Can you imagine a majestic event, beautiful in design, perfectly planned, delicious food, wonderful music, and a great atmosphere? Who would be with you? Fortunately, every other year, I get the opportunity to attend an event like this with the most beautiful and successful women in the world, my Phi Mu sisters. Carnation Banquet at Convention is an amazing Phi Mu experience.

Looking around the room at Carnation Banquet made me feel very blessed. These women were from all over the country with so much experience and talent. All were shining in their beautiful gowns. As the processional began, everyone’s eyes were on the leaders of Phi Mu, our National Council. I found myself in awe of their guidance and dedication to Phi Mu. Their big and beautiful badges stand for so much, but most importantly, for the hours and sacrifices they give to Phi Mu.

This particular Carnation Banquet was very special for me. My chapter, Lambda Epsilon at Christopher Newport University, made it into the Philomathean Society for the first time. Our collegiate and alumnae members worked so hard, for so long. I was excited that my very own chapter would finally be able to stand up and accept such a prestigious award.

As the final awards were presented, I remember getting anxious because I knew we had a shot at winning the Carnation Cup. We have talked about “the cup” for years. It has been a goal for a long time. My heart was beating fast as the announcement of who would win the highest award was quickly approaching.

Then, the announcement came: “Lambda Epsilon, Christopher Newport University!”

Wow, we really did it! Tears started running down my face and I remember walking to hug Whitney Hopkins, the Chapter President, as she gracefully went forward to accept the award. We stood in the middle of the entire banquet hugging for what seemed to be a long time as we celebrated together.

In Orlando, magical and majestic experiences usually happen at Disney World, but for me the magic didn’t come from a make-believe tale. It came from the joy and satisfaction of knowing that hard work and determination are what really make “happily ever after” a reality.

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Submitted by Lana Bulger
Convention gives me the opportunity to spend time with my friends that I don't see on a regular basis. Some of these women I will not see until the next convention and it will seem as if we are closer than when we left the last convention. It is the renewing of friendships and strengthening the bonds of our sisterhood. Convention is the time that we all work together to ensure what was started 156 years ago will continue for another 156 years.

Submitted by Sharon Henson
If you have attended Convention more than once, it is very much like attending a family reunion. There are approximately 500 people there and you may know only a few of your sisters well, but you have enough in common with all of them to enjoy yourself. Like any family, our sisters come in all shapes, sizes, ages, span a multitude of interests/careers, and come from a variety of backgrounds.

For me, it wouldn't be Convention without:

--Seeing Peggy King's smile, enjoying the lilt of her southern speech, and her laughter as she relates a story.

--Watching the antics of Gayle Price.

--Visiting with Buz Henson, who I met at my second Convention in 1982, and knowing that Perky Campbell will be close by. They were initiated in 1942 and they still enjoy Phi Mu together.

--Knowing that Pat Sackinger will have at least one pink outfit to wear.

--Seeing Dusty Manson devote most of her waking time to the Marketplace.

--Caring Carnations by the thousands.

--Sharing memories of other sisters and Conventions.

Convention...we are there because we have that one thing in common...and we find so much more in the experience.