Dear Brothers and Sisters of the North Central District,
What a great year. When I took the oath of office last year I could have never realized
how much I would go through or learn over the last year. My year as Secretary/Treasurer I
learned a lot, but this year I learned way more then I could have ever expected.
First of all, I have learned so much about joint relations. This years council worked well
jointly. We found ourselves spending way more time together then we did apart. Doug and I
have worked together well. When I was busy, he took care of some things and vice versa. He
has been really great to work with. I am sure that you can all see by now just how well we get
along, so that is all I have to say about that.
One of the coolest things this year was the induction of the Theta Psi chapter at the
University of Louisville. I was honored to be a participant in the first induction of a chapter in the
District for around 10 years. They have an awesome sponsor and an awesome future. What a
peppy group of sisters they are. Special thanks goes out to Kathy Godwin and the Rho chapter
at Indiana University for their guidance to the chapter. Although they could not be here, they
wanted me to let you know that they have a class going through and things are going well. They
are sorry they could not be here.
Another big event was the District Conclave at National Headquarters in Stillwater. It was
a total blast to get together with the other District Presidents to talk about the exciting things that
are going on with not only Tau Beta Sigma, but also Kappa Kappa Psi. We hung out and learned
about how to be a good leader and how to run our Conventions. We also worked with Mary Beth
Galemo on putting together a new program that is focused on a code of caring for our fellow
brothers and sisters. I know that those of you that were here for the alcohol presentation at
National Convention and a couple of years ago in Toledo have mixed feelings about the
presentation that was put on, however we have put together a program that is fun and is chapter
based. There is one facilitator typically, preferably not an “adult.” The program is set up in a
manner that can be flexible for each University campus. Please give us your on this program.
The next District President will be a part of the revisions at the District Conclave in Corpus Christi
so your suggestions will be heard. If you have suggestions, please put them in the rose box.
Challenging things have also happened. It has been a tough year having two chapters
suddenly go on suspension, but I am glad to say that things are going well with both chapters. I
am glad that one chapter is here and that they remain involved despite the rough year that they
have had. The other chapter is not here, but they tried their best to be present.
Another challenging thing that happened this year was the passing of Charles Hass.
Words could not explain what a wonderful brother we had in him. He will be sorely missed in the
NCD.
Back to lighter things…National Convention. I thought I was not going to be able to go,
but it is looking up. I graduate in August so that is the hard part. I am 25 and I am FINALLY
GRADUATING, but you can be sure that I will try my darndest to be there. I hope you do, too,
because it is a riot and we want to see 100% participation in our District. If you cannot attend,
please send in your proxy forms so that we have the NCD properly represented.
Because technology is constantly advancing, I think we have a tendency to assume that
everyone is on the list serve and that everyone has internet access. This year, I have realized
how important it is to be sure that all chapters receive written notification in advance to insure the
highest amount of participation possible. Due to a lack of or problems with not getting mailed
notification to chapters, there has been concern has been addressed by some chapters. To
insure that communication is at a high level, I hereby charge the next District President to
communicate to the Block, Leadership, and Convention Co-Ordinators that all chapters should
receive all information for the events at least three weeks before the said event through the mail.
This includes directions, agenda, and a registration form. The goal should be 100% participation.
Though this is high, thinking big is good.
One thing that was my focus personally the last two years was academic excellence. I
had never realized how important it was to do well in school until I was a District Officer. My first
semester in school (um, 8 years ago) I was on academic probation. As the years have gone by, I
realized that I was in the wrong field and I was soon to change everything. After that, I began to
enjoy school (well, not totally). This caused my grades to go up, but I think part of that was
because I realized that Tau Beta Sigma is NOT my reason for being in school. I love this
organization with all my heart, but I want to encourage you all to strive for academic excellence. I
have found that when you put your priorities in order, everything else falls into place. Please put
your school first. You can accomplish anything you want to if you put your mind to it. I am a
pure example of that.
Now for the thank you’s………
First, to everyone that offered help with Convention. It has been really great to have so much
support. I had no problem finding advisors and assistance. What great Alumni we have.
Thanks a bunch to you all. To the brothers on Council. You can’t hear me now, but you rock.
1) Lisa…thanks for putting up with me for two years and for letting me sleep on your couch.
2) Danielle…Because of you my boyfriend’s name is now synonymously paired with the word
sex. Every time I hear the word I will think of you. Thank you for being my good humor and
comic relief.
3) Carolyn…What poison ivy is? You are comic relief also. Especially that music. Funk Rock
hits of the eighties to Indianapolis. Those two guys were dancing with us in the next car.
That was a hoot. I wouldn’t want to jam to that CD with anyone else but you.
4) Jill…my thank you to you is more serious here. You are my co-worker, council member, and
most of all, my close confidant and friend. Thank you for listening to my gripes and for being
my sister.
I don’t think I could have chosen more strange, more wacky, or more wonderful group of people
to work with. Thank you all for putting up with me and my quirks.
5) To the past and present sisters of Gamma Rho. Without the honor bestowed upon me to be
a sister of the chapter, I would have never been able to serve in such wonderful capacities.
Special thanks to Deanna for always being available and to Sarah Bressler for saying that
you support me when I needed it most. You have both told me that I am what all sisters
should be at some point, but I disagree. You both are.
6) You know, there were two District Presidents for Tau Beta Sigma since September. My
biggest thanks goes to Carter for being my best friend, for putting up with my gripes and for
NOT giving me advice unless I asked for it. He is a great listener and I can’t understand why
no sister had nabbed him before I did.
7) I know I said Carter was my biggest, but I have one more. Thank you to the NCD for
allowing me to serve you for not only one year, but two. I have had great opportunities to
develop as a leader, to learn, and to grow. I hope that I will see many of you decide to run
next year. You will learn so much about yourself if you do. I learned things I never knew
about myself in this position. But isn’t that true at the chapter level also. Thank you for the
honor to serve.
Well, I think that is about it.
Respectfully Submitted and in the bond,
Trudy R. Caudron
2000-2001 NCD President for Tau Beta Sigma