Beta Phi Mu 2006 Initiation

This afternoon we had our 2006 Beta Phi Mu Xi Chapter Initiation Ceremony. Everything went perfectly. I am so relieved, since it could have been a disaster. I forgot to pick up the key on Friday, and the both the room and building were locked at first. This kind of thing used to give me so much stress. This time I remembered the fine Douglas Adams quote: Don't Panic!, which was OK since there was someone in the office who gave me a key. Lucky!

It was great to recognize the new initiates. We also welcomed several great new members in absentia. Yes, their certificate will be in the mail on Monday. There also were many fine folks who were invited, but probably did not join because of the increase in national initiation fees from $50 to $100. That is pretty steep, especially for new graduates.

Of course, it was even harder since there are many great graduates who could not be invited because we are supposed to keep the number close to the top 25% of graduates. Being involved with the selection is one of the hardest parts of being involved. Alas, we just have too many good students here.

I am really proud and thankful to the Beta Phi Mu Board. The event went so smoothly. It was a perfect combination of formal and informal atmosphere. It was good to see a few continuing BPM members too, especially since many had spent Saturday at the HLA Spring meeting. Jane gave a nice keynote address.

Noriko came with me today too. She kindly took many photos, which I just added to the Flickr page. I also created a Flickr Group for people to share photos from our initiation events. BPM members, feel free to add yours or to just lurk.



My only regret now is that I did not bring leis for the board members. They are really wonderful! I hope that everyone else realizes how much work they put into everything to make it happen.