PBLI 2014

Make room for Omega Beta!

One of the highlights of Alpha Kappa Psi is the level of brotherhood that spans across the world and the travel opportunities that arise. While every two years Convention is held for the entire fraternity, the Principled Business Leadership Institute (PBLI)  is held in five different cities in the United States every year. The Omega Beta chapter has just returned from its journey to reflect on its experience.

Attendance from our chapter increased over 300 percent from nine brothers to a whopping 28 this year. We had fifteen brothers embark on the 15+ hour drive down to Nevada from Bellingham and the remaining flew.

Those driving left at about 7:45 p.m. on Thursday evening and arrived in Reno at about 11:40 a.m. the following morning. There were two vehicles: a fifteen person van and one of our brothers’ personal cars.

We stopped at In-and-Out in three different groups!

Upon arrival, we checked into the Grand Sierra Resort Casino, where we would be spending the remainder of our time of the weekend (aside from the occasional venture to In-and-Out). 

That evening, we socialized with other chapters and really grasped the concept that perhaps isn’t as evident on a day-to-day basis that there is so much more to Alpha Kappa Psi than our own chapter.

Chicken, potatoes, vegetables and fruit tart were on the menu.

“PBLI was a whirlwind of networking, meeting other chapters and brotherhood,” shared VP of Membership, Brynna Mosely. Correlating to our five core values (brotherhood, integrity, knowledge, unity and service), PBLI is focused on offering workshops to represent these values.

The sessions involved included topics such as negotiation basics, effective communication skills, developing stronger long-lasting networks and roles within the fraternity both now and upon graduation. Midway through the day, we enjoyed a catered lunch and met other chapters.

Brothers await their next session regarding effective networking.

“Aside from all the networking, speakers, and professional development, PBLI reminds you that college isn’t just about academics. As student members of AKPsi, we strive every day to improve our professional selves and prepare for the future,” said 2014-2015 Omega Beta chapter president, Dane Austreng. 

During the closing session, we witnessed an AKPsi proposal in front of the over 600 attendees and were in awe of the true connections that had been formed from this organization. We again spent time with many other chapters from across the West coast and learned more about their chapter operations and the culture of their chapter. Some of our brothers were even so successful as to convince several other brothers from Beta Lamda (Washington State University) to attend our upcoming Court of Honor. Other brothers networked and were offered a place to stay if ever spending time in their city. 

Overall, PBLI was a rewarding experience for our brothers, and from this experience, they can apply their skills to the future of bettering themselves and the people around them.