Phi Kappa Psi receives Laurel Wreath Award

Indianapolis (May 31, 2018) – The leadership of Phi Kappa Psi is pleased to announce that the inaugural Professional Development Conference has been awarded a Laurel Wreath Award. Laurel Wreath Awards are given to individuals or groups in recognition of their unique programs, community outreach, or influence within the fraternal world. This is the second year that Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity’s programming has been recognized with this prestigious award. Last year, the Fraternity’s ELEVATE Health and Wellness program was honored.

Phi Kappa Psi’s award was in recognition of the Fraternity’s inaugural Professional Development Conference (PDC), which is a comprehensive, three-day, intensive professional development experience that prepares college juniors and seniors for a successful career. The program was hosted in Chicago and brought together 138 students from Phi Kappa Psi’s 104 chapters and 24 alumni coaches from a rich variety of professional backgrounds. Topics discussed included negotiation, networking and interviewing skills, resume development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and creating a personal brand. The Fraternity would like to thank Jimmy and Liddie Palumbo of Atlanta-based PIVITU who assisted in the development of a hybrid program to create a true professional experience for participants. The Fraternity also appreciates the Phi Kappa Psi Endowment Fund’s support for this program.

“We are thrilled to receive this award as it is reinforcement of a successful group effort,” said James McLendon (SIUE ’10), the Fraternity’s associate director of member development and the project manager for PDC. “With the help of many brothers, dedicated staff and external partners, we built a program centered around eight career pillars and developed a series of coaching sessions to encourage student success after college.”

In addition to gaining practical, professional experiences, students had opportunities to get in front of recruiters and prominent decision-makers. Life-long connections were made and lives were changed for the better.

“While at the PDC, I met other brothers who I now share more than just Greek letters with,” said Brother Chris Scott (Ohio ’16). “The experience has sharpened my professional presence, which helped me land a rewarding position with PNC Bank and further expand my two e-commerce companies. I hope to continue using everything I learned from this outstanding program.”

The 2018 PDC will be hosted in Dallas, Oct. 25-28. Interested undergraduate members may apply to attend by visiting the Phi Kappa Psi website.