Pryor Scrapbook Clippings, 1945-2000

NATIONAL HONOR SCHOLARSHIP SOCIETY DECEMBER 1979 National Convention Sets Record The 1979 national convention of Alpha Chi in New Orleans April 5-7 attracted a record attendance, with 424 faculty and student delegates meeting. The convention also marked the end of the 12-year tenure of Dr. Edwin W. Gaston, Jr., as president of the National Council and the election of his successor, Dr. James Divelbiss, formerly vice– president. The new vice-president is Dr. Bailey McBride. Dr. Joseph Pryor was re– elected secretary-treasurer. Representing 108 chapters and 31 states, the delegates attended 21 dif– ferent program sections of scholarly papers and musical performances. In addition, several students displayed art works. More than 100 students par– ticipated in the program. Other events during the meeting included the opening banquet, with the featured speaker Dr. Francis Abernethy, professor of English at Stephen F. Austin State University and executive secretary of the Texas Folklore Society. Dr. Abernethy spoke on folk music of the American frontier and performed several Retiring President Gaston receives plaquefrom Dr. Pryor. numbers to illustrate. Dr. Divelbiss' election to the. presidency of the National Council occurred in a council meeting after the convention adjourned. During the convention he and Dr. Pryor had been re-elected to the council, with two new From the President Footsteps: Old, New by James Divelbiss: President ofthe National Council As we start a new academic year, I count it a privilege to greet you in this new capacity. As I have reflected over my election at the last national convention, I have wondered about my ability to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Gaston, who so ably led Alpha Chi for the last twelve years. The nine years I have been privileged to serve on the National Council have been most rewarding, and any confidence I have is in the strength of the members of the National Council, the various regional executive councils, and all of the chapter sponsors and student members throughout our United States. I am sure that if we all continue to work as we have in the past, the years ahead can be ones of continued growth and significance for Alpha Chi. I urge each of you to be willing to accept the challenge to work hard so that Alpha Chi can be a meaningful organization on your campus. (Continued on p. 4) members also having won ·four-year terms: Dr. Jorge Gonzalez of Berry College in Georgia and Dr. Gayle White of Southern Arkansas University. The new student representative from the National Council chapters in the western United States is Ninu Satinder Sethi of Pepperdine University, Malibu, .al. -She is s~rving a one-year term that will end with the organization of these chapters into Region VII next spring. Two retiring council members, President Gaston of Stephen F. Austin and Dr. Jess Carnes of Trinity University, received plaques honoring them for their service to Alpha Chi. Dr. Carnes is a past vice-president of the council. Dr. Divelbiss, professor of biology at Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, has served on the National Council since 1970, when he became secretary– treasurer of Region IV. He was elected vice-president in 1975. A 1955 graduate of Westmar, he completed M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in zoology at the University of Iowa. Dr. Pryor was elected to his third four– year term as national secretary-treasurer. (Continued on p. 3) •