THE PRESIDENT'S VIEW

C. Laurence (Larry) Heck
International President

“The check is in the mail.” That phrase usually makes me smile, as I think about both the promise and the problematic potential. However, now as I think of it, I have a special reason to smile, and my thought is more about the promise. That is because the check I am specifically thinking about is the Pi Gamma Mu scholarship check written for ten lifetime Pi Gamma Mu members. The phrase, “The check is in the mail,” came to mind when Suzanne Rupp, our Executive Director, recently reported to the Trustees that the scholarship checks are prepared for mailing.

I am smiling (and I suspect all the Trustees are smiling) about the scholarships. I smile for at least three reasons. First, the scholarships permit us to give back to our membership. When we honor student accomplishments with membership in Pi Gamma Mu, the initiation fees permit the society to carry on all its activities. One of our key activities focuses on the awarding of scholarships--a member service that permits us to give back.  I know that students are appreciative of their scholarships; as one recipient recently wrote:  “I am very happy about this . . ..” Second, the scholarship helps us promote excellence in our student members. Our Awards Committee diligently seeks the most promising students from among the applicants; the scholarship funds help these promising students meet their educational expenses as they continue their own pursuit of scholarly accomplishments.

Finally, the scholarship helps Pi Gamma Mu fulfill the Society mission.  Our mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the social sciences and to uphold the ideals of scholarship and service.  As a mission-driven society, pursuit of scholarly excellence and the provision of service are manifested in the awarding of the scholarships.

If you are recipient of a scholarship, we hope the funds help you in your own pursuit of excellence.  Keep us informed of your scholarly successes and use your lifetime membership to participate with us in the continued fulfillment of our mission.