Gamma Gamma Brings Home the Gold: PSE Nationals 2023
Gamma Gamma Brings Home the Gold: PSE Nationals 2023
By Grace Hogshead
On March 28, 2023, the Gamma Gamma chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon arrived ready to claim victory at PSE’s National Convention in Norfolk, Virginia. The National Convention is an annual tradition where PSE chapters all across the nation come together and compete in a variety of categories. Additionally, this week-long event is filled with speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.
At the end of the week, Gamma Gamma took home the Lewis F. Gordon Top Chapter Award, a highly coveted trophy that is given to the top-performing chapter at the convention. Gamma Gamma received first place for the Top Social Media Strategy Program and the Top Management Program. The chapter was also the runner-up for the Top Professional Development Program, the Top Sales/Marketing Project – Not for Profit, the Top Sales/Marketing Project – for Profit, and the case study competition. Senior Dhruv Dhawan was awarded the Top Project Manager, senior Maggie Powers was a finalist in the ProAm Sales competition, and senior Grant Baxla was a finalist in the Sports Selling competition. Senior Trevor Minyo and sophomore Charlotte Thaler both won scholarships as well.
When asked about his experience at nationals, Dhruv Dhawan replied, “It was my first time at nationals, and it was such a wonderful experience. There was a great range of speakers – I loved hearing from the project management speaker – it gave me a few insights for how to improve my project management skills. Winning the Top Project Manager was an honor, and it has motivated me to work even harder on the project I have been leading. Above all, the brotherhood aspect is the most special part of nationals. There is nothing better than growing with your brothers, exploring a new city, and sharing the experience together.”
Maggie Powers shared, “I’ve been able to attend nationals for the past two years, and both times I was able to learn from sales professionals, connect with other chapters, compete in Pro-Am and in project competitions, and get the chance to get closer with my brothers! Competing for Top Salesperson was a great opportunity to share everything I worked on and accomplished as the Director of Sales. Getting to cheer on everyone throughout the week and seeing everyone’s hard work pay off at the awards ceremony was so incredible. I am so proud of everything Gamma Gamma accomplishes, and, if given the chance to go, you should!”
In addition to Gamma Gamma chapter members winning big at nationals, faculty advisor Dr. Don Norris received a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing the dedication he has put into PSE during his long tenure with the organization. Dr. Don Norris has an extensive history with PSE, as he served as a previous PSE National President and has held several other leadership roles within PSE. He has been a faculty advisor for PSE for over 35 years and has served as a faculty advisor for Gamma Gamma for over 20 years. Gamma Gamma is so grateful for Dr. Don and everything he has given the chapter. He has immensely aided Gamma Gamma’s success at the National Convention over the years.
Overall, the 2023 PSE National Convention was a massive success for Gamma Gamma, and the chapter is ready to take on whatever opportunities come next.