LAS VEGAS - Just prior to the Opening Session at PestWorld, Pi Chi Omega, a national fraternity for pest control professionals, held a membership meeting.
As was customary during his presidency, Shep kicked off the meeting with some original verse that neatly summed up the fraternity's activities this past year and looked to the future with optimism.
"The last couple of years through trials and tears, we've been staying at home in our room as the fog starts to clear," he said. "We throw up a cheer in hopes the old ways will resume. So let's meet with our peers and share a few beers, not needing to log on to Zoom."
Shep also reviewed highlights from this past year, including:
- Pi Chi Omega realized two new perpetual scholarships (R. Randall Rollins Memorial Scholarship and Norm Ehmann Perpetual Scholarship)
- Pi Chi Omega Gives Back committee launched its Junior Entomologist Program
- Pi Chi Omega survived a year of virtual meetings and COVID-related challenges
Pi Chi Omega presented special awards to the following:
Award of Achievement: Dr. Austin Frishman, who was presented the award via video by Dr. Gary Bennett
Award of Professional Publications: the authors of The Biology and Management of the German Cockroach, which was lead-authored by Changlu Wang, Ph.D.
Generosity Award: Retired Australian PCO Paul Adams, who made two generous donations that enabled Pi Chi Omega to offer a scholarship in perpetuity in the name of his friend and legendary pest control figure Norm Ehmann. Sheperdigian presented the award to Adams via a Zoom call.
Sheperdigian also presented a plaque to Jerry Gahlhoff of Rollins, which recently donated funding for the R. Randall Rollins Memorial Scholarship.
Pi Chi Omega elected officers and directors
President: Cassie Krejci, MGK
President-elect: Desiree Straubinger, Certus
Secretary: Gene White, Rentokil
Treasurer: Stacy O'Reilly, Plunkett's Pest Control
Directors: Hamilton Allen (Hometeam Pest Defense); James Miller (Trece): Glen Ramsey, Rollins
Lastly, Pi Chi Omega approved three new members (Robert Gilbert, Jim Ives and Chow-Yang Lee, Ph.D.
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