Despite the wintry temperatures and snowfall that affected travel across the state, 220 student affairs practitioners, faculty members, and graduate students came together for the 2009 OASPA/OCPA Annual Conference on January 29th - 30th at the Doubletree Hotel in Worthington. The conference theme of “Prepared & Present”invited every attendee to consider the importance of their role, no matter the size or the scope, should a crisis situation affect their campus community.
The conference began with a touching and eloquent keynote delivered by Dr. Carolyn Bershad, Associate Director for Clinical Services in the Counseling and Student Development Center at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Dr. Bershad described her experience as a student affairs administrator and psychologist, as she and her colleagues responded to the mental health needs of the NIU campus community in the aftermath of a tragic shooting. Thursday’s events also included comments from a special guest, Dr. Patricia Perillo, who addressed national and international developments in the field of student affairs from her vantage point as President of ACPA. On Friday, Dr. Bob Young capped the event with inspired closing remarks that reminded us of our fundamental commitments to support one another during times of challenge.
In addition to the impressive line-up of invited speakers, the conference program included a case study competition, a silent auction, a service project to benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, and a Career Resource Room that offered resume reviews and job search consultation. Awards were presented to several individuals who have made outstanding contributions at the local, state, and regional level. Visit www.ocpaonline.org for a complete list of the 2008-2009 award recipients.
Professional development opportunities were also abundant as attendees chose from among 48 distinctive programs offered throughout the two day conference. As always, the most vital aspect of the annual conference is the renewing of existing bonds and formation of new connections between colleagues that inspire creative partnerships and a renew our sense of purpose.
Finally, anyone who attended this year’s conference would recognize the fresh atmosphere and enhanced amenities provided by the new location at the Doubletree Hotel in Worthington. OCPA is pleased to announce the Doubletree Hotel as the site for the 2010 Annual Conference scheduled for January 28-29, 2010. On behalf of the OASPA/OCPA Conference Planning Committee, I invite you to remain engaged with your statewide organizations as we look forward to another successful conference in 2010. |
