Fall 2010 - Phi Alpha Delta

58 th Biennial Convention Highlights
By Leslie Plummer, Editor, The Reporter
The Phi Alpha Delta Biennial Convention is always a memorable event, and this year’s was no exception. This August,
P.A.D. members from across the country gathered in Tampa, Florida to help set the Fraternity’s course for the next biennium,
gain leadership skills, and socialize with their brothers and sisters.
Events kicked off on Tuesday, August 3 rd , with the Key Volunteer Reception. International Justice Rhonda Hill (Cole)
presented the International Executive Board members with awards in recognition of their dedication and hard work during
the previous biennium. The highlight of the evening, however, was when International Justice Hill honored Executive
Director Andrew Sagan by initiating him into the National Capital Area Alumni Chapter.
The Convention opened on a sad note, as we had learned that Past Supreme Justice Matthew “Sandy” Rae had passed
away the previous day. John F. Weitkamp (Ford) delivered a touching tribute to Brother Rae during the opening session.
(Brother Weitkamp’s tribute can be read on page 23 of this issue.) The Honorable Diane P. Wood delivered the Convention’s
Keynote Speech, after which, she was presented with Phi Alpha Delta’s Barbara C. Jordan Award.
Other awards recipients included John J. McAulay Legal Educator Award winner Professor John O. Sonsteng of the
William Mitchell School of Law, and Tom C. Clark Award winner Morris Dees.
Friday evening, P.A.D. members joined children and foster families from Hillsborough Kids and 4 Generations to make
cards to send to military personnel deployed overseas. Captain Paula Clark of the
U.S. Air Force led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and spoke about her
experiences in the armed forces and the importance of supporting those who serve
in the military.
On Saturday the Convention delegates elected the 2010–2012 International
Executive Board and International Tribunal. The Convention wrapped up Saturday
evening with the International Awards Banquet (the list of winners can be found on
pages 6-7). The most memorable part of the evening, however, was the induction
of Past International Justice Fredric H. Pearson (Chase) into the Distinguished Service
Chapter—Phi Alpha Delta’s highest
honor. The Distinguished Service
Chapter is composed of members of the
Fraternity who have been selected in
recognition of unusual and outsanding
service to the Fraternity. Membership
is determined by unanimous election by
the International Executive Board.
Brother Pearson was visibly moved and
honored to be elected to the DSC. A
brief biography of Brother Pearson can
be found in the Online Edition of The
Reporter at www.pad.org.
Thank you to all of our Convention
attendees and the Convention Host
Committee, led by John Miquel
(Mentschikoff), who helped make this
Convention the best yet!
THE REPORTER — FALL 2010 — PAGE 10