Contributors:
A. Michael Gellman
Kathy Kaiser
Christine (Chili) Sanders
Martin Silver
Larry Spencer
Joseph Stablier
James H. Webb II
Pictures:
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A. Michael Gellman, CPA: "Fond Memories of Working With Kay Wilson, Executive Officer of Psi Chi"
Rubino & McGeehin, CPAs & Consultants
It is still very hard for us at Rubino & McGeehin to believe that Kay Wilson is not with us any more. Over the years we became great admirers of her leadership skills as she guided and grew Psi Chi into the wonderful organization it is today.
Kay's style was truly unique. Professional, as always, but kind, with a true southern charm that allowed her to manage very effectively and at the same time was forever caring.
As accountants, we often interacted with Kay over financial issues. Her grasp of finances was amazing. She managed the finances for Psi Chi very well, and she was always eager to discuss financial areas that were new to her. I never thought of Kay as a numbers person, yet she was comfortable talking about numbers--whether we were talking about budgets, investments, memberships, financing options, taxes, depreciation, accruals--it just did not matter. She quickly grasped the concept and retained the knowledge forever. In her wonderful way she would never hesitate to say, "Mike, you do not need to hold my hand on this issue any more." Kay was just very smart, and she seemed to have an infinite capacity to absorb new information.
However, what I will miss the most is listening to her talk about life in general. She always asked how the family was doing and what was going on with the kids. I loved hearing her talk about the grandchildren, and I will sorely miss her wacky trips around Chattanooga. She loved to talk about Chattanooga, show off the great places to eat and all the wonderful sites around the area. On one visit we drove far off into the mountains in Georgia to some way-out-of-the-way restaurant because they had the best fried fish and you sat out on the front porch on rickety picnic tables and watched the sun set. It was fun and memorable. Typical Kay, always an adventure.
Kathy Kaiser
Burr, Patterson & Auld Company
Jacqueline Collis Stookey and I will always have a very fond memory of visiting Kay and Amie at the Psi Chi National Office on a beautiful spring day in Chattanooga. They were gracious hostesses and so proud of the historical building that housed the "headquarters." Kay had a wealth of information on the arts in Chattanooga and gave us her witty insight to the city that we'd not had previously. We spent a most enjoyable afternoon of touring and talking some business but mostly catching up on family matters (my, how proud she was of her family), laughing, and strengthening our friendship. Jacqueline and I know that her spirit lives on through family, friends, and Psi Chi.
Christine (Chili) Sanders, PRP
Parliamentarian
I met Kay Wilson in Columbus, Ohio, at the meeting of the Association of College Honor Societies. She had just become Executive Officer of Psi Chi. I am a parliamentarian who had been retained by ACHS to revise their bylaws, and was present to answer questions and help streamline the process. Kay and I became immediate friends, with many parallels in our lives and even some mutual friends. It was my great honor and pleasure to be a parliamentary advisor to Psi Chi and to Kay. I will miss her. She was far more than a client; she was a true friend. We were all lucky to have had Kay in our lives.
Martin Silver
Schoen Trimming & Cord Company
Our relationship with Kay Wilson began in January of 1998, but it was at the ACHS meeting in Savannah that I got to meet Kay personally. It was wonderful to finally place the voice with the face. She matched perfectly: warm, considerate, helpful, and bright. We will sorely miss her, and we express our deep sorrow to her family.
Larry Spencer
Proforma Crescent
There are many complimentary words and phrases that could be used for Ms. Wilson. Having dealt with her for several years, in a business environment, I would have to classify her as the "ideal client." She knew what she wanted, but was open to suggestions if you truly felt there were additional options that should be considered. It is unfortunate that her professionalism in business dealings could not be bottled. How refreshing it was to hear a client say, "I expect you to make a profit, but I also expect a fair price for the items that I am purchasing." She was lavish in her praise for the efforts that you put forth. She expected your best, and she got it.
I will truly miss Ms. Wilson. I always looked forward to meeting with her and discussing what was happening with Psi Chi and what she was planning for the honor society in the future. Not only was she an excellent Executive Officer of Psi Chi, she was truly its greatest ambassador. All of this, but most importantly, she was a wonderful person. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have known and worked with her.
Joseph Stablier
The Trophy House
I am writing to you from the Trophy House in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We worked with Kay Wilson on medallions, honor cords, etc. She became a special friend over the years. All of Kay's family, coworkers, and special friends will continue to be in our prayers.
James H. Webb II
Capital Financial, LLC
I have had the pleasure of doing business with Psi Chi during the entire tenure of Kay Wilson's service as Executive Officer. My memories begin with her predecessor Ruth Cousin's and Psi Chi's move from Washington, D.C., to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
When Kay was chosen as a replacement for Ruth, she had vast business experience, but little, however, in managing a not-for-profit organization. Her desire to learn the nuances of the industry and to improve Psi Chi as an organization was remarkable. She was a leader in establishing the investment reserve strategy of the organization and should receive much of the credit for the excellent current financial position of Psi Chi.
It has been an honor and pleasure to be of service to Kay Wilson and Psi Chi. I will treasure the friendship she gave to me, and hope that I have the fortune to leave as lasting a legacy in my life as she has in hers.
Pictures
Members of the Psi Chi National Council met with Michael Gellman (Rubino & McGeehin, CPAs & Consultants) and James Webb (Capital Financial, LLC) at the 1997 APS Convention in Washington, D.C., to discuss Psi Chi's financial outlook and policies. From left: Norine Jalbert (Past-President), Karen Jackson (President), Harold Takooshian (incoming President-Elect), Kay Wilson, James Webb, and Michael Gellman.
At the 1999 APA Convention in Boston, two CEOs visit with each other: Kay with Arcadia University President Bette E. Landman.
At the 1993 APA Convention in Toronto, Kay talks with Psi Chi National President Bernard Lubin (left) and Psi Chi Distinguished Member Joseph Wolpe (center). Dr. Wolpe died in 1997, and Dr. Lubin passed away earlier this year on January 30, 2003.
At the 1999 APA Convention in Boston, Kay speaks about "Psi Chi: Future Directions" at a symposium held in conjunction with the honor society's 70th anniversary. At left is John Hogan, symposium participant and past Psi Chi Eastern Vice-President.
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Fall 2003 issue of Eye on Psi Chi (Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 37-38), published by Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology (Chattanooga, TN). Copyright, 2003, Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology. All rights reserved.