(Contributed by Anthony W. Kotula, Ph.D. Lifetime Member)
Two years ago, Dr. Daryl Lund had established an ad hoc Executive Committee to help him revitalize Phi Tau Sigma. At that time our Society relied heavily on the Institute of Food Technologists for staff assistance in most areas, even financial. Some individuals questioned what our Society offered members and suggested the Constitution and By-laws be revised to change our Society into a social group. This was not accepted because we are an Honor Society.
The Constitution required one yearly Newsletter for the Membership, and that was not being published. Many inductees had stopped paying dues, and thus were no longer Members in Good Standing. Chapters had dissolved. The challenges were many, but the goal of revitalization was worthwhile.
The most important challenge was to instill the concept that the main objective of our Society was not self-aggrandizement, but rather to foster excellence, primarily among food science and technology students, but also among professionals in the field. The Constitution and By-laws withstood the attempt of radical restructuring.
Dr. Dennis Heldman, as President, then Chair of the Strategic Planning, and the Membership and Qualifications Committees, was able to formalize procedural initiatives for functioning within the Constitution and By-laws. The Nominations & Elections Committee, chaired by Dr. David Lineback, established a slate of candidates, and an election by the Membership was held and certified by the Executive Committee. Dr. Ken Lee, as President, strengthened the monthly conference call meetings and utilized his internet skills to place Phi Tau Sigma on the internet, and he established a “PayPal” financial account. Dr. Daryl Lund became Treasurer and invested the Society’s funds into a Phi Tau Sigma account. Dr. Suzanne Nielson, our current President, organized an excellent Program for the recent IFT Convention in Las Vegas. The student award program attracted a standing room only crowd in excess of 800 individuals. Dr. Kathyn L. Kotula, as Chair of the Awards Committee, initiated several new awards and found funding for some. These include “The Special Recognition Award” for a Member’s outstanding contribution to Phi Tau Sigma. Dr. Daryl Lund was the first recipient. Up to three “Achievement Awards” for student Members were established. Dr. Kelsey Ryan and Emily Steinberg, M.S. were the first recipients. The “Dr. Daryl B. Lund International Scholarship” will be available for presentation in 2013. “The Founders’ Award” will recognize a student Member whose research has had a significant impact. One other award, yet to be named, and criteria yet to be established, will honor a student Member.
Dr. Lund, as Past President, was elected to a three-year term as a Director. He provided continuity and oversight in the revitalization effort. He accepted Dr. Kathryn Kotula and her Dad, Dr. Anthony W. Kotula, as Co-Editors of the monthly (except August), Newsletter. Though the Editors were not voting members of the Executive Committee, Dr. Lund invited them to participate in all aspects of the revitalization. He accepted Opinion emails from the editors about issues of importance to the Society. If one is seeking to become an effective administrator, Dr. Lund is the one to emulate.
Thus, in two years Phi Tau Sigma, retains the original concepts of our Society as described in our Constitution and By-laws. We have become independent, but cooperative with the IFT. We have established numerous awards to recognize excellence among students. We have increased Membership and Chapters. Student Members are able to function in each position to which they are elected, and to volunteer to serve on important committees. We are actively encouraging the concept “Only by giving of one’s self, not taking, does one experience growth and lasting satisfaction”. We have, for the last two years included in the Newsletter “Memories of Dr. Carl R. Fellers”. He epitomizes the concept of serving. His virtues, as well as those of the individuals involved in the revitalization of Phi Tau Sigma, are worthy of emulation. We encourage all Members to elect to serve Phi Tau Sigma, in some capacity for the well-being of our Society, as well as for an exhilarating experience.