04/04/2025

Pi Chi Omega at GPCA: Southern Hospitality, Scholarships & Bug Pong!

Pi Chi Omega hit the ground running in 2025 with a warm and spirited presence at the Georgia Pest Control Association (GPCA) Winter Conference in Athens, Georgia — and what a great way to kick off the year!
For the first time, our Winter Membership Meeting was hosted at GPCA, as part of our ongoing effort to “meet our members where they are.” While Purdue remains our historic home base, we’re expanding our reach and connecting with pest professionals all across the country — and this Southern stop delivered in a big way!
BugPong, Anyone? 

Throughout our time at the GPCA Winter Meeting, Pi Chi Omega made a splash at our booth is located next to
the registration desk, where attendees couldn’t resist taking a shot at our favorite frat game — BugPong! It
was all in good fun and helped spark conversations about our mission: to connect and enrich the urban pest management industry through education, scholarships, and professional development. Special thanks to Glen Ramsey – our Georgia-based event host who spent a lot of time in the booth connecting with so many Georgia PMPs. Nancy Troyano, the Game Master behind our BugPong, was an enthusiastic ringleader, coaching
visitors to our booth on the finer points of successful BugPong play. 

Membership Meeting Highlights
Held at the SpringHill Suites near the UGA campus, the Membership Meeting welcomed members and newcomers alike with a full dinner, updates from the executive director team and the Board, news on our
scholarship and grant programs, and a vote to approve new members. With 18 attendees, the energy in the room was contagious — passionate conversations, laughter, and genuine connections filled the evening. Desiree Straubinger, Pi Chi Omega’s President, was a great Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening events.

Raise the Bar Social

Directly following the meeting, members and guests moved into the Lounge at the SpringHill Suites for our Raise the Bar Social. With the first drink on us and a room full of industry friends, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. Whether reconnecting with old friends or introducing new faces to the mission of Pi Chi Omega, the night was filled with camaraderie — the kind that only a professional fraternity like ours can offer.