Region IV Conference and Student Lead On
Submitted by: Jayna Evans, Fitness Graduate Assistant, Recreational Sports
Shreveport, Louisiana - October 12 - 15, 2014
During the conference there were sessions based on professional development, technological crazes, new and upcoming fitness formats, area specific roundtables (IM, Fitness, Informal, etc.), presentations based on books written about student development and leadership, new ideas for improving current programs, networking, and speaking with vendors. Participants enjoyed the networking with potential employers from other facilities and getting to know venders within the recreation field.
SHSU Recreational Club members and an SHSU staff member presented at Student Lead On. The topics included, breaking stereotypes and how to implement iPads with informal staff for headcounts and forms. The conference presented each program area with new ideas and a new outlook on recreation. This will enhance campus recreation as a whole and help students in their own professional endeavors. Back
Alpha Lambda Omega Christian Sorority
Submitted by: Alexis Simien, Alpha Lambda Omega President
Beaumont, Texas – July 31 - August 3, 2014
After attending the National Conference, the SHSU Alpha Lambda Omega has a full calendar of events and ideas for the semester. The conference theme was “Activate,” and they plan to model this in their ideas to make them into successful events. Members also learned how to activate their inner potential and become all that Jesus has called on them to be.
For the National Mission Point, they volunteered at Girl’s Haven. Here, they helped the young girls create arts and crafts, play kickball, and also had an opportunity to talk with them. During National Sisterhood, all of the sorority sisters got together and visited Cardinal Park. Back
Phi Gamma Delta National Convention
Submitted by: Alejandro Perales – Phi Gamma Delta President
Indianapolis, Indiana- July 24-27, 2014
Phi Gamma Delta’s national convention was hosted this year in the wonderful city of Indianapolis, IN. Three executive members of SHSU Phi Gamma Delta were able to attend. The weekend consisted of recruitment workshops, problem solving strategies, tips on finance and team building activities. A recruiting specialist talked about all the many ways fraternities can improve their recruitment. They provided tips on communicating and recruiting prospective fraternity members. Some of the topics discussed with other colony members included, grades, operations, finance and accountability. The finance session was very beneficial because charter members were able to discuss ways they earn funds for their fraternity.
During the convention, SHSU Phi Gamma Delta gave their presentation that provided an update on their organization’s progress, and received great feedback from the expansion committee. They also participated in “Project Phi Gam,” a citywide community service project organized to help clean up and show appreciation for the city hosting the convention. Colonies helped by picking up trash on two different sites; at a city playground and under a highway beside a painted mural.
During the convention valuable information was gained to help colonies move closer to becoming a charter. Mr. Perales stated that his goal was to continue recruiting on the SHSU campus and “ change the perception of what Greek life is about.” Back
2014 Sigma Lambda Gamma Convention
Submitted by: Jasmine Flores, Zeta Beta Chapter President
St. Louis, Missouri - June 2014
Attending the 2014 Sigma Lambda Gamma Leading Our Legacy Convention helped prepare member Jasmine Flores to better lead the Zzzzealous Zeta Beta Chapter at Sam Houston State University. She learned the proper use of parliamentary procedure and has become more familiar with Robert's Rule of Order in conducting business meetings. During the summer of 2014, America Ruiz and Jasmine Flores were elected as delegates to represent their Chapter. At the convention, they voted on the Chair of National Board of Directors, a new set of National Board of Directors, and also voted to amend the National Constitution. They attended several workshops that discussed retention rate, marketing, recruitment, and member involvement, which they plan to implement in their Chapter during the 2014-15 academic year.
As part of a traditional ritual, the first night in St. Louis begins with a gathering of hundreds of sisters from chapters all across the country. During the Omega Ceremony, they honor all of their fallen sisters. They also attended a luncheon for all delegates. Here, the SHSU Zeta Beta Chapter was recognized for their standings and received the Standards of Distinction award, which is based on rankings in areas such as events, fundraisers, donations, service hours, and academics. Zeta Beta Chapter was also recognized for achieving the ranking of Excellent in the Standards of Distinction assessment for the 2013-14 school year. For two consecutive years, Jasmine was able to speak with and be advised by Mary Peterson, the organization's executive director since 1990. This is her last year before retiring as executive director. The closing banquet provided an opportunity for everyone to exchange experiences with her. Back
2014 Soul Lifters Gospel Choir Retreat
Submitted by: Janise’ Taylor, Soul Lifters Gospel Choir Treasurer
Duncanville, Texas - March 20 - 24, 2014
During the spring 2014, the Soul Lifter Gospel Choir traveled to Dallas, Texas to attend the 69th Annual National Baptist Student Union Retreat (NBSUR). At the retreat, the Soul Lifters Gospel Choir and Acting on Faith (praise dance team) participated in a workshop and competition. Both groups from SHSU traditionally conduct themselves in a respectable manner exalting the name of the Lord, as well as the great name of Sam Houston State University. This year, a new branch was added to the organization, a step team called Steppers of Unity. As a result, Sam Houston State University became the first university to be represented by a step team in the history of National Baptist Student Union Retreat!
During the retreat, various choir members became ill and lost their voices. Despite this obstacle, the Soul Lifter Gospel Choir was awarded first place! Back
Submitted by: Javion Young, College Entrepreneurship Organization Interim President
Tampa Bay, Florida - February 2014
In February 2014, the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization traveled to Tampa Bay, Florida to attend the regional conference, which provided an opportunity to network with various out-of-state entrepreneurship groups and set up important long-standing ties with these organizations. They were also able to observe some of this great nation’s brightest thinkers at work, which indirectly provided multiple platforms for creative ideas to apply with their individual organization.
Mr. Young considers the funds provided for this trip by Student Service Fees, an investment. “The expertise provided at the respective conferences is vital to the growth and success of many C.E.O. projects.” The workshops help develop techniques and approaches in the art of entrepreneurship, and creating and maintaining new business. Back