Dear Phi Beta Deltans: 

Ohio State University’s Alpha Epsilon Chapter and the Phi Beta Delta International Board of Directors want to welcome you to Columbus, Ohio for the 2008 Phi Beta Delta Conference, which will take place April 16-19, 2008. We hope that members and non-members from all disciplines will submit proposals related to the many aspects of the theme, “Different Heritages, Common Humanity.”  The PBD Conference is unique in the opportunity it offers to hear presenters from many disciplines and backgrounds and reflects well the motto of our Honor Society for International Scholars:  Scientia Mutual Mundi, World’s Shared Knowledge.   

Our chosen hotel is the Crowne Plaza.  In order to get the PBD special rate of $112.00, you must book your room 30 days in advance of the conference.    

“Different Heritages, Common Humanity”: Two of the main reasons for traveling outside the home country are to experience cultures and traditions different from one's own and to explore aspects of one's own heritage.  The many cultures and traditions enrich the human experience, but cross-cultural contact also emphasizes the common heritage of humanity.  All peoples have similar needs: water, air, sustenance, and an outlet for creativity.  Indeed creativity and the differences in environment and approach to obtaining basic human needs have led to the complexities in traditions handed down from generation to generation and to the constant metamorphosis of traditions. Easier access to technology and communication and increased human mobility have had profound effects on cultural heritage and the awareness of common human interests and interdependence.  We seek to explore (1) the complexities of cultural heritages and how this array enriches the human experience, (2) the common needs of humanity and how we can better work together towards meeting these needs and conserving the resources we have, and (3) the effects of technology, ease of communication, and the greater mobility of the human population on culture and heritage.  

If you have attended a PBD Conference, you already know what a variety of dynamic presentations are offered and how nice it is to have the chance to speak in an intimate atmosphere with colleagues from all over.  If you have never attended a PBD Conference, then treat yourself to a truly stimulating experience!  We want to see at least one representative from each PBD chapter at the Chapter Management Workshop, where we can share ideas on how to have a dynamic chapter and membership and share our enthusiasm for our Honor Society.  I hope each Chapter Coordinator will write to me to let me know who will be representing your chapter.  My email address is:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .    

We have negotiated a great rate of $112 per night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel right in downtown Columbus.  This rate will apply up to 3 days before the conference and 3 days after the conference, depending on space available, so reserve your room early.  Also, in order to get the special rate of $112, you must book your room 30 days in advance of the conference.  There are so many things to do in Columbus that I know you’ll want to stay the weekend after the conference and enjoy the sights.  You can visit the statehouse, eat at the various ethnic restaurants, sip coffee and chat at the cafes and pubs, do a Short North gallery hop, go to the Nationwide Arena, wander down cobbled streets and shop, see the Santa Maria, visit the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), enjoy entertainment at the beautiful Southern Theater and at the Ohio Theater, stroll through German Village, and do so much more.

As the new President-Elect of Phi Beta Delta, I look forward to meeting each of you in Columbus!      

Monica Freeman
Monica Freeman, Ph.D., International President-Elect