard operations, personnel and personal issues as well as plan for the future so your chapter can keep ahold of its membership.

As a result of attending this program, attendees will be able to …

1. use best practices to comprehend a chapter’s organizational structure and standard operations;
2. demonstrate knowledge of retention plans and strategies; and
3. gain insight into the skills and techniques necessary for managing individuals and groups, as well as followership best practices during times of significant change.

Reducing member apathy  Senen Garcia, SG Law Group
Saturday, August 10 @ 3:15 – 4:25 p.m.
Track: Invest in You

Have you had issues with members attending meetings? What about when they show up to the meetings? Are your members involved and excited to contribute to the agenda? This workshop is designed to provide tips and strategies to help you get the most out of attendance and involvement. We will brainstorm and provide proven methods to gain attendance and involvement. Be prepared with questions as the workshop will be interactive.

As a result of attending this program, attendees will be able to …

1. bring back ideas to encourage both attendance and involvement in future chapter meetings;
2. implement strategies to increase member retention; and
3. execute new approaches to increase member engagement within the chapter.

Breaking through the brick wall  J. Christian Nuccio, United States Army

Saturday, August 10 @ 3:15 – 4:25 p.m.

Track: Roundtable

Ever feel like you are having the same conversation over and over with you brothers? Feel like you are hitting a brick wall? This is an opportunity for you to have your scenario heard, without judgment, and glean some tactics for chapter improvement. A select group of alumni brothers will be made available for you to discuss issues occurring in your chapter – risk management related or not – and get solutions without feeling as though you’re “tattling.” Seating is limited and not all scenarios will be addressed.

As a result of attending this program, attendees will be able to …

1. discuss solutions to chapter-related issues;
2. ascertain areas where the chapter can make improvements; and
3. create options for implementing change in the chapter.

A Pirate’s Life for Me

A Pirate’s Life for Me

“Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good,

God would permit us to be pirates.” – Mark Twain

            Far too often in life we lose ourselves in the everyday routine and forget to live life to the fullest. In my mind that is exactly what being a Pirate would be like.  While holding on to the essential core value of integrity, I encourage you to be your own Pirate in New Orleans and explore this essential part of the city’s history.

The city was “home” to the infamous Jean Lafitte! He was considered the gentleman pirate. Although he was a French pirate over the Gulf of Mexico, he provided a base for the city of New Orleans to survive by bringing food, clothing, and essentials to an area neglected by the Federal Government at the time. He never attacked an American ship claiming he stood for the principles the new nation was trying to implement. Lafitte helped the Americans win the war of 1814 based on information he had about a British Attack that won him a pardon. He famously negotiated with President Jackson in “Pirate’s Alley.”  Though there is no historical basis to this claim, but the alley is worth a visit today being the home of the famous author, William Faulkner.

Jean Lafitte brought privateering to a city of bad morals, but was this a necessary lifestyle for the newly developed land? I encourage you to see how this beginning has led to the creation of the city that stands today, as the infamous New Orleans.

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About the Author

Kimberly Lee graduated from the Eta Iota chapter at Murray State University in May 2012 and moved to the Washington DC area to work for the Federal Reserve Board as a financial systems analyst. She currently holds the position as a chapter advisor to George Mason University and was initiated into Akpsi in Spring 2009.

She also has her Bronze, is VP finance for the CAA, and is attending Johns Hopkins University for her MSF in the fall.