The National Society of Collegiate Scholars June 2011 Vol. 1 Page 1

By Brady Griffith

Every year, The National Society of C o l l e g i a t e S c h o l a r s selects a small group of students from

a pool of applicants to serve as members of the National Leadership Council (NLC). These students represent chapters from across the country and come together to create programs and materials for the members of NSCS. Their first project of the year was this newsletter. On behalf of the NLC, we are honored to be serving the members and staff of NSCS. Please feel free to connect with us at any point in the months ahead. We hope that this newsletter along with the ones to follow will demonstrate all that NSCS

is doing and portray the members within the organization who are going above and beyond. We certainly have been inspired by you all. Those of us who comprise the 2011-2012 NLC would like to encourage everyone to be proactive in learning from other members and chapter officers. From years past, the

ability to do so has translated into much success for chapters across the nation. As the NLC, we look forward to getting to know members, chapter officers, and advisors at meetings and events. Thank you for your dedication and congratulations on your accomplishments— the possibilities await!

During the NLC spring meeting, some of the new and returning members toured our nation’s capitol. Back: Glenn Madigan and Cassi Konopaske. Third Row: Frances Rivera and Kenneth Rosario-Gonzales. Second Row: Huy Nguyen and Alex Flowers. Front Row: Jacqueline Gamboa Varela and Amy James.

In This EditionHonor

Officer Spotlight pg. 2Member Spotlight pg. 2NSCS Unsung Hero pg. 3

InspireFounder Spotlight pg. 3PACE Spotlight pg. 4NLC Spotlight pg. 5

EngageNatl. Office Spotlight pg. 5Community Service pg. 6History of PACE pg. 7

The

The newsletter by the National Leadership Council

A Message from the NLC

Page 2 Vol. 1 June 2011 The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

HonorExhibiting Effort

A Member Spotlight By Cassi Konopaske

Ginger Huizar is an education major at Portland State University.

She is a non-traditional student, who is excited to have the opportunity to be a member of NSCS and have her hard work in school noticed and appreciated. The community involvement component of NSCS inspired

her to join and she is honored to stand amongst her peers who have a similar vision for community involvement and academics. Through her membership, she desires to show others that they have the ability to help the ailing schools and students by being pro-active in the public education system. She feels the PACE program has a lot to offer and she would like to start one at PSU. Her plans for the PSU PACE program involve initiating weekend tutoring “fairs” in the high school libraries, planning a Christmas book drive for the elementary students, and developing more community gardens in her area to promote

healthy lifestyles for children. Ginger is also passionate about creating programs to address the number of students who drop out of school. At age fifteen she dropped out of high school. She would like to use her personal experience to show other students that they have the ability to continue their education and to encourage them to get their GED’s. Her plan of action is to organize small group trips for senior high school students

to colleges to help them get the paperwork they need, help them fill it out, and arrange for them to take the placement tests. When asked what personal attribute she exemplifies best in her membership, she replied “I best exemplify effort through my commitment. Change, progress, and movement all require effort.”

Achieving GoalsAn Officer Spotlight By Brady Griffith

Tolulope Adeosun has been an instrumental component to the reinvigoration of NSCS

programs as chapter president at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Along with her leadership board, Toluope was able to initiate their first March to College Day where 7th graders from a nearby middle school were able to see what college is like. “I hope that they will make UMBC their first choice when they start applying to colleges and maybe remember that March to College Day inspired them to pursue higher education studies,” said Tolulope. One of her goals as President was to encourage more involvement from officers, not just in NSCS but other organizations that she’s involved with as well. “Our active involvement demonstrated our commitment to serving and inspiring others and this opened up collaboration and networking opportunities,” said Tolulope. This is something that she would love to continue to see not only at UMBC but across the country. As President, she takes this responsibility very seriously by striving to be an active rather than a passive leader. To offer some advice, Tolulope stated, “It is important to set achievable goals that will set the pace for the organization.” Her passion to lead genuinely and selflessly aligns perfectly with the vision and mission of NSCS.

“Change, progress, and movement all require effort.”

-Ginger Huizar

Have you or your NSCS chapter done something honorable? Let us know at nlc@nscs.org and you could be featured in the next national newsletter!

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars June 2011 Vol. 1 Page 3

Inspire

The Passionate Process of Chapter Enhancement An Unsung Hero SpotlightBy Nicole Maher

Joyce Chen, from Rice University, became involved in her local chapter this

year as the VP of Public Relations before realizing that the chapter had been undergoing some problems. “Basically the chapter was having difficulty staying active,” said Joyce. All but one of the incoming officers this year were new, and Joyce took it upon herself to try to help

rebuild the chapter. “I’ve met with the current officers countless times to plan the best route for NSCS this year (as a transitional year). I helped find a new advisor, and made efforts to re-establish the club on campus by holding a study break/informational meeting and just trying to spread the word about NSCS at my school,” said Joyce. “I stayed committed to NSCS as a new officer despite the obstacle of having to essentially rebuild a chapter at my school.” The principle of “honor”

has been an important part of Joyce’s life in terms of her academic integrity as well as her commitment to involvement. “I realized [after I became VP of PR] that I was committing a part of my time and effort this semester towards NSCS, so it just didn’t feel right to abandon the club after finding out how much help and rebuilding it would need.” Joyce Chen’s hard work, perseverance and preservation of honor in her life have helped make her an unsung hero.

Scholars Share in Success and Growth of NSCSNSCS Founder SpotlightBy Huy Nguyen

Steve Loflin is the founder and CEO of The National

Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). Having received a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis on College Student Development at Florida State University, Steve is

very passionate about NSCS. During our last interview in April, Steve openly shared with us his passion. Besides recognition, NSCS offers an academia for students to learn, to interact, and to grow with many community services, networking

opportunities, and national/regional conferences. “We are making a tremendous difference and we are just getting started. The potential is unlimited and it has only started to reveal itself. We have emerged as a leader in the honor society community and I am super proud of what we have accomplished so far and the amazing members who make NSCS such an awesome organization. I am glad you are a part of NSCS and contributing your leadership and ideas to the history we are creating. “What do you want NSCS to become and how can we make it happen?”

Do you have an answer to Steve’s question? We want to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Follow NSCS on Twitter and tweet us your ideas to @NSCS!

Steve Loflin

Page 4 Vol. 1 June 2011 The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Community CaregiversBy Kenneth Rosario-Gonzalez

The NSCS chapters across the country have fascinating and unique ways of inspiring their communities. Every year, chapters contribute to the community through the Community Service Project

or Planning to Achieve Collegiate Excellence (PACE). We have selected two of the most active NSCS chapters in the country and interviewed their current presidents. The universities that were selected were the University of Houston and the University of Central Florida. They were asked the following question:

What Community Service Project or PACE event has successfully set your chapter apart from other chapters?

University of Houston

Among the numerous organizations and causes the University of Houston (UH) support, they take special pride in their long-standing relationship with Generation One, a trans-denominational ministry located in the Third Ward of Houston, Texas, committed to the spiritual growth and physical rebuilding of the impoverished areas. This year, the UH chapter hosted the first, joint event with three other local Houston NSCS chapters during Integrity Week. NSCS members collaborated to clean up and preserve the integrity of the local community. Volunteers mowed lawns, picked up trash alongside roads, and cleared abandoned lots of garbage before proudly enjoying the view of the clean streets upon the project’s conclusion. UH has collaborated with Generation One since the partnership began in 2008. UH does their part to help Generation One achieve their mission of physically rebuilding the Third Ward into a thriving community. Most importantly, they renew and build stronger bonds with the Third Ward, giving optimism and hope to the community that it has the potential to thrive.

University of Central Florida

Every year, the University of Central Florida (UCF)-NSCS chapter hosts March to College day to cater to a group of at-risk elementary school students. The students are a part of a tutoring program called Outreach Love Inc. and UCF-NSCS has partnered with this program for years. The goal of March to College Day is to make each student believe that they are capable of attending college one day and being successful in life. In honor of this year’s theme, “When I Grow Up I Want to be…” the students spent the day at UCF learning about various careers they are interested in. The career groups included: doctors, criminal justice, athletes and teachers. The event started with an assembly then the students split up in their career groups to learn more about their potential career fields. The criminal justice group observed a K9 unit presentation, the doctor group played Operation on UCF’s mascot, Knightro, the athlete group toured the Recreational and Wellness Center with a UCF baseball player and the teacher group visited the library and learned how they can achieve their dream job.

Every chapter has the potential to create effective partnerships and programs in their own community. After discovering a need in your community, brainstorm a few creative ways to put your plan into action. In time, your chapter could be organizing a program that is truly inspirational.

The VP of PACE at the University of Central Florida, Janeli Olivera (top center), is pictured here with children involved with the Outreach Love Inc. program.

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars June 2011 Vol. 1 Page 5

Lead by Example

A NLC Spotlight By Jacqueline Gamboa Varela

Brady Griffith is the founding chapter president from Crown College. His

inspiration comes from the Bible as well as his family and the NSCS staff. He believes that effective leaders inspire others by showing active leadership. He encourages kids to be active and finds himself involved with them “shooting hoops.” He is grateful for the opportunities NSCS has provided him and believes that NSCS is an organization that invests in its members to become excelling leaders.

Cassi Konopaske is a true leader. She was inducted to NSCS as she took the president position at Regis University. Since then, she has increased the number of activities and officers in her chapter. She proudly talks about the amazing March to College Day events they sponsor serving hundreds of eighth graders, whom she wants to serve as a role model. Her inspiration comes from the officers that serve along her which constantly remind her of the balance of life. She is thankful for the networking opportunities provided by NSCS that “have expanded her horizons.”

Kenneth Rosario-Gonzalez is passionate about NSCS at Hillsborough Community College. His passion and commitment to NSCS has made his chapter achieve Gold status and bring Route 66 to his school. His inspiration comes from a person who is willing to “take her beliefs to the next level” by helping Hispanics. He is grateful for the leadership opportunities NSCS has provided him both in his chapter and nationally. Kenneth brings insight from a community college perspective which allows him to contribute to the NLC in a unique way.

EngageConnecting through Service

A National Office SpotlightBy Scott Perske

NSCS places great emphasis on the matter of becoming responsible citizens

by serving in the community. The

hard work of our member base is well documented, but relatively little is said about our national office’s dedication to continuing the NSCS ideal of engagement in the community. The staff at the national office plays an enormous role in determining the

foundations of the programs we use in our chapter activity. On February 8, 2011, the national office staff held one such day of service, during which they volunteered. . .

Continued on page 6.

Brady Griffith Cassi Konopaske Kenneth Rosario-Gonzalez

Page 6 Vol. 1 June 2011 The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Ducks Fly High in OregonA Community Service SpotlightBy Frances Rivera

Throughout the year, the NSCS chapter at the

University of Oregon has been very engaged in community service, both on and off their campus. Some of the events they have been involved in are: MLK Day, the Greenhill Human Society, Volunteering at Womanspace,

NextStep Recycling, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lane County, and Project Homeless Connect. Because of all their hard work and their commitment to help their community, the University of Oregon’s chapter has been nominated for this year’s STAR Civic Spirit Award. The chapter is an excellent example for other NSCS members and citizens as a whole. Go NSCS Ducks!

Connecting through ServiceContinued from page 5.

. . .at the Central Union Mission in Washington DC, a non-profit organization whose mission is “continually changing,” according to the Mission’s website, and whose current programs are designed to meet “the changing needs of the community” serving “homeless men, underprivileged women, children, seniors, veterans, and the growing Hispanic community.” After a guided tour of one of the Misson’s four facilities, the staff cleaned the hallways and the main

living quarters, and coordinating a portion of the Mission’s accumulated donations. The staff ended their day of service by reconvening at the national office to discuss what they had observed. “The goal of the day,” explained Ms. Rana Shirzadi, the NSCS Coordinator of Operations, “was to go over how we serve each category of our BrandDNA,” which demands clarification of how our work contributes to our organization’s mission, to recognize and elevate high achievers. In this brainstorming session, Shirzadi continues, “we covered how we [the national staff]

serve our members, serve our partners, and serve our planet.” In a day that was aptly themed “Connecting through Service,” our organization’s leaders not only connected with the DC community, they connected indirectly with each of NSCS’s members. “NSCS is here to ‘give’ to the students of the organization,” Shirzadi concludes, “from knowledge to scholarships, and [through] the benefits we offer. So giving back to the community is just another way of giving” our members the benefit of engaged citizenry during a time when our country needs it most.

Upcoming Dates to Consider for Engagement

June:3 Cancer Survivors Day5 National Family Day5 Hunger Awareness Day5 World Environment Day11 Abused Women and Children Awareness Day15 Dollars Against Diabetes Day23 Public Service Day24 Celebration of the Senses26 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking

July:11 World Populations Day31 National Parents’ Day

August:1 Friendship Day8 Family Day13 International Lefthanders Day22 Be an Angel Day26 Women’s Suffrage Day

September:8 International Literacy DayUniversity of Oregon

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars June 2011 Vol. 1 Page 7

The Footsteps to Finding Our PACE A Brief History of Inspiring Educational Success By Scott Perske

Our PACE program is an absolutely

key part of NSCS. In its current form, the PACE Program advises a substantial amount of middle-school students to continue their education into the collegiate level. A well-informed and active PACE Program is a requirement for any chapter to attain high STAR Status. But more importantly, a strong PACE Program has the potential

to change doubtful teens’ lives through first-hand interaction with successful students. The evolution of our PACE Program, then, will prove useful in reminding each NSCS member of the standard we must continue, since our scholarly successors are looking on. The Planning to Achieve Collegiate Excellence (PACE) program was started in 1996, originally under the title “Planning for College Success.” The aim of PFCS was mostly to inspire high-school students already planning to go to college to prepare and visualize success by connecting them with NSCS members in the area. A few years later, NSCS refocused the program on middle-school students, because contemporary data showed that students make the decision about

attending college when they are in the middle-school ages, rather than in the college application process in high-school. There are three components to the current PACE Program: mentoring, assemblies, and an annual March to College Day. Each requires direct contact with the students in order to show that college students aren’t that different from the budding scholars in middle-school. Direct mentoring offers the best opportunity to prepare students for college by enabling them a solid knowledge of the foundational topics that are necessary for continued

education. The impact that NSCS is having on the community is continually growing, too. In the 2008-09 school year alone, at least 109 NSCS chapters participated in a local mentoring program, overseeing more than 1,200 students nationally. Think of how many more have been influenced in the few years since! As a supplement to mentoring activities, assemblies serve as a means to both initiate and reinforce the relationships reared through mentoring. They are a great way to show students the different avenues that they can take to pursue higher education, as well as teach them life lessons that will help them well beyond their academic pursuits. In the 2008-09 school year, nearly 50 NSCS chapters brought assemblies to local middle- and high-

schools and reached at least 600 students. Each year, that number continues to grow. The culmination of our PACE Program rests in the March to College Day. In one day, mentoring, assemblies and other campus-related events pique the interests of our young colleagues. Bringing the students to a college campus helps them realize that going to college is a tangible possibility. With the on-site experience of actually attending ‘classes,’ or eating in the cafeterias, students become excited about the prospect of being in that situation. In 2007, 35 chapters participated

in the event. The next year, more than double that amount – over 85 schools – held a March to College Day. We estimate that nearly 2,000 students were able to visit colleges and universities in March of 2009. The creativity shown by our chapters continues to amaze and inspire everyone involved. We at NSCS are very proud to see the PACE Program continue to grow and become more successful each year. It is our hope to reach out to more students in the coming years. By working with different partners, such as America’s Promise (Grad Nation) and Junior Achievement, to name a few, it is our goal to extend our reach to those who need inspiration to continue their academic careers. The future is bright for our PACE Program.

Nearly 2,000 students were able to visitcolleges and universities in March of 2009.

Page 8 Vol. 1 June 2011 The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

By Stephanie Sanata Coordinator, Program Marketing Each year the national office in Washington, D.C. hosts a

celebration in honor of Founder’s Day. This year marked the 17th anniversary of NSCS’ founding. To kick off the Founder’s Day celebration, NSCS CEO & Founder Steve Loflin told the story of NSCS’ founding. “Founder’s Day, for me, is the opportunity to reflect on our progress as an organization and to recommit to making amazing things happen for NSCS members, which has been my priority since our very first Induction on April 30, 1994,” Loflin said. The theme for the day was “Back to the Future” and as part of that theme, the staff was asked to dress in ‘80s outfits for an office costume contest.

“I think having the costume contest and the ‘80s theme makes the day a little bit more light-hearted because you can get lost in all the seriousness of discussing business,” said Manager of Chapter Development, Catherine Provost. “It also provides us with an opportunity to look back on our beginnings as an organization and realize that like fashion, things change and evolve.” Keeping with the “Back to the Future” theme, the staff divided into groups and discussed some ideas for the future of NSCS. They also participated in a scavenger hunt around the office to find items that relate to NSCS’ mission. “It was exciting to see what the TEAM collected to show their unique perspective on the organization’s future,” said Manager of Member

Benefits, Liz Sellers. The day ended with a full-staff dinner at City Lights of China in Dupont Circle. “Founder’s Day is a great way to be reminded about how NSCS got its start,” said Coordinator of Operations, Rana Shirzadi. “Every time I hear the story of how NSCS was founded, I am so inspired and proud to be working for NSCS.”

State of the Society

Newsletter TeamSection Supervisors

Brady Griffith: NLC DVP Crown College

Amy James: NLC President University of Toledo

Scott Perske: NLC EVP University of Hawaii, Manoa

Layout EditorGlenn Madigan Columbia College Chicago

Any suggestions or corrections are appreciated and should be e-mailed to the NLC at nlc@nscs.org. Thank you!

ContributorsJacqueline Gamboa Varela University of Texas at El Paso

Cassi Konopaske Regis University

Nicole Maher Ohio State University

Huy Nguyen University of Houston

Frances Rivera University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras

Kenneth Rosario-Gonzalez Hillsborough Community College

Stephanie Sanata National Office Staff

Left to Right: Kiara McCoy, Amy Shopkorn, Verelyn Gibbs, Leah Schklar, Rana Shirzadi, Blair Edwards, Cynthia Uguru, Steve Loflin, Senta Sample, Kayla Manning, Stephanie Sanata, Sherice Evans, Acecia Thomas-Baker, Liz Sellers, Mishri Someshwar, Wayne Guinn, Katie Mang. Front Row to the right, left to right, Thomas Locke, Richard Failla, Casey Szesze, Rachel Thornton

The NSCS National Office Celebrates Founder’s Day