Phi Upsilon Omicron_The Candle_Spring 2022_Vol. 103 No. 1

THE CANDLE
JOURNAL OF PHI UPSILON OMICRON
Vol. 103 No. 1 • Spring 2022

INSPIRING
OTHERS
THROUGH
FCS
STORY-
TELLING

ANDREA GARZA

ZETA CHAPTER
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

Phi U has opened many new doors for me, and I can’t express

“ ”how excited I am to see what’s next in-store. - Andrea Garza

CONTENTS
4 CONCLAVE REGISTRATION FORM
THE CANDLE 5 FROM THE PRESIDENT
Journal of Phi Upsilon Omicron 6 HOW STORIES & A GOOGLE SEARCH
Vol. 103 No. 1
CHANGED MY LIFE
Editor & Media Coordinator:
Brad Golliher 7 ON THE COVER- ANDREA GARZA
8 FOLLOW YOUR HEART, WORK HARD, &
[email protected]
NEVER MISS A DEADLINE
Copyright 2022 Phi Upsilon Omicron, Inc.
All rights reserved. 9 REFLECTIONS FROM A PHI U ALUMNI

Published in Spring and Fall by Phi Upsilon CHAPTER
Omicron, National Honor Society in Family
10 I SAID “YES” TO FCS
and Consumer Sciences, a member of the 12 PHI U NATIONAL OFFICERS
Association of College Honor Societies.
NOMINATIONS & BALLOT
Opinions expressed by authors are their own
and do not necessarily reflect the policies of 14 CONCLAVE ‘22 PRECONFERENCE TOUR
15 CONCLAVE ‘22 NATIONAL SERVICE
Phi Upsilon Omicron.
PROJECT “BEDS & BOXES”
“Inspiring Others Through
FCS Storytelling” 16 CONCLAVE ‘22 SILENT AUCTION &

is the theme for THE CANDLE SHAKE-UP
Fall 2020 through Spring 2022.
17 CALL FOR RESEARCH POSTERS
Send articles addressing this theme to: 18 CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT
[email protected]

Other articles of professional interest, re- 19 CHAPTER NEWS
search briefs, letters to the editor, and news 21 NATIONAL OFFICE NEWS

of chapters are also welcome.

The deadline for the Fall 2022 issue is 22 MEET THE PHI U TEAM
October 1, 2022. 23 ROSTER OF ACTIVE CHAPTERS

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FROM PR ESIDENT
THE

by Jenifer Reader, Beta Rho, National President

INSPIRING OTHERS THROUGH

FCS STORYTELLING

O ne of my favorite forms of others. Many of us have been inspired by Gamma alumni chapter members, tell a
communication is storytelling. someone else’s story, and that story led us wonderful story about Phi U friendship,
Telling stories is an intimate and personal to FCS and Phi U. What is YOUR FCS which has led to the Gamma alumni
way to connect with others and share story? chapter’s legacy and success. The Gamma
a message. Stories are entertaining, alumni chapter’s story is inspiring for all
heartfelt, and memorable. Stories are Dr. Kyle Roberson, our national Phi U alumni chapters and a wonderful example
‘up close and personal’ and have the President-Elect, knows FCS storytelling of how friends, both old and new, can
potential to make a powerful impact on well. He shares his story about his path to work together to accomplish amazing
others. Stories help others understand who FCS and the auto-ethnography experience things. We thank the Gamma alumni
we are, what we do, and why we do it. he gained, both while working on his chapter members for hosting Conclave
Through stories, others learn more about dissertation and as an educator. 2022, and I hope you will take time to
our thought processes, our value systems,
and our actions. Andrea Garza, Secretary of the Zeta thank Norma, Katie, Connie, and
chapter at the University the rest of the Gamma alumni
The integrity of the 2020-2022 theme of Idaho, shares an chapter when you see them in Ohio
is about inspiring others to take action by intimate and inspiring for Conclave in October!
sharing stories. We all have FCS stories story of her family,
to share. We have all seen some aspect her home life, and her Melanie Schmitt, Omega chapter
of FCS touch our lives or the lives of path to FCS leadership member and fierce FCS advocate,
and a degree in Child shares her story of FCS education,
Development. improving the human condition,
and living the dream. Her passion
Dr. Sarah Agne for teaching life skills to students in
Alfaro, national Phi U both secondary and post-secondary
Region 1 Councilor settings inspires us all to say YES to
and Alpha Sigma alum, tells her story FCS!
of earning an Interior Design degree at I have enjoyed having the opportunity
a prestigious interior design school and to read some of your FCS stories in these
continuing her education so she could special issues of The Candle. Thank you
share her passion for FCS and lifelong to all of the contributors for taking the
learning with students. time to share your stories with us!

Norma Pitts and Connie Cahill,

4

HOW STORIES AND A CHANGED
SEARCH
LIFEMY

by Dr. Kyle L. Roberson, E-Chapter, President-Elect

I would have never guessed how a I had finished my undergraduate history” and how I came to study Family
simple Google search could change degree from Bellevue University. and Consumer Sciences Education. Only
my life’s trajectory. But it did. The However, this degree did not certify me a couple of courses into the program and
story starts as I was finishing up my to teach but provided a great foundation I already could see how the content was a
undergraduate degree in Adult Education on andragogical principles and how perfect fit. Each semester I grew more and
through Bellevue University’s online to develop programs of study for the more fond of the program’s curriculum
accelerated bachelor degree program. prisoners. I knew at some point I wanted and content.
I regularly found myself educating my to get promoted to a certified teaching
cohorts on the importance of prison position, which meant more education. When I attended my first conference
education programs. They seemed to find I started looking for a program to earn as an FCSE Major, it was on invitation
the information fascinating and generally a teaching credential from a distance. I from the South Dakota Association
very curious as to how I came to work had trouble finding anything until one for Career and Technical Education to
in a prison. As with many online classes, day, I was reflecting on the classes we present at a breakout session for the FCS
introduction assignments take place on provided the prisoners. Many adult Division. My first public speaking event
the discussion boards. I often noticed continuing education classes revolved represented both prison education and
the thread with the most responses and around parenting, personal finance, touch FCS curriculum. I knew the banquet room
feedback revolved around my initial typing, vocational training, and personal was not full because I was the speaker.
post in these discussions. Not that I was wellness. I connected these courses to life There would be no reason for this because
personally all that interesting, but my skills and figured I needed to pursue a no one had ever heard of me. I believe the
peers found my work with prisoners and teaching license to something related. I do participants were interested in the topic,
education interesting. Some understood not remember the exact words I Googled, though it probably did not hurt that my
the need for re-entry and rehabilitation and but it was something along the line of academic advisor and my cooperating
praised the work, while others had life skills teacher certification. Whatever teacher for one of my practicums were
the attitude that spending taxpayer it was, it landed me on the Great Plains both present; they were two very well-
dollars on education programs, Interactive Distance Education Alliance respected professionals within the state’s
specifically higher education and (GPIDEA) webpage for Family and FCS educator pool who might have
vocational training for prisoners, Consumer Sciences Education Master’s encouraged some attendance. The title of
was not fair. They argued that Degree with Initial Teacher Certification. the presentation was, “Coming Soon to
they were struggling to pay their It was online with teacher certification a Neighborhood Near You.” The title is
own tuition without going into while earning a Master’s Degree—a a play on the reality that most prisoners
massive student loan debt: “Why perfect fit! But what is Family and will return to society, and they may just
should they [prisoners] get it Consumer Sciences (FCS)? This was end up being your neighbor. When I
for free?” In most cases, I could the first time I had heard of FCS, but it was done with the presentation, I had
win them over regarding the seemed ideal, and as they say, “the rest is a teacher from the audience approach
benefits of re-entry and education, me and share that she had cried during
especially when I discussed the
benefits related to the prisoner’s a portion of my presentation. At
family upon their release. this point, I realized what I had to
share regarding my journey as a
student and as an educator could
affect people personally and change
negative perceptions of the prisoner
population and their families. I
had the responsibility to continue
telling my story and sharing my
experiences.

Footnote:

This story is an adapted excerpt from Dr.
Roberson’s dissertation, A Road Never Traveled:
Using Autoethnography to Gain Insights for
Improving Correctional Education and Reducing
Recidivism. By K. Roberson, Ph.D., K. Alexander,
Ph.D., M. Lesley, Ph.D., & M. Rehm, Ph.D.

ON THE COVER

ANDREA GARZA

My name is Andrea Garza, and I appointments. Once my brother was With the help of our chapter advisor,
am the secretary of the Phi Upsilon old enough to stay home alone, I Dr. Sonya Meyer, I felt confident that I
Omicron Zeta chapter at the University decided it was time to get my driver’s was able to do this and work full time
of Idaho. I grew up as a military brat license. Once I did that, I took out a to financially support myself.
meaning up until my 6th grade year, I loan, bought a car, and got my first
jumped around from school to school full-time job, all while going to high Working two jobs, one part-time
as my biological father was in the school full time. Thankfully, I was able and one full-time, being a secretary for
Navy. When my parents divorced, to pay off my loan quickly and start to Phi U, and still participating in other
my younger brother and I moved to help around the house more. clubs gets busy, but it’s one step closer
Meridian, Idaho with our mom. She to the end goal: Showing my younger
raised us both by herself, struggling Once I graduated high school, I brother that we can have a better life
due to no financial or emotional decided to go to college. I was torn for ourselves.
support from our biological father. between leaving my family and going
I remember having blankets as our to college, but I realized it was what As of now, I’m currently majoring
couch and all three of us sharing a bed. I needed to show my younger brother in Child Development. My love for
It was a rough start, but I wouldn’t that there is more to life. Being a first- this degree and passion for FCS careers
be who I am today without these generation college student, it’s been is because of my brother. I realized
experiences. a rough ride moving six hours away that when taking care of him I wanted
from home. I was extremely homesick to take care of others and help them
My mother gave my brother and I for a while and wanted to come home, learn. By pursuing a degree in Child
everything we could have ever needed. but I knew being at the University is Development, I hope to open my own
She’s a very hard worker and wanted where I needed to stay. Since I had daycare and work with kids. Since
us to have the best life possible. found some time for myself, I decided joining Phi U, I have learned a lot
However, since she worked a lot, I to join a few clubs, Phi U being one about my love for FCS careers and
had to stay home and take care of my of them. I initiated in spring 2021 and what I want to do with my own career.
brother, who has autism. My mom joined the office in spring 2022. When Phi U has opened many new doors for
was a nurse and worked long hours. we underwent officer elections, I was me, and I can’t express how excited I
When she did have time off, she spent nervous to run, but I knew leadership am to see what’s next in-store.
it by taking my brother to therapy was something I wanted to take on.
Above photo and cover photo provided by
Andrea Garza. Cover photography by Joe Pallen.

7

FOLLOW YOUR HEART, WORK HARD

& NEVER MISS A DEADLINE!

by Dr. Sarah Angne Alfaro, Alpha Sigma, Region 1 Councilor

G rowing up, my mother and father Entering high school, I took art classes from full time design practice to full time
said I played Lincoln Logs every and really took an interest in a teaching education. I was teaching in the field I
day on the front porch, building and career and thus ended up in elementary art loved! Later I obtained my doctorate to
creating structures with neighborhood education as my first year college career help secure my professional dreams.
friends. Years later, they said I would decision. Something didn’t feel right with A piece of advice I would give a college
draw layouts of our house and rearrange that choice. So one day I was walking graduate is find a team of supporters to
the furniture. Then when they would come the halls in my college building and saw surround you, follow your heart, work
home from work, they’d find the rooms in the drafting studios. Soon after, I switched hard, and never miss a deadline. Those
the house switched and the furniture my major to interior design. supporters will help you through the good
rearranged. and bad; they will celebrate with you and
As I worked through my Interior help you during the hard times. Your
From an early age I had an interest Design degree at the number one school passion lies in your heart, and the
in design and art. Drawing, painting, in the nation, I won competitions and momentum that comes from within will
sketching, and building models were my worked in a variety of high-profile firms. carry you far in life helping you work
hobbies. My father was a technical drafter, By an early age, I had great experience hard and never miss those deadlines.
and I sat alongside him as he drafted and and was burnt out. I decided to go full
then built our home addition, and my circle and get a second degree in art
mother was the queen of everything home education. I wanted to teach; my passion
economics, sewing, cooking, perfect home was teaching. While pursuing the plans I
making! was offered an adjunct teaching position
for a local art college that had me teaching
students pursuing interior design as an
Associate Degree. I enjoyed teaching
and decided, rather than a degree in art
education, get a Master’s in Interior
Design so that I could teach at a bachelor
level.

During my time obtaining the Master’s
Degree, I presented at conferences and
published articles. I then transitioned

In Memoriam

Name Chapter Date of Death

Lavonne Childers Chi 8/1/21
Jean Clarke Alpha 7/1/21
Alpha Kappa 1/10/22
Emma Jean Cole Iota 1/11/22
Helen Evans * Feb. 2020
Jean Ford Psi 6/10/21
Louise Maxwell Chi 12/5/20
Hazel Milby Alpha Eta 11/5/21
Lenore Plue Alpha Gamma 3/25/21
Joan Thomson Nu 11/17/21
Adalain Weir Zeta

* Helen passed at the age of 101. She was initiated in 1939. Her mother, Veneta Horlacher, was instrumental in organizing Iota chapter, chartered in 1922.

REFLECTIONS FROM
A
PHI U ALUMNI CHAPTER
as provided by Norma Pitts and Connie Cahill, Gamma Alumni

Norma and Connie reflect on how Some of our events/meetings our hearts and souls into. We have all
the Gamma Chapter, at The Ohio such as the Holiday Brunch and kept connected throughout the years
State University, inspired them with Auction and Founders’ Day bring because of Home Economics and the
their love and dedication for Phi U: some members and guests who do love of OSU.”
not participate otherwise and help
“Our advisors helped us appreciate maintain relationships. Conclaves Norma continues: “As with
Phi U. Faculty who were Phi U and also provide some connections many groups, we have fewer active
advisors participated in the alumni and energy. I do believe we are members and are happy we have some
group. There always seemed to be welcoming, extending hospitality and more recent grads on our board. The
connections with the College and friendship to members, new initiates, need is still there for more to carry
importance of our field of study and others. We have built lifelong forward support and leadership in
and resulting careers. Over the friendships, and our common love of Phi U for friendship and professional
years, some dedicated members Phi U and what it represents results opportunities into the future.
also provided investments for local in truly being there for one another
scholarships and support that kept in celebrating personal joys and This speaks to the friendships of
connections strong. We have been support in times of sorrow or life’s Phi U members as we enjoy other
privileged to have national presidents challenges.” activities. Katie Shelley and I are in
and two executive directors from here. the front row with Miriam Tommas,
We have a core of people who live in Norma and Connie agree: “One sister of a Phi U member. Michele
Columbus and surrounding areas who thing that stands out to me over the Eastlake, KathyMcGrath, Alice
serve on the board and alumni across years is FRIENDSHIPS. Miskell, and Rita Lane are other Phi
the country who support with dues ‘Also the fact that our professional U members. This group plus Nikki
and donations so we can continue lives were intertwined, so not only Conklin, a Phi U member, plan yearly
to support the collegiate chapter and was PhiU a factor but how we outings to tour some places in Ohio.
on-going maintenance of our alumni interacted in our careers.’ (pictured below) Part of this tour was
chapter. Maintaining communication to visit OU and see new FCS facilities
with our alumni is important too... One last thing, building the and on to Dairy Barn for the national
addition to Campbell Hall was a huge quilt show.”
undertaking that so many of us put

SCAN TO
REGISTER
ON-LINE

OR
VISIT
WWW.PHIU.ORG/
CONCLAVE

Norma Pitts and Katie Shelley have taken on the enormous task as the 2022 Conclave Co-Chairs in which
the Gamma Alumni Chapter will graciously host Conclave 2022 in Columbus, OH, October 6-8.

I SAID “YES!” TO FCS

by Melanie Schmitt, Omega Chapter

T wenty-one years ago, sitting in One of the services of the career center I learned many valuable skills, such as
a class as a senior at my small was to give personality assessments to management and organizational skills,
hometown high school in Arkansas, had students who might need some direction which would be essential in my future
you asked me what I would be doing in in choosing their future career path. role as a secondary teacher.
the future, I would have NEVER told Since I was working there, the director
you teaching. I was a timid student, voted encouraged me to take this assessment. Upon graduation from Harding,
quietest in my class, and although I was My areas of strength included those I accepted the position as secondary
involved in many different extracurricular in human services and education and Family and Consumer Sciences teacher
and academic activities, the thought of training. While going over the results, at Hackett High School in Arkansas,
talking in front of a group of people the director asked me if I was familiar where I stayed for sixteen years.
terrified me. with Family and Consumer Sciences. I Teaching in a small school, I was the
said yes, as I had taken these high school sole FCS teacher. Although challenging
So, there I was, an eighteen-year-old courses and excelled in them and enjoyed at times, this allowed me to grow my
undeclared major, and on my way to them. She then encouraged me to try the program and increase my knowledge
Harding University, where I had always introductory course for this field, as she and skills by teaching various courses.
wanted to attend. My original thoughts was also the adjunct instructor for the Not only were my students exposed to
were maybe something in the medical class. a wide variety of classes, but they were
field, but I decided I did not want to be also actively involved in FCCLA through
in school that long. Looking back on my The course opened my eyes to competitions and community service
choices, I find this ironic since I am still the many possibilities of Family and projects. I had the exciting opportunity
a student in 2022, and I am about to be a Consumer Sciences and helped me to travel with my students nationwide to
doctor, just not in medicine! reflect on how much of a passion I places like Washington D.C., San Diego,
already had for the field. It turns out I Atlanta, Dallas, and Charlotte. For many
I scheduled my basic courses for had been exposed to this area of study of these students, these opportunities let
the semester and decided to get an even younger than in high school, as them experience their first airplane ride
on-campus job at Harding’s Career I was involved in 4-H activities in my or even their first time traveling outside
Center. Little did I know this decision local county. As I moved into high of the state. As their advisor, I found
would pave the way for my incredible school, I wanted to take these courses these moments to be priceless and am
career in Family and Consumer Sciences. because I thought they would be fun, so fortunate to have had the opportunity
valuable, and applicable to everyday life. to offer these experiences available
I probably took every course offered, through career and technical student
even dropping Physics my senior year, organizations.
to enroll in the clothing class where I
discovered my love for sewing. I was My love for FCS makes me want to
also involved in FCCLA (Family, Career, continuously learn more. After finishing
and Community Leaders of America) as my first year of teaching, I decided
a member and chapter officer. to pursue my Master’s in Family and
Consumer Sciences from the University
After my first semester in the Family of Central Arkansas (UCA). I chose this
and Consumer Sciences program at specifically because I realized the value
Harding, my career path was clear. I of the field and knew it would benefit me
continued to gain experience, and my most to achieve future personal goals and
passion for the field grew as I advanced be applicable in my everyday teaching
in my studies. Along with being a methods and courses.
student of the department, I was also
a teaching assistant for two different After eleven years in the secondary
courses. Throughout these experiences, school setting, I decided I needed a
THIRD degree specializing in FCS. So
10

I enrolled in the Family and Consumer RECONNECT... with AAFCS
Sciences Education Ph.D. program The Annual Conference is not only the Comeback Meeting
through Texas Tech University. I felt the
experience I had gained in the classroom -- it is an enhanced, comprehensive FCS conference offering robust
would provide a good foundation for professional development throughout 3+ days in a hybrid* format!
becoming a teacher educator. The
thought of being able to encourage and JOIN US JUNE 26TH
teach others who shared my passion and 11AM-12:15PM
start their own similar career paths really
excited me! for the

Today, I am living the dream. I Coordinating Council of Honor Societies
am now an Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Research Paper Award Luncheon
Practice in Family and Consumer
Sciences Education at Texas Tech. I hosted by
have the opportunity to teach future
FCS educators and am also finishing
my Ph.D. program this summer. I step
out of my comfort zone daily because
I am doing what I love. Not only am I
teaching at the university, but I have also
been given opportunities to travel across
the country, presenting my FCS-related
research and recruiting those who are
also interested in Family and Consumer
Sciences. I will always love and advocate
for what we do as Family and Consumer
Sciences professionals. We strive to
improve the human condition while
preparing our students for life. I am
so glad I said “Yes to FCS” twenty-one
years ago! In my opinion, no other field
is more relevant, valuable, and needed
today than ours.

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NOMINATIONSPHI UPSILON OMICRON NATIONAL OFFICERS
& BALLOT
PRESIDENT- NATIONAL FOUNDATION
ELECT
FINANCE CHAIR DIRECTOR

Susan Miller, Ed.D. Bruce A. Cameron, Ph.D. Corine M. Carr, Ed.D.,
RD, CD, CSG
Professor, University of Central Department Head/Professor, Louisiana
Oklahoma State University Assistant Professor (retd.), Ball State
University
Educational Background: Educational Background:
Ed.D., Oklahoma State University, Adult Ph.D., University of New South Wales, Educational Background:
Ed.D., Ball State University, Adult
Education Textile Technology
MS, Oklahoma State University, Family B.Sc., University of New South Wales, and Community Education
Dietetic Internship, Indiana University
Relations and Child Development Textile Technology
BS, Oklahoma State University, Phi U Participation: Medical Center and Riley Children’s
Delta Chapter Advisor Hospital
Vocational Home Economics National President-elect MS, Ball State University, Dietetics
Education & Clothing, Textiles and National President BS, Ball State University, Dietetics
Merchandising National Finance Chair BS, Ball State University, Home
Phi U Participation: Leadership Experience: Economics Education
Gamma Gamma Chapter Advisor University of Wyoming General Studies, Purdue University
National Foundation Board Phi U Participation:
National Council – Region 3 Councilor Visiting Assistant Professor, National President
Conclave 2016 Chairperson OKC, OK Department of Home Economics, National President-Elect
Leadership Experience: Alpha Sigma Alumni President
University of Central Oklahoma Assistant Professor, Dept. of Alpha Sigma Vice-President
Fashion Marketing Program Family and Consumer Sciences/ National Educational Foundation
Home Economics Director
Coordinator National Conclave 2002 Chair
Neeley Excellence in Teaching Award Associate Professor, Department of Candle Editor Search Committee
Elizabeth H. Threatt Diversity Family and Consumer Sciences Executive Committee
Advisor Recognition Chair
Initiative Award Department Head, Department of District Councilor Chair
Vanderford Initiative Award Family and Consumer Science National Council
Educational Leadership Academy District Councilor
East Central State University Louisiana State University Constitution and Bylaws Chair
Associate Professor, Retail Department Head, Department Personnel Committee Chair
of Textiles, Apparel Design and Handbook Revisions Committee
Merchandising Merchandising Delegate to National Biennial Conclave
Ada Public Schools, Jr. High Alpha Sigma Collegiate President
Professional Memberships: Leadership Experience:
Family and Consumer Sciences International Textile and Apparel Ball State University
Teacher Assistant Professor of Nutrition
Association Assistant Professor, Nutrition,
Professional Memberships: Textile Institute (Ctext ATI)
Pop Culture Association American Association of Textile Family and Consumer Sciences
AAFCS & OAFCS (President, Vice- Assistant Professor, Nutrition, Home
Chemists and Colorists
President & Foundation Chair) American Chemical Society Economics
Instructor, Nutrition, Home

Economics

Ball Memorial Hospital Leadership Experience: BS, Western Kentucky University,
Faculty, Central Indiana Sports Professor- Professions in Family and Family Studies & Hotel, Restaurant,
Medicine Fellowship, Central and Tourism Management
Indiana Sports Medicine Clinic Consumer Sciences, Surface Design,
Nutritionist, Medical Education Apparel Promotion in Merchandising, Phi U Participation:
Family Practice and Internal and Internships in Apparel, Textiles Beta Delta:
Medicine Residency Program and Design
Director- Margaret Ritchie School of Collegiate Social Co-Chair
Corine Carr & Assoc. Nutrition Services Family and Consumer Sciences Professional Project Winner
Founder/CEO Leader- University of Idaho Extension’s Alumni Pubilicity Chairperson
State Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Vice-President
Professional Memberships: Program Alumni President
American Dietetics Association Faculty- Family and Consumer Sciences, Alumni Counselor
Indiana Dietetics Association University of Wyoming Leadership Experience:
East Central Indiana Dietetics Professional Memberships: Educator- Family and Consumer
International Textiles and Apparel Sciences, Madisonville North
Association Association Hopkins High School
Indiana Association of Adult and Council of Administrators for Family Bookkeeper- The 100 Club of Central
and Consumer Sciences Texas
Community Education Development Director- The 100 Club
Ball State University Family and ALUMNI of Central Texas
COUNCILOR Interim Executive Director- The 100
Consumer Science Alumni Board Club of Central Texas
Kacy Markham Administrative Assistant- Almost
Sonya Meyer, Ph.D. Home, St. Louis, MO
Homemaker Professional Memberships:
Professor, University of Idaho Association of Career and Technical
Educational Background: Education
Educational Background: MA, Murray State University, National Association Teacher of
PhD, Kansas State University, Adult Family and Consumer Sciences
Education, Secondary Teacher Leader Alumni & Associates FCCLA
Education MA, Washington University in St. Louis,
MS, Kansas State University, Adult
Nonprofit Management
Education
BS, Emporia State University, Home

Economics
Phi U Participation:
Delta Chapter Honorary Member
Zeta Chapter Collegiate Chapter Advisor

image downloaded from www.osu.edu, © 2022 | The Ohio State University

CONCLAVE 2022 NATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT

“BEDS & BOXES”
Gamma Alumni and Gamma Chapters of Phi Upsilon Omicron have selected
two projects to be completed at Conclave 2022

BED BRIGADE

There is a community service project in Franklin County, Ohio that
supplies beds and bedding to families in need. Children who have
experienced homelessness and have been given shelter in extended
family homes or who have families who have successfully found
shelter in an apartment or home are given a bed and linens of their
own, something that they may not have experienced before.

The free beds are simple wood frames constructed by volunteer
woodworkers. The beds are finished by other volunteers who
decorate the head and foot boards and donate new linens for the
beds.

image downloaded from www.bedbrigadecolumbus.org Our responsibilities at Phi U Conclave will be to donate money for
materials, collect linens such as twin XL-size sheets, pillows and
pillowcases, blankets, and mattress pads. Conclave participants
will decorate headboards, tie fleece, blankets, and bundle linens to
create bedding sets.

BUDDY BOXES

Many children who qualify for free lunch or reduced lunches at
school go home for the weekend without a source of food. The

Family Mentor Organization became aware of this problem and
created Buddy Boxes to fill this need. The boxes are sent home on

Fridays to help alleviate student hunger.

A Buddy Box is a box filled with kid-friendly, nutritious, non-
perishable, individual - sized food items that are easy for children

to eat or prepare on their own.

Conclave participants will support this effort by donating money
toward buying the food for the boxes. Then the Buddy Boxes will

be packed in assembly line fashion by conclave attendees.

It is a fun, fast activity that gives a person a feel-good feeling!

1 DONATE 2 SEND 3 MAIL image downloaded from www.familymentorfoundation.org
Help support the Checks payable to: Norma Pitts CAN’T ATTEND CONCLAVE?
community service Phi Upsilon Omicron Gamma 3628 Clearview Ave,
activities by donating funds Alumni Conclave Fund Columbus, OH 43220 TO ACCESS OUR VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER ON GREEKTRACK
toward cost of supplies.
Please note on memo line:
Conclave Service Project

The community service committee welcomes bedding items purchased by members and brought to conclave.
Members can select from these needed items: new twin XL size mattress pads, sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and pillows.
Items can also be purchased online and sent directly to: Katie Shelley, 3661 Kennybrook Lane, Columbus, OH 43220
Bed Brigade suggests ordering from Walmart.

Conclave fundraisers help to maintain, or increase, the dollar Your help is needed!
amounts and numbers of scholarships, fellowships, and awards
available to collegiate Phi U members. Please bring items to Conclave for the
At Conclave 2022, we are planning to have a Silent Auction auction and drawings. Individuals and
format for participants to bid throughout Conclave for some chapters may provide items with each
designated items. alumni and each collegiate chapter
Also, we will have a “Silent Shake-Up” section in which some items donating at least one or more items each.
will be offered in a “bag drawing.” Participants purchase strips The following are suggestions of what to
of tickets and place tickets in the bags located beside items that bring:
appeal to the individual. You increase your chances with more • Items that can easily be consumed or
tickets in the bag! packed in a suitcase or carry-on
It is a fun way to earn dollars for the Phi U Educational • Items you might enjoy—jewelry, hand-
Foundation and have some personal benefit if you are the crafted items, other accessories, special
successful bidder or if your number is drawn. food items, stationery or cards, perhaps
related to your home region, or a unique
book
• Gift cards from national restaurants,
retail outlets, or on-line businesses
• Items that represent Phi U colors or
symbols, such as the violet
• Commissions for skills of members to
help a recipient 1) take an unused space
and turn it in to a child’s playroom,
2) offer a recipient a specific knitted/
crocheted/quilted item to make and
send at a mutually determined time, 3)
develop a healthy snack or menu plan
And, your help is needed to bid or fill
the bags with tickets. So, also bring to
Conclave small denomination bills and/
or your checkbook to make purchases!
Items may be turned in at Conclave
when you register.
Any questions may be directed to
Dr. Susan Miller at [email protected]
or at 405-974-5807

1969-1972 MEMBERS,

YOU ARE INVITED

TO BE HONORED AT

CONCLAVE 2022

OCTOBER 6-8

IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
ALL 50+ YEAR MEMBERS, PLEASE SEND YOUR NAME AND CURRENT ADDRESS TO:
MELISSA MARTIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PHI UPSILON OMICRON

P.O. BOX 50970, BOWLING GREEN, KY 42102 OR EMAIL: [email protected]

CALLING ALL MEMBER GUIDE
PHI U MEMBERS!!
Anticipate the changes in your
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2022 life! Keep your address and email
CONCLAVE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, current so as to keep up-to-date on

OCTOBER 6-8, 2022 Phi U news and activities.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR COLLEGIATE AND ALUMNI TO HOW TO MAKE
PRESENT POSTERS OF THEIR ACADEMIC WORK AND/OR AN EMAIL OR
ADDRESS CHANGE
RESEARCH AT CONCLAVE.
Go to www.phiu.org and login
POSTERS CAN REPRESENT WORK THAT IS to create an account through
RESEARCH-BASED, HAS A COMMUNITY SERVICE FOCUS, GreekTrack, Phi U’s new

AND COMES FROM A DESIGN DISCIPLINE, OR AN membership platform. From there
INTERNSHIP, FOR EXAMPLE. you can update your profile.

WHETHER YOU ARE FINISHING YOUR PROJECT/ You may also contact national@
RESEARCH OR ARE MID-WAY THROUGH, DESCRIBING phiu.org or call 270-904-1340.

YOUR PROCESS IN THE FORM OF A POSTER HOW TO SUBMIT
PRESENTATION IS A VALUABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. TO THE CANDLE

MEMBERS TRULY ENJOY SEEING AND LEARNING ABOUT Send all news and photos to
STUDENT WORK AND ALUMNI RESEARCH! [email protected]. All submissions
become property of Phi U and are
To participate, please submit a 300-word description or abstract subject to editing. Please include
about your project as an e-mail attachment to:
the name of your chapter, as
Melissa Martin, Executive Director at [email protected] well as full names and chapters
by Friday, August 26, 2022. of inviduals in the photo (with
their permission). Photos must
be 1 MB (1,024 KB) or larger to

ensure print quality.

Phi Upsilon Omicron is
a certified member of the
Association of College Honor

Societies.

GAMMA OMICRON

Gamma Omicron Chapter at Morgan State University celebrated FCS Day with a
FACS Family Gathering.
Department faculty, students, and guests gathered to paint and dine. Each person
was given a white apron to decorate and/or paint in a creative fashion. Toward
the conclusion of the gathering, there was a contest to determine the three best-
decorated aprons.
Members found the event to be a great way to relax, meet new friends, and come
together as family!

BETA RHO

As part of their 2022 ProfessionalProject, Beta Rho members at Idaho State
University shared the story of food insecurity among school-age children and the
services available to children who struggle with food insecurity in their area.
The Backpack Program provides kids in need with food to take home on the weekend
when the school meals they may rely on for nutrition are not available.
To further support the program and draw interest in spreading awareness, members
hosted a charity raffle at the Idaho State University Spring 2022 Health Fair, where
they raised enough money to provide 300 backpacks to kids in need.

ALPHA NU

Alpha Nu chapter at Oklahoma State University invited Dr. Diana Watson-Maile to speak about team building and leadership.
Dr. Watson-Maile spoke on the idea that each member is a part of a whole puzzle and that each piece is necessary to make the
puzzle complete.
Attendees came up with adjectives on what teamwork means to them. At the end, the puzzle pieces were put together to symbolize
members of the organization coming together with their individual qualities.

CHAPTER NEWS

BETA DELTA ALUMNI

Beta Delta Alum, Dr. Carrie Cox, with assistance from WKU Fashion
Merchandising students, curated an exhibit at the Kentucky Museum on the
campus of Western Kentucky University.
The exhibit, titled “Styles and the Gistofit: Carrie Burnam Taylor, Queen
Modiste of BG” highlights Carrie Burnam Taylor who was born and raised
in Bowling Green, KY. Taylor launched her business, The Mrs. A.H. Taylor
Company, in 1885, and it thrived throughout her life.
The exhibit showcased conserved examples of Carrie Taylor’s seamstress work,
who personified fashion entrepreneurship through her dressmaking business.
Find more information at www.wku.edu/kentuckymuseum.

GAMMA GAMMA

On March 3, 2022, the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Phi Upsilon
Omicron at the University of Central Oklahoma joined with the UCO
Foundation to honor Cheri Lamb, one of the founding members of the
Gamma Gamma Chapter – the chapter was founded in 1984.
Mrs. Lamb had made a monetary contribution to the Human
Environmental Sciences  Department in memory of her late husband,
Charles Lamb. The contribution was used to update the Virginia
Lamb Living Room with new tables and pictures.
Gamma Gamma officers honored Mrs. Lamb with a piece of jewelry,
flowers, and a framed certificate at the event.
Dr. Darlene Kness, retired Fashion Marketing Professor, also attended
the event. She was a faculty member in the HES department in 1984
when the chapter was installed and was initiated as an honorary
member at that time. Approximately 50 UCO administrators, faculty,
staff, Phi U members, and family and friends of Mrs. Lamb attended
the event.
Immediately following this event, the Gamma Gamma Chapter
officers and members initiated new members into their chapter.

BETA PSI

Beta Psi chapter volunteered at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona’s
annual Pumpkin Festival where members, students, and faculty created two
corn mazes, a sunflower field, petting farm, games, live music, displays and
demonstrations from CPP College of Ag clubs.
During the festival, chapter members participated in the festivities by setting up
the “Go Fish” booth to raise funds for the club.
The chapter raised more than $900 for the club during the multi-day festival.
Members that attended got to interact with parents and children in the community.

19

IOTA ALUMNI

Iota Alumni Chapter at the University of Kentucky, honored
Louise Gladstone who served as Iota Collegiate Chapter
Advisor for 31 years and served on the National Council from
2001-2005.
Louise retired from the University of Kentucky in June 2021.
The chapter collected congratulatory cards and letters that were
placed in a beautiful handmade wooden box inscribed with the
Phi U logo and presented to Louise.

GAMMA ALPHA

Gamma Alpha Chapter from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, was
reactivated during a ceremony on May 9, 2022.
The chapter and its newest members were initiated by Omega Chapter, from
Texas Tech University, who hosted the initiation virtually.

ALPHA DELTA

Alpha Delta Chapter from the University of Arkansas, was reactivated
during a ceremony on April 14, 2022.
A virtual initiation was hosted by Phi U President, Jenifer Reader, and the
Beta Rho Chapter from Idaho State University.

YOUeCHAPTER !
WANTS
Throughout the country, we have many alumni who are not involved in a local
Phi U alumni chapter but still want to connect with each other. And now, no
matter where you live, an eChapter can always be close by. Using Facebook,
this chapter is easy to access to connect with other alumni and share information
in yet another avenue for FCS Storytelling!

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Contact Martha Rew, MS, RDN, LD, Region 3 Councilor and Emerging
Professionals Committee Co-Chair at [email protected]

20

NATIONAL

OFFICE NEWS

REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE A AJOMINAZUISNGFOSRERTIHEISS!
NEW OR VETERAN ADVISOR,
WE WANT TO CONNECT WITH These interactive virtual sessions
YOU! STAY TUNED FOR THE will review various information that
ANNOUNCEMENT OF OUR benefit all Phi U chapter members.
‘VIRTUAL COFFEE BREAKS’
JUST FOR PHI U CHAPTER Previous sessions can be found on
ADVISORS! OUR GOAL IS TO Phi U’s YouTube channel.
PROVIDE AN INFORMAL AND
INVITING SETTING TO SHARE BEST PRACTICES, ASK
QUESTIONS, SEEK ADVICE, AND TELL OUR STORIES TO
HELP US ALL ACHIEVE #FCSSUCCESS!

PHI U BLING

THE PHI U JEWELRY STORE IS NOW LIVE!

ORDER YOURS TODAY AT WWW.ACGREEK.COM/PHIU

ALSO AVAILABLE AT
WWW.PHIU.ORG

LEADERSHIP,
SERVICE &

RECOGNITION:

BECOME PART OF THE
PHI U CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT

Get ready, be inspired, and determine what project,
activity, or service your chapter has conducted that can

be recognized in the Phi U Chapter Spotlight.

21

MEET THE PHI U TEAM
National Council

Jenifer Reader Kyle Roberson Bruce Cameron Diana Watson-Maile Katherine Uhde
National President National President-Elect Finance Chair National Advisor Councilor National Alumni Councilor

Sarah Angne Alfaro Amy Richards Martha Rew Diana Watson-Maile
Region 1 Councilor Region 2 Councilor , Region 3 Councilor Interim Region 4 Councilor
Region Councilor Chair

Brooklyn Sorensen Bentley Cunningham Lina Gonzalez Andrea Munguia Lynette Olson
Region 1 Collegiate Rep, Region 2 Collegiate Rep Region 3 Collegiate Rep Region 4 Collegiate Rep Educational Foundation Chair
National Collegiate Chair

Educational Foundation Board

Lynette Olson V. Ann Paulins Sally Fortenberry Susan Miller
Educational Foundation Chair Director, Chair-Elect Director Director

Bentley Cunningham Jenifer Reader Kyle Roberson
Collegiate Rep National President National President-Elect

National Office

Phi Upsilon Omicron

PO Box 50970
Bowling Green, KY 42102
270-904-1340
[email protected]

Melissa Martin Brad Golliher www.phiu.org
Executive Director Media Coordinator

Additional contact information can be found in the online directory at www.phiu.org

22

ROSTER OF ACTIVE CHAPTERS

Region 1

Alpha Omega (2-15-1964) Miami University, Oxford, OH Region 3
Alpha Phi (4-30-1960) Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
Alpha Pi (4-1974) Queens College, Flushing, NY Alpha Alpha (1-22-1938) Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX
Alpha Sigma (4-28-1956) Ball State University, Muncie, IN Alpha Nu (2-11-1950) Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
Alpha Sigma Alumni, Muncie, IN Alpha Upsilon (4-30-60) Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Alpha XI (4-26-1952) Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH Beta Upsilon (4-14-1973) Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX
Beta Epsilon (5-13-1967) SUNY-College at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY Beta Xi (11-20-1970) Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX
Beta Epsilon Alumni, Plattsburgh, NY Beta Zeta (2-9-1968) Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Beta Omicron (4-4-1971) SUNY-College at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY Beta Zeta Alumni, Fort Worth, TX
Gamma (5-22-1915) The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Eta (7-3-1920) Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS
Gamma Alumni, Columbus, OH Gamma Gamma (5-20-1984) University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK
Gamma Alpha (10-9-1982) University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Gamma Xi (2-4-2020) Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, OK
Omega (11-26-1937) Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Stevens Point, WI
Gamma Lambda (9-16-2007) The University of Maryland, College Park, MD Region 4
Gamma Omicron (12-5-2020) Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Lambda (11-24-1923) West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Lambda Alumni, Morgantown, WV
Madison Area Alumni, Madison, WI
Mu (12-22-1923) Buffalo State, SUNY, Buffalo, NY
Nu (5-24-1925) University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Omicron (6-5-1926) Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Rho (6-6-1929) University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO
Rho Alumni, Columbia, MO
Tau (4-29-1933) University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
Tau Alumni, Menomonie, WI
Theta (7-30-1921) Ohio University, Athens, OH
Toledo Area Alumni, Toledo, OH

Region 2 Alpha (2-10-1909) University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Alpha Alumni, St. Paul, MN
Alpha Beta (3-2-1940) Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS Beta (11-14-1914) North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Alpha Delta (5-8-1943) University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR Beta Alpha (2-21-1965) University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
Alpha Delta Alumni, Fayetteville, AR Beta Gamma (1-22-1966) State University of Minnesota-Mankato, Mankato, MN
Beta Delta (5-14-1966) Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY Beta Psi (5-16-1981) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona,
Beta Delta Alumni, Bowling Green, KY
Beta Iota (2-8-1969) Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA Pomona, CA
Beta Lambda (4-20-1969) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Beta Psi Alumni, Pomona, CA
Beta Rho (4-15-1972) Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
Blacksburg, VA Beta Rho Alumni, Pocatello, ID
Beta Mu (4-25-1969) Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA Delta (11-27-1915) University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
Beta Sigma (4-22-1972) University of Tennessee-Martin, Martin, TN Epsilon (5-5-1917) Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Beta Tau (3-4-1973) Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY Gamma Iota (11-5-2004) Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA
Chi (5-16-1936) University of Georgia, Athens, GA Gamma Nu (5-17-2012) Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Gamma Beta (5-13-1983) University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR Kappa (3-10-1923) Utah State University, Logan, UT
Gamma Beta Alumni, Conway, AR Phi (5-19-1934) South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Gamma Mu (6-1-2012) The Art Institute of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC Phi Alumni, Brookings, SD
Iota (2-26-1922) University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Xi Alumni, Lincoln, NE
Iota Alumni, Lexington, KY Zeta (5-22-1918) University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
Psi (12-11-1936) University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Psi Alumni, Tuscaloosa, AL Electronic Alumni Chapter (2012) www.facebook.com (Phi Upsilon Omicron
Upsilon (5-10-1934) Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC Alumni Electronic Chapter)

Revised Spring 2022 23

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supports professional projects, Bowling Green, KY, 42102
ensures that you receive the next
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Martin, Executive Director, at Phone _______________________ Email ___________________________________

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