Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Phi Beta Lambda to grow membership by reaching out to nearby students

Monday, April 4, 2016
Phi Beta Lambda members attended the District 20 Future Business Leaders of America Leadership Conference at Three Rivers College on Feb. 5.
Submitted photo

Members of Southeast Missouri State University's student organization Phi Beta Lambda are reaching out to Southeast's regional campuses and local high schools in hopes of attracting new members.

Secretary Dylan Kennedy, who grew up in Malden, Missouri, saw a need to expand membership to the regional campuses after speaking with friends enrolled at Malden.

"The main thing I've heard from them is that all they do is go to class," Kennedy said. "Education is our priority, but your time at the main campus involves organizations and outreach, which makes your time better. So I thought, 'I'm in this organization, why don't we give them the opportunity to be a part of something?'"

According to Kennedy, the organization reached out to the Sikeston and Malden campuses, which drew excitement from Sikeston, but hesitancy from Malden due to the distance between campuses.

To incorporate regional campus members into the organization's activities, Cory Herzog, president, said Phi Beta Lambda will decide to either have a representative from the regional campuses attend a meeting or attend a live broadcast via Apple TV.

"That would be our main goal --to reach out-- because that would give them the most detailed look at our meetings," Herzog said. "They could actually be able to intervene, ask questions and make comments throughout the meeting as well."

Kennedy said getting involvement from the regional campuses would help "bridge the gaps" between the campuses and provide those students with networking opportunities.

"They'll be able to network with people across the nation," Kennedy said. "They'll also be able to connect with those people through LinkedIn and find job opportunities that are in other states."

High-school students involved in Future Business Leaders of America in their schools have had opportunities to connect with Phi Beta Lambda as well.

The organization assisted in a March of Dimes mini-walk, which raises money for programs and research supporting mothers and babies involved in premature birth, at Scott County Central High School in January and four FBLA conferences throughout southeast Missouri in February.

Kennedy said the organization looks to assure high schoolers that their time in FBLA doesn't end after graduation.

"Recently I had a student who will be coming to Southeast in the fall reach out to me," Kennedy said. "So I said, 'I plan to see you next fall because you're doing great things in FBLA, and I'd like to see you do great things in PBL as well.' It's those great stories and connections that'll make us stronger throughout the years."

PBL membership is open to any major and is $30 per semester or $50 per year. For more information on PBL and its upcoming events, visit www6.semo.edu/pbl.

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