Thanks for following RNL and Convention Connection!

It’s hard to believe that six days have passed since Mary Ellen and I arrived in Las Vegas and that today is the final day of the 43rd Biennial Convention. It's time to check out from the Aria Resort and Casino and head home.

Thanks for following “Convention Connection” as we've sought to provide highlights and perspectives of this amazing gathering. I say “we” because I’ve been joined by 14 others: Janice Hawkins, Cynthia “Cindy” Clark, Amy Berman, “Nurse Tim” Bristol, Temeaka Gray (an unexpected but much appreciated contributor), Linda Norlander, Susan Baxley, Juli Maxworthy (twice), Daniel Oerther, Sharon Weinstein, Lois Marshall, Teddie Potter, Michele Upvall, and Benson Wright. Thanks to each of you!

The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is truly a global organization, and that's been a highlight for me the past six days. The worldwide nature of STTI is evident, of course, in the people who are here. (It was a pleasure to touch bases again with Hong Kong's Claudia Lai, Asia Region Coordinator for the past two years, who has contributed so much to Reflections on Nursing Leadership.) 

Every day of this gathering, I was reminded symbolically of STTI's global reach as I passed the glass artwork shown at the right. (Art has amazing power to communicate, as Teddie Potter demonstrates below in her reflection about trees of light.)

President Catherine D. Catrambone receives presidential necklace from
Past President Hester C. Klopper.

Today, Catherine Catrambone begins her term as the 31st president of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. Be sure to read "Catherine Catrambone: Advancing a global journey for the 21st century." Authored by Elizabeth Carlson and Patrice Nicholas, it chronicles President Catrambone's impressive preparation for the task that lies before her.

In the coming biennium, RNL will be reporting on important benchmarks on STTI's global journey, and I hope you'll make a point of returning to the magazine for regular updates. As Patricia Thompson, the honor society’s chief executive officer, encouraged the House of Delegates, “I particularly want you to stay in touch with Reflections on Nursing Leadership.” What else can I say? She nailed it!  

— James Mattson, editor, Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL) 

Go light your world!

By Teddie M. Potter, PhD, MS, RN, FAAN, clinical associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, coordinates the school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice in health innovation and leadership program and is director of inclusivity and diversity. She is co-author of Transforming Interprofessional Partnerships: A New Framework for Nursing and Partnership-Based Health Care.

Floor-to-ceiling sculptures made from thousands of lights adorn the walls of a large meeting room in the Aria Resort. Only after you step back and take in the scene as a whole do you see a beautiful picture of trees emerge. These pieces of art are a perfect metaphor for the Sigma Theta Tau International community.

Each of us works in our own nursing world with unique responsibilities, areas of expertise, and people we serve. We work in inner-city clinics, small-town hospitals, and colleges and universities. We nurse here in Las Vegas, and half a world away.

Sometimes, global health issues can seem too dark and overwhelming for our little bit of light. That is when we need to step back, reconnect with other nurses, and see the brilliance of the light we bring together.

On Sunday, Jacqueline Campbell, PhD, MSN, RN, recipient of the Episteme Laureate award, reminded us that complex issues require collaborative solutions. We must think of health in terms of shifting entire systems. One point of light may not be able to transform health care, but united we can achieve results such as those achieved by Campbell in working to end intimate-partner violence. We need to remember that, when we work together, we can find solutions to previously intractable problems.

That is the beauty of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. Together, we have the power to shape a world that works for everyone. We have the love, courage, and honor needed to create the change the world so desperately needs.


Even on a Monday

By Michele J. Upvall, professor in the graduate department of the University of Central Florida College of Nursing, coordinates the school’s nurse educator MSN and certificate programs. Her research is in global health, and she recently co-edited the book Global Health Nursing: Building and Sustaining Partnerships (Springer).

Monday at an STTI conference is far different than the usual start of a work week. I was energized by the dynamic force of Sheila Tlou, PhD, RN, FAAN, speaker for the third plenary session of the Biennial Convention. Tlou shared stories about health policy that continue to impact the health of some of the most marginalized global citizens today—those living with AIDS, especially women and children. Her stories, told with humor and grace, showed me how creative we need to be when it comes to leadership and making change.

My favorite story was when she received PEPFAR funding, but wasn’t allowed to use the money for condoms. Her work-around? Give PEPFAR funds to the Ministry of Education to develop a life skills course teaching abstinence while using the budget from the Ministry of Health to procure condoms.

All of her stories illustrated the importance of negotiation, including when she was asked to be the Minister of Health in Botswana. How many of us would not just blindly accept? Not Tlou. She negotiated more money for health! Care for the citizens of Botswana was at the center of her demands, and they have benefited. In fact, the world has benefited as we’ve learned from her model programs and community-based efforts.

We continue to benefit from Tlou’s dedication through the Sustainable Development Goals as she reminds us that this is not a time for complacency. Yes, progress has been made through the MDGs, but, as she reminds us, much more work needs to be done. The mission now is to end AIDS, TB, malaria, road injuries, and much more by 2030.

Sheila Tlou

How can we, from our nursing perspective, contribute to the SDGs? Tlou concluded her presentation by providing direction for nursing in this post-MDG, new world of SDGs: Recognize that knowledge is power, and realize the power of evidence. Advocate for global citizens, including the most marginalized among us. Make use of collaboration and partnerships among all stakeholders. Strengthen systems already in place in communities. Monitor and hold leaders to regional and global commitments already in place. Encourage all to be involved in reaching the SDGs. Be a role model to students and the youngest of our populations to “mentor, motivate, and inspire.” Finally, nurses, heed the call to run for political office.

At the beginning of her presentation, Tlou declared her mission: Inspire at least 50 percent of us to serve, transform, and lead. I believe she was successful, given the standing ovation at the end of the session. Yes, this past Monday was a Monday full of inspiration and hope. As Tlou stated, “There is a light at the end of a tunnel, and it is not an oncoming train!” She is certainly a role model, and she reminds us that we can make a difference in our world every day of the week—even on a Monday—if we maintain our commitment to love, courage, and honor.

Phi Gamma finds “key” to chapter success

By Benson C. Wright, MSN, RN, CTN-B, implementation consultant for API Healthcare, division of GE Healthcare, is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Foundation’s Vision Society. Click here to learn more.

A personal highlight of this convention was Monday’s Chapter Awards Recognition event. For me, it symbolized much of my personal journey with the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.

In 2004, I was inducted, as a senior nursing student, in the Alpha Epsilon Chapter at The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. During the past biennium, Alpha Epsilon was recognized for reaching the 50th anniversary of its chartering. I was lucky to go to school at an institution with such a strong STTI chapter. Not every nursing student has this opportunity.

I currently serve as secretary-treasurer of Phi Gamma Chapter, STTI’s virtual chapter. Although Phi Gamma is not affiliated with a school of nursing, it is a vibrant and exciting chapter. Leveraging technology to connect with members, we create high quality educational events and programs that are made available to STTI members around the world.

Phi Gamma has members in more than 20 countries, and I enjoy collaborating with colleagues in India, Egypt, Australia, Singapore, Iceland, Poland, the Philippines, and Canada. At this convention, we had presenters from our chapter in almost —virtually?—every programming time slot!

I am also happy to say that on Monday of this week, Phi Gamma was awarded its first Chapter Key Award. The reviewers recognized our innovation and use of technology to engage with our members. Phi Gamma also enjoys partnering with other chapters for innovative Web-based programs. Please contact me if you would like to partner in the future!


A wonderful time was had by all!

By Juli Maxworthy, DNP, MBA, CNL, CPHQ, CPPS, CHSE, Region One coordinator, is an assistant professor at the University of San Francisco, where she is chair of the Healthcare Leadership and Innovations Department. She is also CEO of WithMax Consulting Inc.

The STTI Foundation for Nursing has been busy as usual during the Biennial Convention. Here are a couple of the activities that have occurred. Sigma Snap Quest has kept participants exploring the Aria Resort and Las Vegas. Snap Quest is a mobile-based team scavenger hunt that’s easy to start by downloading the app GooseChase and then getting involved with a team. The goal of Snap Quest is to complete as many missions as possible. You show proof of completion of your mission by submitting your evidence (picture). Each mission has a different point value, which has made this event a great one. Many folks probably wondered why we didn’t have the much anticipated jewelry raffle that has occurred for many years at the convention. It seems that Las Vegas frowns on other folks gambling.

Winners of Snap Quest pose with soon-to-be-inaugurated Cathy Catrambone.

A wonderful STTI Foundation for Nursing tea reception allowed donors to meet recipients of several grants provided through the foundation. Many thanks to donors who use the foundation as a vehicle for giving back to nursing. There were smiles all around. A wonderful time was had by all!

STTI Foundation for Nursing tea reception.

The Heritage Dinner, held at the Flamingo Hotel on Sunday night, was well attended and, as usual, the silent auction was a big hit. Many thanks to those who attended and are new fellows. If you are interested in becoming a “Fellow Fellow,” contact the STTI Foundation for Nursing. By the time of the event, there were two individuals who had already pledged to become Virginia Henderson Fellows!

Well, on Monday morning, at 6 a.m.—perhaps you’ve noticed I keep getting these really early assignments—around 50 of us met in the third-floor foyer to exercise for research. The picture below was taken before we exercised! I was so pleased to be asked to sponsor this event. It raised more than $3,500 for nursing research!

The Biennial Convention: One place in town where you can’t lose!

I like to play blackjack. I’m not addicted to gambling. I’m addicted to sitting in a semicircle.

— Mitch Hedberg

Gaming machines and poker lounge at Aria Resort and Casino.

I mentioned in yesterday’s post that, until now, I haven’t spent much time in Vegas. So, unlike Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” I haven’t had much reason to develop a poker face. Back when CB radios were the hottest social medium goin’ and the marketing department at 3M, where I worked at the time, used the craze to promote team building, I was assigned the “handle” Smiley. If given a choice, I might have chosen a more tough-guy moniker, but I took what I was dealt and, over time, decided there are worse names.

Although I am not a gambler, I recognize that “The Gambler” deals some great wisdom with his “know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run.” Those are life lessons we all need to know, and nurses have to know a whole ‘nother set of “know whens” to do their jobs effectively.

Which is why the 43rd Biennial Convention is such a great place for nurses to be. Here in Las Vegas, some win big, some win something, some lose a bit of spare change, and others lose their shirts. Not so at the 43rd Biennial Convention! Here, everybody’s a winner! It’s a win-win, a sure bet, one you can’t lose. You get the idea.

Today’s reports and reflections all relate to “place,” and Daniel Oerther kicks it off with the question, “What’s the value of a place?”

— James Mattson, editor, Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL)

What's the value of a place?

By Daniel B. Oerther, PhD, PE, BCEE, honorary member of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International and Jefferson Science Fellow in the U.S. Department of State, is the John A. and Susan Mathes Chair of Environmental Health Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

In a digitally connected world, every international organization must ask itself this important question: What’s the value of a place? On Sunday, as a member of the board of directors of the STTI Building Corporation, I had a chance to spend time sharing answers to this question.

Dan Oerther at the board meeting of the STTI Building Corporation.

For the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), some of the answers are obvious: We were founded in Indianapolis, and we return every four years for alternating biennial meetings. We value our online “places,” including The Circle, webinars and Snap Sessions. And, of course, we continue to value our opportunities to gather together at chapter meetings. Those special face-to-face times are still important!

But have you taken time to think about the less obvious answers to this question? For example, did you know that our “experiment” with a regional STTI office in South Africa went well? In fact, it went so well that we’re extending the relationship in South Africa, and we’re expanding to establish additional offices in Brussels and Singapore, as stated in President Klopper’s Opening Plenary remarks. The “places” for our educational and research meetings as well as our academies and institutes are expanding globally. In fact, STTI is undergoing tremendous change in how we consider the value of a “place” when we strive to meet the needs of our diverse membership around the world.

Our meeting here in Las Vegas has benefited from a wonderful “place” in the beautiful Aria Resort and Casino. Yet, STTI is a global organization, and some of our members live and work in conditions very different from what we have experienced at the Aria. So, this evening, after a wonderful day at the conference, I’m reminiscing about the value we assign to “places” that reflect the history of our organization. I’m thankful for the value we find in the “places” we have available for our use today, and I’m daydreaming about the value we will find in the “places” where Sigma Theta Tau International will grow globally.



What's so special about the Marketplace? 

By Sharon M. Weinstein, MS, RN, CRNI-R, FACW, FAAN, CSP, co-author of Nursing Without Borders: Values, Wisdom, Success Markers, and B is for Balance: 12 Steps Toward a More Balanced Life at Home and at Work (Second Edition).

For Sharon Weinstein (seated), the
Marketplace is a social experience.

When I think of a market, I often think of the marketplaces in small towns and large cities that I visited in the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union and throughout Eastern Europe. Affectionately called flea markets, these were so much more! Some could put our own flea markets to shame. Think an outdoor Costco or Sam’s Club, offering personal items that include silver and china, furnishings that hold special memories, electrical items, toys, books, and jewelry.

Weinstein with Marketplace shopper. 

Beyond the shopping experience, I truly enjoyed the social experience—the opportunity to learn from others, mingle with locals, practice my Russian language skills (with only four days of lessons), and accompany nurse colleagues from across the globe who were visiting these countries for the first time and becoming familiar with the thrill of the marketplace excursion. Over the course of 10 years, I spent many a Sunday at these markets.

The Marketplace at STTI Biennial Conventions is different. This market goes beyond shopping to include networking—interacting and reconnecting with colleagues from the global STTI community. The jewelry, signature apparel, embellished gifts, office items, and books entice shoppers—novice to expert—to part with their dollars and support their Honor Society of Nursing. The Marketplace provides users an opportunity to make and cultivate relationships with like-minded colleagues. In just one hour, I met friends from years past, reconnected with chapter members, networked with STTI leadership, chatted with fellow nurse authors, and perused the special offers. And yes, I did shop!

Just browsing.

With our emphasis on social media, we often forget the value of in-person networking. That’s why attending the Biennial Convention and visiting the Marketplace is the ideal way to mix mingling and shopping. This year’s Marketplace did not disappoint seasoned shoppers; rather, it reaffirmed this tradition’s value. As I perused the items for sale, including the books, observed the book signings, and took in the atmosphere, I knew that I was within my element. This was so much more than a shopping experience; it was my very own social experience, Sigma style!


The STTI Career Center:

The place to go for career advice

By Lois S. Marshall, PhD, RN, nurse education consultant and NCLEX expert, is the author of Take Charge of Your Nursing Career: Open the Door to Your Dreams; coordinator, Career Development Center, National Student Nurses Association; and coordinator, Career Management Center, STTI.

Sunday and Monday brought more than 100 members through the STTI Career Center. With faculty advisers volunteering their time, members had the opportunity to ask career questions and discuss concerns with a diverse group of seasoned members. Many advisees had scheduled appointments ahead of the convention, while others were accommodated on a walk-in basis. They were diverse in age, ethnicity, state or country of origin, position, career goals, and so much more. Enthusiastic and, for some, nervous about future endeavors, they were glad that convention planners provided a place where they could go to have their questions and concerns addressed by experts.

Lois Marshall (left) and staff members of the STTI Career Center.

How does one decide the next career step? The STTI Career Center provides a much-needed venue for members to learn about advancing their educations, obtaining international funding, and changing career trajectories. In response to inquiries, resources and contacts were suggested and brainstorming about research, networking, and potential career paths ensued. From advancing their careers in clinical, education, administration, research, leadership and so much more, In all career areas—clinical, educational, administrative, and research—inquirers found counselors at the STTI Career Center useful sounding boards. When exact information was unavailable, connections were made for follow up.

No one was turned away, even those without scheduled appointments. In fact, even after the center officially closed on Monday, group sessions accommodated those desiring career advice. Enthusiasm was palpable, and smiles ubiquitous, as was give and take of ideas, information, and advice. It was a great two days.

Remember: Although your career belongs to you and your career path is unique, you don’t have to know everything about how to achieve your career goals. The STTI Career Center is the place to go for assistance. Just ask the members who participated.

Special thanks to Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future for its financial support of the STTI Career Center.

Meet the editors ...

Dustin Sullivan, publisher, talks to potential authors about STTI publications.

Susan Gennaro, editor of Journal of Nursing Scholarship, and Bernadette Melnyk, editor of Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, converse with potential authors.

Members wait their turn to meet Gennaro and Melnyk.

James Mattson, editor of Reflections on Nursing Leadership, answers

questions about the honor society's online magazine.

Gennaro talks with another inquirer.

Karen Roush, book author and RNL contributor, talks with STTI publisher
Dustin Sullivan.

More convention photos ...

Fitness for Research

Session presentations

Chapter Recognition Awards

Founders Awards Celebration

What happens in Vegas

I’ve been through Las Vegas before—even stayed overnight once—but I was on my way to attend seminary and didn’t tarry long. This time has been different. My wife Mary Ellen and I are here for six nights. Back home in Arizona, there are very few streetlights in our housing development. Trying to avoid light pollution, they say, so people can enjoy the stars. Not so here in Vegas. Here they turn on the lights so people can enjoy the stars.

I’ve been busy ever since arriving here on Thursday, but we decided that, since we’re in Las Vegas, we should take in at least one show, so we made reservations at the Flamingo for the Donny and Marie Show. Says something about our ages, I suppose. Says something about theirs, too, because Donny is less than a decade behind me.

The show was superb, the Osmonds’ dancing great, their voices amazing! The theater was full—the "Donny and Marie Show" has been No. 1 in Vegas for three years running—and our seats were located stage right, about halfway to the back, which is why it was so amazing that Marie found me.

About halfway through the program, I became a bit nervous when Marie autographed with lipstick the heads of two bald men seated near the stage. Because I, too, am follically challenged, my stress spiked a bit, but I was reassured by the knowledge that we hadn’t paid top price for our seats. About then, the production number changed, and I decided I was home free.

I wasn’t. A few minutes later, the house lights went up a bit, and Marie was heading in my direction with her tube of lipstick. The fellow next to me motioned her to autograph his friend’s head, but that guy wasn’t bald, and Marie wasn’t interested in him. She was coming for me, and here’s a picture of my autographed head to prove it.

The mark of Marie.

I was thankful that, unlike a few guys autographed on the forehead, she chose to autograph the crown of my head, where there is plenty of vacant real estate. In fact, its location was so inconspicuous that I waited until I returned to my hotel room and Mary Ellen photographed it before I removed the mark of Marie.

Today, back here at the 43rd Biennial Convention of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, STTI authors autographed books at the Aria Resort, but on Friday night, Marie Osmond put her mark on a truly limited edition.

— James Mattson, editor, Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL)

The book signing

By Linda Norlander, MS, BSN, RN, director of clinical services for Franciscan Hospice in Tacoma, Washington, USA, is co-author of To Comfort Always: A Nurse’s Guide to End-of-Life Care (Second Edition) and Being Present: A Nurse's Resource for End-of-Life Communication.

In the movies, the famous author at a book signing holds court to hundreds of fans. The line winds around the bookstore and out the door. In the real world, a book signing can be a lonely affair. I’ve done a few where I’ve been grateful that a relative or two dropped by.

Linda Norlander

Today’s book signing at the STTI Biennial Convention was a surprise and one of the most rewarding I’ve ever experienced. I had the opportunity to talk with a number of nurses about their work and interest in end-of-life care, and I also was able to talk with the authors sitting next to me about their book and writing process.

The nurses who bought my books ranged from nurse practitioners to college professors to clinicians who deal with dying patients in their practices. Amanda, a medical-surgical nurse talked with me about how often she needs to have the conversation about hospice with patients and families. She said, “I’m not sure I could work in hospice, but I believe in it, and I want to learn more about how to have this difficult conversation.”

During a lull between signings—there was no line out the door—I had an opportunity to discuss the writing process with Constance McIntosh and Cynthia Thomas. They are co-authors of A Nurse’s Step-By-Step Guide to Transitioning to the Professional Nurse Role. We compared notes on how it is to start with a blank page, write the draft, and then go through the editing and rewriting process. We shared about our lost weekends, lost vacations and lost free time working on the drafts. Our conversation reminded me of all the hours I spent in my home office with stacks of papers, books, and research material all piled on the floor in various categories. We agreed that creating a book was a labor, but a labor of love and passion about the work we do.

One of the nurses I talked with said, “It doesn’t matter whether we are working in obstetrics, public health, or hospice, we all want to make a difference.” I feel strongly that everyone I met today is hard at work making a difference, and I thank them for connecting with me.

Sunday afternoon book signing in the Marketplace.

Authors Cynthia Thomas and Constance McIntosh talk with a former student.

Old friends and new colleagues 

By Susan M. Baxley, PhD, RN, associate professor at The University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing (UTACON), teaches research and theory in nursing. Co-director of the PhD in nurse mentoring program at UTACON, she is co-author of Mentoring Today’s Nurses: A Global Perspective for Success.

One of the best things about coming to the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Biennial Convention is seeing and visiting old friends and meeting new colleagues. One of the special people I enjoyed meeting and visiting with is Billye Brown, EdD, RN, FAAN, past president of STTI. Billye was my fundamentals instructor in the 1960s, and I consider her my first nursing mentor. I remember her with great affection every time I wash my hands and give the best injection possible because of what she taught me.

Mary Lou Bond, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, is also my mentor, and it is always an experience to be with her as I realize she must “know” everyone. She continues to mentor me with new insights into scholarly activities. Below is a photo of me (far right) with Mary Lou and Billye, two very special people to me.

A highlight for me at Saturday’s Opening Plenary was the procession of flags from the 98 countries in which there are STTI chapters. I am inspired by the global representation of nurses in the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. President Klopper challenged us to think about if we are on the edge, over the edge, or on the cutting edge. While we have been on the edge with our strength and resilience, we must use caution to not be over the edge (hectic, fast-paced, high pressured) but to be on the cutting edge (trendy, sharp, up to date, with the latest design). With being on the cutting edge, we must remain in the forefront for global change in health with our relationships with the United Nations and World Health Organization. For me, the global initiatives are especially important to assist nurses to promote health in their countries.

On Sunday, I attended a symposium by Mary Wheeler, MEd, BN, RN, PCC, and Michelle Cooper, MScN, RN, ACC, titled “How to Build a Successful Mentoring Relationship.” While I have written and conducted research related to mentoring, I always find I can learn something new. They presented “The Five Phase Mentoring Relationship Model.” One important aspect that mentors and mentees need to establish up front is the purpose of the relationship so they can decide whether to engage in the relationship or not. Establishing why you want to be a mentor or why you need a mentor will help you progress toward developing goals for the relationship and completing your goals.

When I think about what Sigma Theta Tau International means to me, I am reminded of how it has provided me with experiences of presenting, networking, and connecting with other nurses from around the world.

Let me tell you about the RCCC! 

By Juli Maxworthy, DNP, MBA, CNL, CPHQ, CPPS, CHSE, Region One coordinator, is an assistant professor at the University of San Francisco, where she is chair of the Healthcare Leadership and Innovations Department. She is also CEO of WithMax Consulting Inc.

I cannot believe that the Biennial Convention is here again! Throughout the past two years, the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee (RCCC) has been working hard with our respective chapters to make sure they have the support they need to be successful. We gathered on Saturday morning at 7 a.m.—yes, 7 a.m.—for breakfast.

Many of you may not know a great deal about the RCCC, so let me share a couple of items. The RCCC is one of three standing committees of the STTI board of directors. It currently consists of 20 elected regional coordinators (RCs) and one elected chairperson. Starting this biennium, we are adding another RC because the number of regions has increased by one as a result of the Middle East becoming a new STTI region.

The purpose of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee is to facilitate the work of chapter leaders by advancing initiatives that meet the needs of the chapters and fulfill the mission of the honor society.

During our breakfast meeting, Julie Jones, the current chair, provided updates. STTI staff members Jessica Wendorf and Katherine Rogers made sure the RCs had the necessary information about bylaws and other pertinent items so that we would be well prepared for the conference.

My experience as a regional coordinator during the past biennium has been wonderful. It is great to assist chapter leaders in ensuring their success. Be sure to connect with your regional coordinator while convention as well as throughout the biennium. They can be a terrific resource, especially if you or your chapter have challenges. Whether it’s recruitment, retention of chapter leadership, or new induction ideas, your RC is here to help!

STTI regional coordinators.

More convention photos ...

President Hester Klopper interacts with STTI members.

Daniel Pesut, past president of STTI, is always networking.

RNL editor Jim Mattson and wife Mary Ellen converse with RNL blogger
and STTI book author Cindy Clark.

Meet the authors

International induction ceremony

Heritage Society reception