NATIONAL PANH ELLENIC CONFERENCE UPDATE
Recent Meetings of the National Panhellenic Conference BY LORETTA GOOD, NPC CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)—the trade association for 26 inter/national women’s-only sororities, including Alpha Sigma Alpha—hosted its Annual Conference, March 31 – April 1, at The Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky. The event, which had been postponed from fall 2021, was followed by the 2022 NPC Annual Membership Meeting on April 2. “After several pandemic-related delays, it was truly special for NPC to host this Annual Conference and bring representatives of our member organizations together in person for robust conversation and friendship across badges,” said NPC Chairman Cheri M. De Jong. NPC Annual Conference The purpose of the Annual Conference is to convene NPC’s member organizations for networking and discussion of topics of mutual interest. This event kicked off on March 31 with a welcome luncheon and the State of the Conference report. NPC Chairman De Jong began by welcoming attendees and asking 8 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha
them to remember those who had passed since the Conference last gathered, whether due to the pandemic or another cause. She also asked attendees to reflect on the purpose of the meeting and the Panhellenic spirit that brings the Conference together to work cooperatively to make a positive difference for NPC organizations and their members. Next, De Jong and NPC CEO Dani Weatherford, J.D., presented the State of the Conference report on behalf of the NPC Board of Directors. De Jong shared updates on work of the board, including the various initiatives the board has directed and how those initiatives are defining their future focus. Weatherford then shared an update on the work of NPC staff and volunteers, focusing on the many projects completed this past year, as well as some of the ongoing work related to finishing the 2019-22 Strategic Plan. Taking the place of a traditional town hall, “The Conference Conversation” brought attendees together for discussion on three topics. Most significantly, the majority of the conversation focused on the member
organizations’ strong focus on growth in recruitment and what actionable steps the Conference can take so more women join our organizations. Programming also included formal awards presentations. During the NPC Foundation dinner on Thursday, the NPC Foundation presented the 2021 Women in Higher Education Achievement Award (WHEA Award) to Dr. Cecilia E. Suarez, assistant professor of intercultural communication & global leadership, department of agricultural education & communication, University of Florida, and a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. The NPC Foundation also provided recognition for Barbie Chadwick, the outgoing NPC Foundation president and member of Gamma Phi Beta. During the Friday night NPC Awards dinner, the following awards were presented: • Distinguished Service Award: Patricia Plumlee “Patty” Disque, a long-time NPC volunteer and member of Chi Omega. • Harriet Macht Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award: Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association.
