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Kappa Psi
Epsilon Mu OFFICERS Regent: Tien Nguyen Vice Regent: Richie Waithe Secretary: Laurie Eng Treasurer: Jacob Flanagan Chaplain: Matthew Irwin Pledgemaster: Jay Hazelcorn Historian: Timmy Do
GROWING BROTHERHOOD: WELCOME DELTA CLASS On December 2, 2012, after months of hard work and dedication, the Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Psi gained 15 new Brothers. Congratulations to Stephen Gill, Kristal Judd, Jessica Wu, Ravi Bacchus, Tiffany Smith, Wendy Yuen, Jackie He, Amanda Courrege, Staci Hall, Kathleen Sullivan, Keon Thomas, Jennifer Orozco, Cecily Edmond, Danielle Bley, and Dominick Curry! These individuals have exemplified the Four Pillars of Kappa Psi: Industry, Sobriety, Fellowship, and High Ideals. We are proud to call them our Brothers and are excited to have them in our beloved family. It is not the strength in numbers that make us strong, but the strength in unity that makes us great.
Table of Contents Officers and Delta Class Welcome…………………………………..1 Inaugural Southeast Province Conclave……………………………...2 Building the Bonds of Brotherhood and Service to Community..……3 Epsilon Mu Rush Events……………………………………………4 Pledgemaster: Jay Hazelcorn………………………………………....5 Four Pillars: Industry and Kappa Psi Spotlight…………..…………...6
Sergeant-at-Arms: Nam Vu
Grand Council Deputies: Dr. Renee Rose Dr. Harry Patrick Marcelin
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Inaugural Southeast Province Conclave The Epsilon Mu Chapter was proud to have the distinguished honor and responsibility of hosting the Inaugural Southeast Province Conclave the weekend of November 16-18, 2012. The task was not met without apprehension, however, as the chapter wanted to make this weekend one that would further strengthen the bonds of Brotherhood in the Southeast Province. The arrival day for Brothers was a great start to a memorable weekend: the scene at the registration table hummed with anticipation of the weekend’s events and a growing spirit of Brotherhood. We were pleased to host Brothers from across the country and their guests, especially those Brothers who were new to the Southeast Province. The events of the evening included a welcome meet-andgreet at a local Hooters restaurant, followed by a welcome social where Brothers danced the night away.
The following morning was a day of business, held at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s beautiful new Lake Nona campus. Brothers slowly trickled in, albeit still reveling from the night before, and after which, the meetings of the day commenced. Pledges had the opportunity to spend much of the day at the metaphorical feet of Brother Dr. Marvin Smith, who taught pledges how to build and maintain the strong bonds of Brotherhood within Kappa Psi. That Saturday night, Brothers dressed to impress for the grand Masquerade Ball. Masks ranged from the simple to outrageous, but were all united in representing one of the symbols that represents our Fraternity. Fellowship, drinks, and merriment made for a captivating night that was captured at the photo booth. To cap-off Conclave weekend, the chapter hosted a final picnic to give Brothers a grand send-off. Held at Moss Park, the afternoon picnic was an ideal way to recount the memories from the weekend. Even as the last Brother left, all felt united in the bonds of a growing Brotherhood.
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BUILDING THE BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD Epsilon Mu values bonding time between Brothers. During the pledging process, time is spent getting to know pledges and Brothers: first growing to become friends, then confidants, and eventually family. Social, service, and family-focused activities are planned to cultivate fraternal bonds. The pledges are given the charge to plan various events, which allows them to spend more time with the Brothers. The pledges excelled at the planning and execution of these events, including a family picnic and a
social at the Grand Prix. At the Grand Prix, a gokart track, the pledges let loose and challenged the Brothers to some friendly competition. The pledges also arranged events that were designed to strengthen the bonds between them. These events included a Putting Edge social and osteoporosis and hypertension health screenings where the pledges received flu shots together. The Brothers also spent a day at the driving range playing golf.
SERVICE TO COMMUNITY As healthcare providers, the foundation of the pharmacy profession is patient care and philanthropic service to the community. The newly initiated Delta Class upheld this foundation as then pledges volunteered through Hands On Orlando to help clean and organize a local grocery store for low income families. The pledges also held a clothing drive on the Orlando Campus, and all donations were given to a local charity.
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Epsilon Mu Rush Events
The Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Psi held rush events this fall that would promote relaxed conversations with potential pledges. Kicking off the first rush event at AMF Sky Lanes Bowling Alley brought out the performer in all who attended. With 23 rushes coming out to socialize, this was one of the largest rush events for the Epsilon Mu chapter. Brother Mikel Forero established a lasting impression on the rushes by electric sliding and moon-walking to his favorite 'Retro Rage' 80’s music. The "High Rollers," Jacob Flanagan and Stephen Gill, threw accurate hooks with pins flying and mixing, resulting in remarkable victories. Jay Hazelcorn aka "Honey Badger" sized up his shot, stared down the ten pins ahead of him and gripped the ball at its “center of gravity.” He visualized the 10 pins crashing to the floor, helping him to hit a perfect strike. One of the rushes at the time, Brother Keon L. Thomas, said, "From the short time I spent with the Brothers, I already felt a since of belonging, I knew right away this would be my home.”
As a part of rushing, the Chapter provided an opportunity for service at the Ronald McDonald House. Rushes and Brothers prepared breakfast and lunch for the residents and afterwards went on a tour of the facility. Dom commented on his service that day, “For the residents, it’s a tough time, and it felt great to do this small thing for them.” The Rush Picnic getaway on September 12, 2012, was held at the wellsecluded, Moss Park, where Brothers were able to witness first-hand Florida’s nature at its best, especially the lofty oak trees that provided much needed shade. The Sand Hill Cranes came to join the fun, fighting with their lanky bodies and sharp beaks to sample our deliciously grilled burgers. Brother Pam Nguyen aka "Sanji", our finest chef, served a bowl of authentic Vietnamese-style pork fried rice. After lunch, the crew decided to “serve it up” with what was initially a friendly game of volleyball; however, the game transitioned into “The Asians Against the World” tournament. Unfortunately jump sets and blocks didn't stand a chance against the opposition and ended in a heavyhearted loss for the “Asians.” Graduate Brothers Dr. Harry Patrick Marcelin and Dr. Brandon Huang joined us at the event to show guidance and support for the rushes. Brother Jackie He was quoted as saying, "It meant a lot to know that these Brothers committed time out of their hectic work schedules to meet us. It showed that Kappa Psi is truly a life long fellowship." Industry night was Epsilon Mu's final rush event of 2012, gathering local Graduate Brothers together in one room to discuss the career paths they chose following pharmacy school. Each Graduate Brother described how being a Brother facilitated their development as strong leaders. Epsilon Mu Alpha Brother, Jeremy Lund, was also a part of the guest panel describing a day-in-the-life of a fourth-year student on rotations. 4
That night ignited a passion for the profession of pharmacy among those present. The Graduate Brothers of Industry Night intimated that that Kappa Psi is not just a pharmacy school fraternity, but a life-long commitment and true a fellowship. Dr. Jeremiah McKinley from the Delta Iota Chapter captivated the audience with the story of his pledging process, describing how his introverted personality was a struggle for him in the beginning. He further explained there were moments he wanted to quit; however, the experience brought him out of his shell. He described Kappa Psi as the one thing that brought forth the best version of him. Jeremiah also discussed his fight through his residency program; he explained, "sleeping, my friends, is a privilege.” He told us to remember that, "the hardest work is as a brother, not as a pledge and whether you make it as a brother or not, you should never sell yourself short.” Dr. Jennifer Cortes from the Orlando Graduate Chapter described how her 2 year residency in an inpatient healthcare setting helped her stay up-to-date with the latest therapies of evidence based medicine; how to work within an interdisciplinary health care team in a collaborative effort to help benefit patient care; and most of all, how it positioned her to be a leader in advancing the profession of pharmacy. The Brothers of Epsilson Mu would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Jeremiah Mckinley, Dr. Harry Patrick Marcelin, Dr. Jennifer Cortes, Dr. Deanna Mina, Dr. Brandon Huang, and Dr. Jessica Cobian for coming out to Industry Night.
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PLEDGEMASTER: JAY HAZELCORN and supportive. He stated, “My parents have always pointed me in the right direction.” He has also been influenced by his Kappa Psi Brothers and has been able to learn something from each of his Brothers. His goals for the future are to be successful in the practice of pharmacy, provide for his family, live a comfortable lifestyle and be healthy and happy amongst friends and family. Most of his classmates know Jay is an avid kickball player, yet few know that Jay is a member of the #1 nationally ranked kickball team, the Meatballs. His team travels the country playing games in places like Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Washington, DC, and New Orleans in what “kickballers” call Kickball 365, also known as “playing-the-circuit.” His team competed against the most competitive kickball teams in the United States in the National Kickball Championship in New Orleans this past November. The Meatballs won the Championship Title for the second year in a row after playing 5 extra innings in overtime in the final game and beating out 26 other teams.
The Pledgemaster officer position in the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Psi is currently held by Jay Hazelcorn and that is unlikely to change in the next year. Although Jay says he first found himself in the position because his Brothers nominated him, his Brothers would agree that Jay’s reign as “Pledgemaster” has been legendary because of his embodiment of the Four Pillars of Kappa Psi. His example of what Brotherhood means left no doubt in a pledge’s mind what is expected of him or her to represent Kappa Psi in the Epsilon Mu chapter. With his commanding presence, his self-assured composure in the coarsest of moments, and his unyielding attitude towards demonstration of high ideals, Jay guided the pledges on the pathway to Brotherhood from individuals to a cohesive unit. How does Jay feel about the pledging process? “Pledging is a tool that provides a great foundation for Brotherhood, that prepares young professionals as far as confidence and time management, and that helps inspire individuals to care not just about themselves, but others as well. If we can get those individuals to portray that attitude in the profession of pharmacy, then patients will see the value in pharmacists, and there will be no law or politician who will be able to say we (pharmacists) have no place in the health profession because we will have the support of the public.”
How does Jay approach life? His persona has been compared to the infamous honeybadger, who goes about his business and doesn’t care about the rest. Jay’s approach to life my seem hyperbolic when measured against his alter ego, the honeybadger; but those who know him best would agree it lines up perfectly with Jay’s motto: live by the golden rule and do not worry about what you cannot control.
One of Jay’s most difficult times in life was when he found himself unfulfilled in his professional career and made a courageous change for the better. In college, he worked odd jobs, painting houses, pressure washing, and later worked as a successful mortgage broker. Finding himself successful yet unsatisfied, he went back to college to pursue his PharmD degree. Through these challenging times, Jay excelled in the presence of adversity. He expressed, “In life you will always be faced with adversity, whether it’s related to education, sports, relationships. You can always learn and grow from past mistakes to be successful in future endeavors. What’s important is how you respond to failure.” Jay’s parents are educators and have always been motivating 5
THE FOUR PILLARS
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FELLOWSHIP INDUSTRY SOBRIETY HIGH IDEALS Industry involves devoted labor in acquiring knowledge and providing service as well as diligence in furthering the pharmacy profession. Pledges exemplified Industry, one of the Four Pillars of Kappa Psi, as they screened patients for hypertension and osteoporosis at Target® under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, acquiring both professional experience and providing service to patients in the community. Brothers also held an “Industry Night” as part of Rush Week, in which attendees heard Graduate Brothers describe different career paths in pharmacy.
KAPPA PSI SPOTLIGHT JEREMY LUND and DOUGLAS BROWN
The Student Chapter of Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FSHP) at the Orlando Campus held a campus-wide Clinical Skills Competition (CSC), and the winning team consisted of Brothers Jeremy Lund and Douglas Brown, both members of the Alpha Class of Kappa Psi Epsilon Mu. This team also won the All Campus Clinical Skills Competition, which additionally was hosted by the Orlando Campus Student Chapter of FSHP. Jeremy and Douglas then competed in the national competition at the Midyear Meeting of American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) held in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are so proud of our Brothers!