Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society (XAE) – founded at West Chester University – held it’s fifth National Conference in Philadelphia from March 30 – April 2, 2006. Students took part in seminars focusing on the theme “The Sky Is Not The Limit.” Throughout the conference, students listened to inspiring speakers, ate delicious food and had an opportunity to meet with fellow honorable members from different XAE chapters. On first day, XAE members participated in pre-Conference Leadership workshops, including: “A Teamwork Concept in Professional Development for New Leaders,” which expressed the importance of teamwork in successful organizations and education, and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective College Students: Learning to take Charge of My Education and Personal Life,” which focused on a book by Stephen Covey, promoting personal change and developing strategies for success. XAE members revealed that they feel a new sense of self-confidence and leadership after the workshops. “I learned so much more at the conference than I could have ever learned in a classroom,” said West Chester University student Marisol Gonzales. Closing commentary was given by XAE Founder Hon. Dr. Elbert Saddler on “Accepting Leadership by First ‘Claming’ It.”
Friday, March 31, marked the beginning of the Conference Program. The morning kicked off with a Delegate Assembly during which new board members were elected. Following the election, was a presentation from XAE members of Lincoln University entitled, “Strategies for Retention: False Negative and College Success.” The strategies included affordable computer programs that could potentially help high-risk students turn into honor students. Soon after, was a remarkable presentation from nationally known speaker Dr. Joe Martin. Throughout his lecture, Martin challenged members of XAE to consider their purpose in life and figure out what success means to them in order to maximize their leadership potential. The evening concluded with dancing, where XAE members had the opportunity to mingle with each other in a more relaxed environment. Some members revealed that seeing Dr. Saddler dance made the trip worth it all in itself.
On Saturday, XAE members woke up to delicious brain food during a buffet breakfast. There were many seminars such as “Student Leadership Amidst Terrorist Attack”, where students of Manhattan Community College explained the effects that 9-11 had on their school; “A Comprehensive Strategy for Chapter Growth,” where presenter Dr. Reva Curry of Salem Community College delegated a multi-faceted, well-planned, well-timed strategy to promote chapter awareness, growth and activities to develop a rich environment for XAE members; and “Domestic Violence: You Are Not Alone,” during which presenters described what domestic violence is and how the Beta Xi chapter attempted to bring awareness and support to the Medgar Evers College community. The night concluded with a presidential banquet, thank-you gifts and an auction.
Members of Chi Alpha Epsilon departed on Sunday with a sense of achievement and a fresh outlook on how to go about obtaining success. “This weekend, we celebrated an event that will go down in history,” revealed Dr. Saddler. “It was a delight from the international buffet on Thursday to closing dinner on Saturday.”
XAE was founded at WCU by the most Honorable Dr. Elbert Saddler in 1990. In just over 15 years, Chi Alpha Epsilon has grown to 121 chapters nationwide. XAE has represented the very best in higher education and will continue to excel in its achievements. For more information on the qualifications of joining Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society, contact Dr. Saddler at 610.436.2301.