Untitled Document

PAT Initiation/Graduate Dinner 2008

and Graduation Pictures

April 26, 2008

Melissa welcomes everyone to the Initiation dinner. We, the 64 members and guests in attendance for this evening, celebrated 37 new member and 31 graduating seniors for the 2007-2008 academic year. The cake was yummy.

We themed the Initiation Dinner "Who Will You Be in History" We provided each guest with the history of Phi Alpha Theta and packet of every day people who contributed something to history--even though when they made their contribution, they had no idea that it would make the mark on history that it did.

Michelle White put together the utensils and added a handmade chocolate sucker for each guest. This really added to the table settings. Everyone loved the candy as a small treat while waiting for dinner to be served.

We had several discussions about flowers/no flowers, but in the end we made these arrangemnts which were complimented by many of the guests.

We had a table set up with the certificates and honor cords and sashes so that everyone could see just how many people were being honored on this evening.

We brought in Olive Garden for our dinner. It was a huge hit. There was plenty of food, plenty of choices, and plenty of leftovers. We sent Dr. Miller home, our bachelor professor and member, with enough lasagna to feed him for weeks.

Patti read the Ancient Age...and thought Melissa was trying to say something when she asked her to read that particular age!

Emily Dalton presented the Future Age. When Melissa asked her to participate, she said she would be honored. Emily, you are a class act!

Jennifer Miller presented the Early Modern Age. Jen was nervous, but did a terrific job and never missed a beat!

Morgan Hoodenpyle presented the Contemporary Age. No other student could have read this one. Every word mirrored Morgan's belief in change for the betterment of all human beings. Melissa really admires Morgan for this and many other reasons.

Denise Kane presented the Medieval Age. When Melissa asked Denise to help out she said she would with no problem. Thanks Denise.

Here are 18 of the 37 new initiates for the year.

This is 18 of the 31 2008 graduates. Many of us were able to find each other and sat together for the graduation ceremony. It was wonderful to see all of the red sashes walking up onto the stage to receibe their diplomas.

Professor Engen (left) opened the evening by telling everyone a little about PAT. Melissa (right) presents Professor Engen with the Tukwut 2008 Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award. This award was very much deserved.

PAT President, Melissa Marquez (right) thanked the members for all of their support over the academic year. This was a terrific year with a tremendous amount of participation by the members. We even had Alumni members who participated in a couple of the events. No organization's president was prouder than Melissa of the committment to the org by the members. In this talk, Melissa accepted the Tukwut 2008 Student Organization Member of the Year Award. Melissa was "honored to lead such a great group of people and the award was just icing on an already perfect cake."

Morgan and Melissa --great buddies (and fellow movie fans) making a memory together.

(Left) The old PAT officers welcome the new PAT officers (two of the old officers left before the picture could be taken). (Right) Jen Miller came back but we lost Gabbie and Grant. Oh well, missing from the picture is Denise Kane, PAT Secretary-Treasurer for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Patti Manley (incoming PAT President), Professor Engen (PAT Advisor) and Melissa Marquez (outgoing PAT President)

The biggest accomplishment all year was getting Professor Engen to become a member of the organization.

Patti Manley and Melissa Marquez (left). Melissa was so happy to hand the torch over to anyone else, but felt confident that Patti was going to do a great job next year. (Right) Melissa was presented with a clock from the members of PAT/HC. This now sits under Melissa's diploma and will be treasured forever.

At the History Department grad reception, with the exception of one other person, the only students who showed up were PAT members. Everyone really appreciated that many of the faculty came out to spend a few minutes with us. It seemed appropriate that it was this group of members (Patti Manley was there but had to leave before we took the picture) who participated in the reception--it was this group who participated in most of the years events. After the reception we all went to Acapulcos to have a few drinks....and as always....talk history!

Morgan is having a little bit of chips and salsa at Acapulcos. It was so great that Sara joined us for a drink. (Right) Miller may have had one too many--and her mom (to her left) seems none too happy about it and Scott seems a bit surprised by her silliness!!

From left to right: Jennifer Miller, Melissa Marquez, Morgan Hoodenpyle, Sara Durben, and Michelle Jackson.

There were about eight other PAT members sitting to our left or in the row behind us. It was great to be in the front until AFTER our names were called. It was a LONG time from hearing our names to the end of the ceremony.

This was a wonderful day.

Melissa Marquez (President) and Jennifer Miller (Vice-President)

These two became best friends and will be forever!

The same gang from the History Department reception.

From left to right: Suzie Mantz, Patti Manley, Scott Mathson, Amanda Taylor, Jennifer Miller, Melissa Marquez, Michelle Jackson, Morgan Hoodenpyle, Sara Durben (messing with something, a bobby pin, I think).

And all 38 new graduates walked off into the sunset to begin the next leg of the journey of their lives.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND CONGRATULATIONS!