ΚΨ EM Fall 2016 Newsletter

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Fall 2016 Assembly

Brothers travel to Gainesville for SEP Assembly

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APhA-ASP Mid-Regional Meeting

Brothers attend region 3 MRM in orlando

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Brosgiving

Brothers give thanks with a potluck

Kappa P s i Epsilon Mu Fall 2016

Core Values

4 Pillars

The Theta Class exemplify Fellowship, Industry, Sobriety and High Ideals throughout their pledge events page 10

Philanthropy Spotlight

Devereux Threshold Center for Autism

Brothers visit the center to present their donation page 7

KAPPA PSI PHARMACEUTICAL FRATERNITY, INC.

CURRENT OFFICERS: Regent: Jennifer Perez Vice-Regent: Jenny Vuong Secretary: Jacqueline Nguyen Treasurer: Jose Tamayo

Historian: Khang Tran Chaplain: Kevin Thomas Sergeant-At-Arms: Benjamin Ferris Pledge Educator: Theora Canonica Immediate Past Regent: Brian Littlejohn

GRAND COUNCIL DEPUTIES: Dr. Renee Rose Dr. Harry Patrick Marcelin Dr. Lawrence Lesko

“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

- William Ernest Henley

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Fall Assembly 2016

By Nickhil “CHRONOS” Patel

Kappa Psi • Epsilon Mu

ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE

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t was that time of year once again.

You anxiously waited to rush out of class. You packed your bag full of all the dress clothes and Kappa Psi gear it can fit. Yes, that’s right. It was finally time for Fall Assembly. This past semester, the Southeast Province Assembly was hosted at the heart of Gator Nation in Gainesville, Florida. Our beloved Brothers at Gamma Sigma created a lively weekend of pure fellowship and high ideals for all Chapters around the country to enjoy.

gear. Epsilon Mu’s Chapter report was the most unique, with our own Brother Khai Ho dropping some sick rhymes and beats to sum up our incredible and successful year. Dr. Palmieri’s speech on the changes and development of Kappa Psi throughout the years stood out the most. He expressed how much diversity has been gained over time and he even involved the entire audience to prove his point. Diversity and growth are strengths true to Kappa Psi and our Fraternity would not be the same without it.

The Friday night social kicked off the beginning of our Fall Assembly and an incredible weekend. Everyone was excited to hop on the party bus and head over to the classic local bar in Midtown, Fat Daddy’s. Brothers from across the country were reunited, laughter and stories were shared, and new bonds were formed. It was a great way to set the tone for the Assembly.

After all the business and a quick dress change, all the Brothers went to dinner at the exclusive University of Florida Champions Club, located at the top of the Gators Football Stadium. With a breathtaking view of the field and a massive sign illuminating our precious Kappa Psi letters, it was crystal clear that this dinner was a touchdown. Epsilon Mu Brothers and graduates filled the room showing our passionate involvement and pristine style. Our resolutions chair, Brother Nickhil Patel, did a remarkable job, after hours of preparing and even skipping a meal. The man does not crack under pressure (written by my editor!)

Throughout dinner, Province and Chapter awards were announced with Epsilon Mu coming out on top again as the #1 Chapter in the province!

It was all business starting at the crack of dawn Saturday morning, featuring some Epsilon Mu’s very own grads, Dr. Timmy Do, Dr. Keon Thomas, and Dr. Ravi Bacchus! We received updates from Province and International Officers, discovered what our fellow Chapters were up to, explored new topics in Kappa Psi and pharmacy practice, and even loaded up on more Kappa Psi

“I knew that Kappa Psi experienced a lot of change over the years, but elegantly and powerfully, Dr. Palmieri was able to show us the evolution of our beloved Fraternity. Without the addition of our nonwhite, non-male, non-Christian Brothers, this Fraternity would not be where it is today. As Past Grand Regent Brother Dr. Kenneth Roberts expressed to me at the Leadership Symposium in Albuquerque, “We would be nothing without our diverse family”. That theme is so evident in our Chapter and with Kappa Psi as a whole. Just look at our current Grand Regent, Brother Latha Radhakrishnan, Southeast Province Satrap Brother Timmy Do, the Orlando Graduate Regent Brother Keon Thomas, or our Epsilon Mu Regent Brother Jennifer Perez. Our growth as a Fraternity is undeniable. It makes me fall in love with our Fraternity all over again.”

- Jennifer “SHE-RA” Ryder

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We ended our busy Saturday at Simons in downtown Gainesville.

The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and conversation. We continued our fellowship and created fun-filled memories for another night. Sunday morning the Brothers shared their “until next time” and “text me when you get home” with each other, and headed back to reality.

With the Spring 2017 semester looming, excitement is building for the Spring Assembly hosted by Zeta Delta in Tampa, Florida. Hosting an Assembly is no easy task. The many hours of planning and preparing paid off for Gamma Sigma

as Fall assembly was a complete success. From the socials that renewed Brother bonds to the business and education that keep us informed and involved, Gamma Sigma was able to produce a

Brother Kathleen Sullivan poses with Grand Council Deputy Harry Patrick Marcelin

Brother Satrap Timmy Do and Brother Amanda Courrege stand atop “The Swamp”

Kappa Psi • Epsilon Mu

memorable Fall Assembly experience.

Although the distances may grow between Brothers, we ain’t ever getting older, and it’s moments at Assembly that bring us closer.

This past semester, the Brothers of Gamma Sigma hosted our province Assembly. Despite having a few hiccups, it was still an amazing experience.

Brother Satrap, our very own Dr. Timmy Do, led the meeting which culminated with an amazing hype video for Epsilon Mu’s year, including a full Kappa Psi Epsilon Mu rendition of 10 Bands from Brother Khai Ho. Before we knew it, dinner was served and our table was lucky enough to have Dr. Palmieri sit with us, who was an incredible and passionate speaker and avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. Brother Nickhil Patel was even part of the dinner ceremony as he was the resolutions chair for this assembly! It was amazing to see our Chapter having such an impact on this Assembly which concluded in our Chapter winning the SEP Chapter of the Province paddle, which is why this was an Assembly to remember!

- Jose “GHOST” Tamayo

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APhA-ASP MRM 2016 A Brother’s Perspective: Together We Always Can By Vanita “DUCTILITY” Harridan

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his Fall, Brothers of Epsilon Mu and members of APhA- ASP Orlando got all packed up and excited to travel to the beautiful city of …Orlando, Florida! Okay, so we didn’t travel very far and few of us packed up, but that did not change the memories that were made! As a result, we had high attendance from Brothers and pledges allowing for us to make a plethora of connections and learn leadership skills that we could bring back to our campus. For many of us, this was our very first Midyear Regional Meeting. Being in a room filled with the presence of pharmacy students that share the same passion as ourselves was definitely an eye-opening experience!

This weekend of networking began on the evening of Friday, October 14th at the Caribe Royale Hotel.

Since this day doubled as UF’s homecoming, Gators from all campuses proudly adorned blue and orange attire.

That night served as an opening for MRM and an introduction to this year’s slogan: “Together We Can”. As a Brother of Kappa Psi, this slogan speaks volumes. We preach UNTY to our pledges every year and live this as a Brother every day. As I listened to the meaning behind this phrase, I looked at all my fellow Brothers surrounding me and thought of how they impacted this profession. I thought of how this profession along with Kappa Psi impacted me. If I chose to do this journey on my own, I probably would not have been sitting at MRM at that very moment. This slogan may resonate with many APhA- ASP members in that room, but I knew for sure that Brothers of Kappa Psi have lived the phrase, “Together We Can”.

“MRM opened my eyes to the different opportunities available as a pharmacist and how much of an impact we are able to make.”

Brothers of Epsilon Mu and Zeta Gamma

On Saturday, we returned to MRM with a full day of events ahead. We listened to guest speakers offer their insight on our patient care projects, leadership, and policy. During this day, many of us found our MRM moment; the moment during MRM that left the greatest impression on each of us. Our Regent, Jennifer Perez, found her moment, during the session on developing leadership. “My most memorable experience at MRM was taking a personality quiz to figure out my conflict resolution style. I found that I was “compromising” and “collaborating” in regards to how I handle conflict with other people. It really opened my eyes to ways I can improve in communication to deal with situations that could involve disagreements.” Others such as new Brother Liem Dang found their MRM moment through the policy session. He stated, “Being able to witness and participate in policymaking was an amazing experience. More importantly, MRM opened my eyes to the different opportunities available as a

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pharmacist and how much of an impact we are able to make.” Brother Jacqueline Nguyen recalled, “My favorite part of MRM this year was hearing fellow student, Jade Hefler, speak about her personal experience with a family member that was dealing with alcohol abuse. It was really eye-opening because I have known her for 13 years and this was the first time I heard of it. She spoke eloquently, but frankly about the struggles she faced with her siblings. It was inspiring.” This moment was truly unforgettable for those who know or have not meet Jade before.

She made a room filled with hundreds of people feel so close as she shared something so personal. She reminded each of us why we come to these events and why we are in the healthcare field.

For Brothers, new and old, this opportunity to see pharmacy students and pharmacist gather in one location never seizes to amaze. Seeing so many people passionate about pharmacy rekindles the passion that we hold inside about our chosen profession. To be able to meet Brothers and pledges from other Chapters shows us that the virtues that we grow at Epsilon Mu are being grown all around this region. Brother Matthew Ferraro saw this bond of fellowship and recalls his MRM moment as “meeting other pledge classes from around the region and being able to connect when them, even after MRM was over.” His pledge Brother, Kelly Wright, added “it was such a warm and welcoming time to meet people I had only heard of or talked to over the phone. I plan to attend MRM next year again, just for that experience alone.” To know that our new Brothers feel this enthusiastic about pharmacy and Brotherhood is enlightening. APhA-ASP MRM and events like APhA-ASP MRM are truly a different experience from a Kappa Psi Brother’s perspective.

It is a reminder that we are united and supported in the field of pharmacy. It is a subtle reminder that together we can be better leaders, together we can be better learners and together we can advance this field to new heights. Together We Always Can. Brothers of the Theta Class and other APhA-ASP members pose for the camera!

Kappa Psi • Epsilon Mu

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Philanthropy Spotlight

By Khang “CHAKRA� Tran

This past spring, Epsilon Mu hosted a kickball event to raise money for the local charity, Devereux Threshold Center for Autism. It was an amazing turnout as we raised over $400 for this amazing institution. This fall, Brothers of Epsilon Mu visited the campus to not only present the check but also to meet the incredible people that have dedicated their lives to helping these individuals. The campus offers a safe and home-like environment for many adolescents and children facing behavioral disabilities. The Devereux Threshold Center allows them to live freely by going to school, keeping them physically and mentally stimulated with arts and crafts, and building life skills that will allow them to live independently in the future.

The center is home to a wonderful group of people.

The caretakers have extreme passion towards their responsibilities and treat the residents as if they were their own family. Visiting the center in person enlightened me on how much of an impact we can make with our contributions.

- Brother Liem Dang It was inspiring to see firsthand what the Threshold center does for the residents.

- Brother Linda Ho

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Welcome Back Field Day Brothers invite family and friends to our annual Welcome Back Field Day event. Future pharmacists got an opportunity to be advocates for their profession by ultimately raising $200 to the Florida Pharmacists Political Committee

Kappa Psi • Epsilon Mu

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Big/Little Reveal Day Littles are revealed to their Bigs on a beautiful and sunny day at Cypress Grove Park.

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4 Pillars The Theta Class FELLOWSHIP Both on campus fraternities, Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. and Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, came together to have fun and play games with one another at Arcade City. It was amazing to see how, despite being two distinct Fraternities, we can still associate and hang out with each other without any bad blood.

Bonds between Kappa Psi and Kappa Epsilon were deepened as we fought to overcome the obstacles in Mario Kart, braved the Jurassic World, and contested in the 2-vs-2 Air Hockey games. We were able to see a glimpse of how Fellowship is not limited to only within the Brotherhood but extends outside as well. It is important to have strong bonds within the Fraternity but it is also important to have a strong rapport with other organizations as well.

INDUSTRY The Theta Pledge Class worked alongside Brother Dr. Dao Tran to coordinate a health screening event at a Target Pharmacy. At the health screening, several Thetas took turns taking the blood pressure of customers in the store, while assessing their risk for diabetes and asking about their vaccinations. The rest of us walked around the store, advertising about our health screening event. We switched off every hour so that everyone had the opportunity to practice how to take blood pressure. Industry is one of the four pillars of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. and it is represented through this event. Pharmacists are considered the most accessible member of the health care team. It is our responsibility to advise patients about any health or medication concerns they may have. We embodied this Pillar by not only spreading hypertension and diabetes awareness, but also informing patients about the importance of vaccinations. Since pharmacy interns recently acquired the ability to immunize in Florida, this made it even more meaningful that we could educate patients about receiving their immunizations through

Kappa Psi • Epsilon Mu

their local pharmacy. We could highlight one of the pharmacist’s important roles in the healthcare industry and show how pharmacists can have a positive impact on their lives.

SOBRIETY The family picnic that we hosted was a perfect example of sobriety. It was a time where we could free our mind from school or pledging and get to know each other in a mindful way. We played games with the Brothers and were able to reflect on the aspects of the Brotherhood that we aspire to works towards. being able to bond with everyone in a calm way really helped solidify our passion to be a part of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. HIGH IDEALS For our community service event, we served food donated

by Publix to the homeless at Straight Street Orlando’s (SSO) Tuesday Night Food Share at Saint George Church.

We helped set up for the large crowd that came in need of food. Before serving, we bowed our heads in prayer with the other volunteers and then worked together as a well-oiled machine to serve the homeless. Half of us were behind the tables to make the plates and drinks while the other half of volunteers formed an assembly line to serve the food and drinks to the homeless. This system worked very well and the event was a success. Enough food was left over for people to receive seconds. The most impactful aspect of the event were the connections we were able to have with the people we served. We had conversations that gave us insight into looking beyond the surface of a person’s circumstances. The Food Share emphasized the importance of helping others. The passion that the members of SSO had was truly moving, especially PJ, who started the organization. Community service is representative of High Ideals because even though philanthropy is not necessary to participate in, we find it fulfilling to give back to the community and strive to make a difference in the lives of others.

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On December 4th, 2016, Epsilon Mu welcomed the Theta Class into our beloved Fraternity.

Fall 2016 Newsletter

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Brosgiving:

Showing Appreciation with Fun, Food, &Fellowship By: Katie “CHRYSALIS” Li

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he everlasting and unwavering displayed her Thanksgiving center pieces and Fellowship that stands as a pillar of decorations. Brothers all lined up to help carry our noble Fraternity also serves as the in extra tables and chairs that were happily backbone that keeps all Brothers together. provided by Brother Daryl and his family.

Fellowship is not just a province award that Everyone’s instant willingness to help serves as Epsilon Mu brought home these past two another example behind the strong Fellowship years; it is the underlying reason behind why that holds Epsilon Mu together. we win that award that makes this Chapter so Candles were lit, decorations were great. One of our most influential Brothers, Dr. in place, and music set the mood as the Marvin Smith, once told us, “We are family. evening began. I could hear the excitement We might not always like each other, but we and happiness as Brothers greeted each will always love each other”. These wise words other at the front door. The glorious scent resonate with me and this Chapter because of each Brother’s homemade plates filled it reminds us that through any adversity, the room while the breathless laughter disagreement, or distance, each of my Brothers signaled that everyone was here. Brothers are prepared, willing, and happy to lend a hand were anxiously awaiting the many delightful to any in need. dishes, ranging from Brother Theora’s savory

This year Epsilon butternut squash soup to Brother Mu gathered around the Nicole’s green bean casserole. table to celebrate together Everyone chattered and clamored a wonderful holiday that as they enjoyed their food and reminds everyone to be conversation. I looked peacefully appreciative for what into the crowd and gleamed at you have in front of you. everyone’s empty plates and happy Following a general body smiles. There were even endless meeting, we warmed up plates of leftovers that Brothers our dishes and headed gladly took home for their loved over to Moss Park as ones. For some of us, it was our Brother Kevin Thomas first traditional Thanksgiving meal! graciously allowed us to Brother Khang is awarded ‘Funniest

The night continued with the host this dinner at his Brother on GroupMe’ presentation of the 2016 Epsilon lovely new home. As the Mu Fellowship Awards that were Social Committee and I arranged the dishes proudly put together by the Academics and and table settings, Brother Cyrene proudly Scholarships Committee Chairs, Brothers “KAPPA PSI HAS GIVEN ME A FAMILY AWAY FROM HOME. I’M THANKFUL TO BE SURROUNDED BY AN AMAZING GROUP OF BROTHERS WHO LOVE AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER” - AMY “THREE-SIXTY” TRAN

Kappa Psi • Epsilon Mu

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The most popular “I’M THANKFUL BECAUSE OF ALL THE AMAZING PEOPLE I CAN CALL FAMILY! I TRULY AM LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO SPEND TIME WITH THEM!”

- NICKHIL “CHRONOS” PATEL

Cyrene and Vanita. Everyone gathered around as they read off each description one by one, all ending with uproarious laughter and applause.

Awards given out that night were both funny and serious: Brother Alyssa received the “Most Likely to be Found at Starbucks” award while Brother Lemar went home with “The Cheerleader” award. Cyrene and Vanita then surprised the crowd with thoughtful candy canes that included a sweet message. It truly was a fellowship-filled evening.

As the evening drew to an end, I picked up the “I’m thankful for Kappa Psi because…” poster that everyone had been signing and decided to read what my Brothers had written. I found myself feeling so proud and so joyous to read the words of the people around me; sharing this Fraternity with them means substantially more

than just a regular old friendship. It is a feeling that I struggle to put in words and a feeling that only a Brother can understand. I smiled quietly to myself as I left because I was so full; Brother Jose and Brother Jennifer win full of stuffing, the ‘Struggle Bus’ awards sweet potato casserole, and delicious apple cider, but also full of love and gratitude that I was able to spend such a wonderful evening with my all-time favorite people.

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I’m thankful for Kappa Psi because...

“KAPPA PSI HAS GIVEN ME THE COURAGE TO BE THE PERSON I WANTED TO BE, BUT WAS TOO SCARED TO LET OUT. THANK YOU MY FAMILY” SHE-RA “FOR GIVING ME ANOTHER FAMILY IN WHICH I CAN RELY ON FOR ANYTHING. I’M THANKFUL TO HAVE EACH OF YOU IN MY LIFE!” GHOST “IT HAS GIVEN ME THE COURAGE AND STRENGTH TO SEEK GROWTH AND ADVICE FROM MY BROTHERS” AFICIONADO “EMUS ARE FOREVER THE BEST GROUP OF PEOPLE YOU WILL EVER MEET! I CAN THINK OF NO BETTER WAY TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS THAN WITH MY WONDERFUL BROTHERS” KHALEESI “I HAVE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS HOW MUCH KAPPA PSI MEANS TO ME. IT HAS GIVEN ME EVERYTHING AND MORE. I HOPE I CAN ONE DAY GIVE BACK ENOUGH AS IT HAS GIVEN ME!” FORTALEZA “I FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND GROW WITH EMU. I LOVE YOU BROTHERS!” DUCTILITY

Kappa Psi • Epsilon Mu

Editor’s Note

Special thank you to the committee, writers, contributors, and editors this past year. It has been a marvelous time and I look forward to seeing the next chair do big things.

eNiGMA

N&P COMMITTEE Khai Ho Amy Tran Timmy Do Jeanine Garcia Amy Hibbard Jacqueline Nguyen Nemat Ashraf Kevin Martin Megan Hudson Alyssa Dungca Katie Li Nicole Meretsky Khang Tran

Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. kappapsiepsilonmu.com