Main/General Keynote Sessions

Steve Birdine

Affirmations in Action

As a nationally acclaimed speaker Steve has delivered presentations to thousands of people across the country. His speeches, workshops, seminars and lectures continue to get rave reviews. His passion for academic excellence, student motivation, diversity education and leadership development has led him to be an inspiration to those seeking honest dialogues and solutions.

He has committed himself to dealing with long standing historical issues impacting people of color. He is not afraid to answer the previously unanswered question. Nor, is he afraid to pose the question yet formed.

Steve has developed a unique way of presenting sensitive topics in a high-energy, challenging, fun-filled, yet thought-provoking way. His interactive style, and rave reviews have caused clients to invite him back again and again.

 

Dr. Walter Kimbrough

Dilemma: History of Fraternalism in America

Greek Life has been a significant part of American higher education since the late 1700s, born out of a controlling climate on college campuses. As Greek Life grew, it also because more diverse, as people of color created organizations to be a part of the larger Greek community. By the 1930s, the blueprint of Greek Life had been cast, one based on timeless values and principles. Yet, since this time there have been problems after problems, and now we are in a period of uncertainty for the future of Greek life on campuses. This historical presentation takes you down the proud yet troublesome road of Greek life.

Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough is the 12th president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. As the first college president from the hip-hop generation, he is one of the youngest college presidents in the nation.

 

David Stollman

Buy In or Get Out!

Too often good leaders and good chapters are not able to succeed because they are too busy cleaning up after the ones that don't get it.  Are they fixing their problems or fighting their negative image?  Imagine how much more we could accomplish if they were part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

David's message will inspire those that want to care about the core values of Greek life - friendship, service, leadership, and scholarship.  He will challenge your members to embrace the best and get rid of the rest.  It will touch on topics that range across all major issues facing Greek life.

David truly relates to his audiences, using humor and real-life scenarios to help members understand how to better market the product of fraternity.

 

Dr. Mari Ann Callais

From Ritual to Reality

Using music and storytelling, Mari Ann Callais offers a truly unique program about values, ritual, and the responsibilities of being a lifetime fraternity or sorority member.  Her programs are highly rated because she talks with students rather than to them.  She uses her guitar and music to create a relaxing atmosphere and set a fun tone.

Fraternity and sorority life has been under fire for the past several decades due to risk management issues such as alcohol, hazing, and negative community relations.  Many of the national offices and volunteers as well as university officials have lookd for solutions to these challenges.

Mari Ann believes that ritual can be the answer!  Through her dissertation research, working with students oon various campuses, and presenting conferences, she has gathered ideas about how to make ritual relevant to today's undergraduate members.  She educates students on performing, living and using ritual as a means of making the fraternity/sorority experience beneficial, fun and positive for everyone.

Featured Speaker Sessions

Ross Szabo

What Happy Faces are Hiding

Depression and suicide are two of the largest problems facing colleges today.  One in 10 college students experience depression and millions more report feeling overwhelmed and is the second leading cause of death in college students.  Depression also has large ties to over 66% of young people with a substance use problem.  During these difficult times, it is imperative for young people to express what they are going through, know that they are not alone, and feel comfortable while seeking help.

Kelly Addington and Becca Tieder

Let's Talk About "IT!"

Are you ready to have an honest discussion about sex and sexual assault? Do you know someone who has been assaulted? How do you help a friend? If you were assaulted, what would you do? In their original program, "Let's Talk About IT" Kelly and Becca provide the answers you are looking for. One of these women was sexually assaulted in her bedroom by a "friend." Learn how they answered these questions, what happened afterward and how it inspired them to share their story with you.

Rick Barnes

Drink Think: A Personal Approach to Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely used and misused substance in our colleges and universities today. Alcohol is no stranger on campus. Alcohol problems are no stranger on campus either. This program goes beyond the rules and regulations, and addresses the personal choice concerning alcohol use. This is a fun, interactive, yet serious discussion about alcohol use on campus.

Thursday Night Entertainment
(with a message)

GTC Dramatic Dialogues

Strange Like Me

Hate groups are on the rise.  In Texas an African American man was dragged to death behind a pick-up truck.  In Wyoming a gay man was beaten and hung on a fence to die.  For most of us, it's easy to distance ourselves from events like these and say, "That's not me.  I wouldn't do that."  but what about the subtler prejudices that each of us carries?  Do we make assumptions about others based on appearance, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation?  How do these assumptions effect our ability to really get to know another individual?  More importantly, how can we overcome our preconceptions and begin to bridge the gaps that continue to keep people apart?

Strange Like Me begins with a monologue that lays bare the ugliness of hate, setting the stage for a lively discussion of diversity.  In two scenes, we follow six students as they attempt to navigate the sometimes-difficult terrain of multicultural campus relationships.  During talk-backs, students can confront the characters and voice their own opinions on issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia.  A short theatrical scene that reveals the lasting scars prejudice leaves on its victims caps off this discussion.