From left: VGCC Phi Beta Lambda advisor LaTonya Steele, VGCC Dean of Business and Applied Technologies Bobby Van Brunt, co-advisor Delton Farmer, vice president Diane Power of Oxford, president Theresa Chiplis of Norlina, reporter/historian David Henry of Macon, and state-level PBL president Neili Eggert. (VGCC photo)
Vance-Granville Community College’s Chi Beta Chi chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, the business student organization, recently elected officers for the 2012-2013 year. New officers were installed and members were inducted at a ceremony on Sept. 14 on VGCC’s Main Campus.
The officers include president Theresa Chiplis of Norlina, vice president Diane Power of Oxford, and reporter/historian David Henry of Macon. The chapter advisor is Business Administration instructor LaTonya Steele and the co-advisors are Business Administration/Accounting/Entrepreneurship program head Carl Hann, Jr. and South Campus Business Administration instructor Delton Farmer.
Neili Eggert, a Mitchell Community College student and state president of North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda, was the special guest at the ceremony and performed the formal installation of officers and induction of members. In addition to students, several VGCC faculty, staff members and alumni became “professional division” members.
“Phi Beta Lambda is the largest and oldest business student organization in the world,” said Theresa Chiplis. “PBL ignites innovation by sparking confidence, leadership skills and networking contacts in its members. Together we are going to work hard, achieve our goals, and ultimately make it to the 2013 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, where we will make Vance-Granville Community College proud with our accomplishments.”
In closing remarks, VGCC Dean of Business and Applied Technologies Bobby Van Brunt congratulated the new officers and offered his support for the chapter. “Over the past four years, this chapter has won many awards, bringing great recognition to VGCC and our students,” Van Brunt said. “The bar has been set high, but you, the new officers, represent a vanguard of new leadership, and I look forward to another successful year.”
Phi Beta Lambda is the national organization for college students who are preparing for a variety of careers in business. The Greek letters stand for the English words “Future Business Leaders,” and PBL is affiliated with the Future Business Leaders of America, an organization for high school students. FBLA/PBL seeks to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. For more information, call LaTonya Steele at (252) 738-3447.