Phi Upsilon Omicron logoThe Iota Alumni Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron is hosting the 2012 Biennial Conclave at the Downtown Hilton in Lexington, Kentucky, September 30-October 3. Phi Upsilon Omicron (Phi U) is a national family and consumer sciences honor society. This year's conclave theme is Engage in Leadership... Make a Difference. More than 120 members from across the country will be attending the three day conference.
The opening night event on Sunday will feature a Kentucky Proud Tapas Party offering a variety of foods made with local Kentucky products. Local band Backroom Bluegrass will provide entertainment. Additionally, attendees will participate in a service project in partnership with Kentucky Operation: Military Kids.

Operation: Military Kids is a support network for military youth and families throughout the deployment cycle. Phi U members will be assembling hero packs for the project, and will add postcards from their home state. The postcards will share a handwritten note for the child who receives the pack expressing appreciation for the sacrifice military families make to help keep our country safe. Other items included in the hero packs are: activity items (Frisbee, jump rope, coloring book, etc.), stuffed animals, journals, picture albums/frames, paper, stamps and gift cards. These hero packs will be distributed to 150 children on October 1st during a final going-away lunch for Kentucky National Guard 2138th Unit. The unit is preparing for deployment to the Horn of Africa.

Along with community service ventures, Phi U members will have the opportunity to attend various workshops and will work on ways to address the changing needs of Phi U chapters. Workshop topics range from "Cooking Healthy on a Budget" to a professional dress seminar. The conclave will honor 50 year members and introduce current scholarship recipients. The School of Human Environmental Sciences is excited to be part of this year's conclave and welcomes attendees to Lexington.

Updated 10/2/12