Keynote speaker and author of “The Divine Nine” Lawrence Ross visited Ferris to discuss the importance of professionalism and Greek life after graduation.
Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Pi and Alpha Kappa Psi partnered to present the annual 2014 Gold Mind Conference, held on April 21 in Science 126. Raffle prizes were given to students in attendance and provided by the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services.
Ross discussed the characteristics it takes to be a part of Greek life and how they specifically helped him in his life.
Ferris senior marketing major and Alpha Phi Alpha member Kevin Baldwin attended the event and said a lot of real life experience was discussed throughout the presentation.
“[Lawrence Ross] talked about the importance of being able to make something your own, being able to think on your own level, and being unique in a fraternity,” Baldwin said. “[Ross said] ‘It’s not enough to be creative; you have to be divergent.’ And, ‘don’t think outside of the box, think as if there is no box.’”
Each year, the conference discusses an aspect of student development and this year was professionalism.
Shorter presentations were given discussing the topics of professional wear and etiquette.
“I really enjoyed Alpha Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Pi’s presentation on etiquette,” Baldwin said. “They gave a lot of great information and I wish there were more people there to see it. This is stuff that takes years to learn on your own and I thought it was really important for them to touch on it.”
Advice was also given on when and how to wear business professional, business casual and semi-casual attire. A game followed, giving audience members a chance to put their new knowledge to the test.
“When in doubt, you can never overdress,” Director of the Office of Multicultural Student
Services Michael Wade said. “You never know if someone is looking at you or for you, so you can never overdress in a business setting.”
In the future, Baldwin hopes more students are in attendance.
“That knowledge was free,” Baldwin said. “The basics of what everyone was saying is stuff that takes people a long time for people to know. I would have loved if more people would have been able to see it.”