In order to be eligible for this award, a chapter must have a strong history of quality programming, voting in elections, an increase in membership, and reports submitted to Eye on Psi Chi. Our chapter far exceeded these standards. Hosting an average of four events each month that included numerous speakers, philanthropic events, social exchanges, and several professionalization workshops, Psi Chi members were certainly busy. A few highlights included camping out on the quad for Habitat for Humanity’s “Shack-a-thon,” bowling with Tri-Beta, CV and personal statement workshops, and even traveling to Des Moines where we exchanged ideas with Drake University’s Psi Chi.

One of our most successful events took place in November 2009 when our chapter invited a food psychologist, James Painter, Ph.D., to the Hilltop. Each guest was asked to present a nonperishable food item upon admission, and, amazingly, we filled Neumiller Lecture Hall with hundreds of students and collected more than 150 pounds of food to donate. After such a success, Psi Chi members worked diligently to maintain this level of excellence. Our food pantry donation was difficult to top, but Psychology Department members raised more than any other organization that participated in Relay for Life at Bradley in April by garnering $3,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Bradley’s Psi Chi chapter certainly has a bright future. With help from alumni, we have been able to thrive. Our chapter has ambitious plans for next year, and we thank you for your continuous support. Who knows? Perhaps this time next year, we will be writing an article about winning the Psi Chi National Chapter Award.

• Email Psi Phi about Painter