Recap
Psi Chi Program at 2004 SEPA: Report
Conference: Psi Chi Southeastern Regional Convention Program (2004)
Once again, Psi Chi had a full and exciting program of events at the 2004 annual meeting of SEPA. This year Psi Chi's keynote speaker was Professor Ludy Benjamin from Texas A&M University. Over 160 people attended Dr. Benjamin's presentation on "Who Owns Psychology? The (Exasperating) Popularity of Pop Psychology."
Several Psi Chi sessions were scheduled with students' interests in mind. Two of Psi Chi's most popular panel discussions were devoted to helping students prepare for graduate school. In addition, students were treated to a Psi Chi panel discussion on "The Value of Undergraduate Research." This discussion was lead by Dr. Warren Jones who is the editor of the Psi Chi Jurnal of Undergraduate Research (journal home page).
The faculty appreciation luncheon was attended by 34 faculty (the highest attendance ever). Among those in attendance were Drs. Charles Brewer and Harold Moon, both former National Presidents of Psi Chi. A former President of SEPA, Dr. David Clements, and current National President Dr. Martha Zlokovich, were also in attendance at the luncheon. Dr. Alvin Wang presented Dr. Christina Sinisi of Charleston Southern University with a Regional Faculty Advisor Award.
The social highlight of this year's conference occurred when Psi Chi and SEPA hosted a joint "birthday party" celebrating their respective 75th and 50th anniversaries. A large birthday cake was served with birthday sentiments and (edible!) logos for both of organizations. Over three hundred people participated in the festivities, which included birthday greetings from Dr. Steve Hobbs (SEPA President), Dr. Slater Newman (former President of SEPA and Psi Chi), and Dr. Alvin Wang.
Finally, the ever-popular Psi Chi Hospitality suite was available for attendees to chat, snack on refreshments, or just rest their sore feet. The suite was graciously hosted by students from three local Psi Chi chapters--Georgia State University, Spelman College, and Agnes Scott College.