President's report: October 2002

International Social Science Review, Summer-Spring, 2003 by Kay Anderson

Dear Pi Gamma Mu members, sponsors, trustees, and staff:

Although the constitution mandates a president's triennial report, it makes no mention of the form that report must take. With that latitude, I have chosen to make this report a thank you letter. And, as this is my final report, I have elected to expand it to cover the past six years.

Thank you, members, for selecting Pi Gamma Mu as your honor society. You have not allowed a weakened economy, a national tragedy, or increased dues deter you. New memberships have averaged 3,576 per year during my tenure as president, with 3,512 in 200102. While these numbers are down slightly, we can take pride in the fact that we have initiated over 200,000 since the creation of this honor society in 1924.

In 1996, I urged all chapters to emphasize our ideal of service, and, in 1999, stressed the unity of the social sciences. We have seen an increase in service projects by our chapters--ranging from car bashes to the collection of school supplies--all done to help the less fortunate. We have also seen an increase of chapters working with other honor societies on their campuses in efforts to promote both social science and scholarship. Your dedication to scholarship has been further evidenced in the increased number and quality of applications to the Pi Gamma Mu scholarship program--a service that celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1999 and had forty-five applications in the past year.

Special thanks should go to the outstanding students who have served as student representatives to the Board of Trustees. Their fresh ideas and understanding of student needs have given new life to board deliberations. We also have a student member to thank for our new web page design.

It is impossible to say thank you strongly enough to our chapter sponsors. These individuals keep the society afloat. Long-time sponsors have continued their work, often without recognition or release time. New sponsors have enabled us to average three new chapters and two reactivations per year (two new and two reactivations in 2001-02). We particularly cite the sponsors in the Atlantic Region who, year after year, sustain the area's popular regional conference. We have continued concern that many of our sponsors are retiring while others are being redirected by the increasing demands of research and publishing. A solution must be found if we are to continue our position as a leading honor society.

Appreciation is especially due to our board members. Throughout the past six years they have always been forward-looking and insightful as they conducted the society's business. Innovations of note include an award for outstanding new or reactivated chapters, constitutional changes to include additional disciplines, and expanded scholarships to encompass law studies. Additionally, thanks to individual board members, we have an updated written history and a revised ritual. Our treasurer has shown great skill in managing our resources in a difficult financial climate. All trustees have greatly facilitated the work of the society by their committee service and their faithful participation in annual meetings.

The appointed board members have equally made outstanding contributions. The journal continues to be an excellent representation of the society, thanks to our retiring editor, book review editor and those who assisted them. We look forward to the efforts of those newly appointed to fill those positions. We note with great sadness the death of our longtime legal counsel and will miss his dedication to the society as well as his guidance and humor. We look forward to our association with the one filling that position.

There are not enough words to adequately thank our headquarters staff. Our Executive Director and I started our terms together. We learned, made progress, slipped a few times, and formed a treasured working relationship and friendship. Thanks to our Executive Director and Office Manager many positive changes have taken place at headquarters-computerization expanded, forms revised, in-house printing extended, training materials created, and sales of shirts and cords greatly increased. Above all, efficiency and courtesy have ruled.

The past six years have been challenging, educational, and, yes, fun. Any progress made must be credited to our members, sponsors, board, and staff. I thank all for the opportunity to break the gender barrier and serve as the first female president and for the privilege to lead our great society. My best wishes go to the incoming president and to all who will work with her as they lead us to further greatness.

Thank you again,

Kay Anderson, President