| | In his first message as president of Pi Chi Omega, James Miller, ACE of Trécé Incorporated, looks back at the tremendous year Pi Chi Omega enjoyed under Desiree Straubinger's direction as president and looks forward to events coming up in early 2026 at the Purdue Pest Management Conference and the GPCA Athens Winter Meeting. He also describes PestWorld 2026 as "beast" and he's right on the mark. We had a wild show in Orlando that included a board meeting, membership meeting, a super fun exhibit booth and a crazy good Raise the Bar social. We also recognized, Gary Bennett, Ph.D. and Johnalyn Gordon, Ph.D. for each of their contributions to Pi Chi Omega and the industry with well deserved achievement awards. For the weeks surrounding PestWorld we also put a full set of Mallis hand-books previously owned by Stoy Hedges up for auction and sold the first 3 editions. We just re-opened the auction in time for the holiday shopping season - get yourself a special copy - oh, and get a brand new released 11th edition, while you're at it! Read James' message to learn all the details. |
| | The special auction of individual volumes of Stoy Hedges’ collection of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control launched in October and successfully raised $1,050 in funds to support Pi Chi Omega's mission through the auction of the first three editions. We are re-opening the auction in hopes of finding a home for the remaining seven volumes that need an insect enthusiast's bookshelf to reside on. The auction just went live again with lower opening bids, just in time for the holiday gift giving season! Click to bid on one, or more, of the remaining volumes and win your own piece of history! |
| | The long-awaited 11th edition of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, featuring editorial contributions from 26 leading subject matter experts from industry and academia, is now available from GIE Media. Completely revised and updated for the first time in more than a decade, the 1,352-page, hardcover book is the industry’s No. 1 reference source on the behavior, life history and control of hundreds of structural pests. Order the book at https://bit.ly/4or31bP or by contacting the PCT bookstore at 800/456-0707. Quantity discounts are available. |
| | In addition to being founded at Purdue, Pi Chi Omega is excited to return to the Purdue Pest Management Conference (PPMC) for its landmark 90th Presentation. Throughout the meeting, members and guests are invited to join us for several key events, including the Board Meeting, Winter Membership Meeting and Luncheon, and a special Purdue Alumni & Pi Chi Omega Reception at Harry’s Chocolate Shop! A small block of rooms has been secured at the Hampton Inn for convenient lodging for Pi Chi Omega attendees. Join us in West Lafayette as we honor our shared history and look ahead to an exciting future. |
| | Pi Chi Omega is excited to return to the GPCA Athens Winter Meeting in 2026 after a fantastic first visit last year. We’ll be back to exhibit and to host a Raise the Bar Social on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, where members and guests can enjoy great conversations and a first round on us. Be sure to stop by our booth next to Trécé Inc. for entomology fun and to learn more about Pi Chi Omega. We’ve also arranged a small block of rooms at the SpringHill Suites Campus Hotel for added convenience. Join us as we reconnect, network, and celebrate the spirit of our pest management community. |
| | Help strengthen the Pi Chi Omega community by nominating a deserving colleague for membership. Pi Chi Omega unites pest-management professionals who are committed to advancing knowledge, supporting students, and enriching the industry.
To nominate someone, simply have them complete the nomination form and help them secure two current members as sponsors. Bringing new members into our network expands collaboration, supports our scholarship and grant programs, and helps sustain the future of our profession. |
| | PestWorld is always jam packed full of walking, meetings, learning and networking, but this year in Orlando Pi Chi Omega packed in lots of fun on top of it all! We held a Board meeting, our annual membership meeting, a Raise the Bar social and hosted a fun exhibit booth to boot! Click below to learn about all that transpired during each of these events! |
| | Pi Chi Omega celebrated leadership transitions and honored dedicated volunteers during its Membership Meeting at PestWorld on October 21. With new officers stepping into key roles and long-serving members recognized for their contributions, the organization reaffirmed the strength and continuity that come from its committed community of leaders. |
| | Pi Chi Omega proudly honored former student board member and past scholarship recipient Johnalyn Gordon, Ph.D. with the Award of Achievement, recognizing her years of creative service, leadership, and dedication to strengthening the organization’s presence. Her contributions—from designing impactful branding to supporting outreach and engagement—have left a lasting imprint on the fraternity and its members. |
| | Pi Chi Omega honored Gary Bennett, Ph.D. with its prestigious Award of Achievement during the Membership Meeting at PestWorld, recognizing his decades of leadership, mentorship, and transformative influence on the pest management industry. Presented by former student Kim Kelly-Tunis, ACE, BCE, PCQI this tribute highlighted Dr. Bennett’s remarkable career—from his early academic work to his lasting legacy at Purdue University—and his profound impact on generations of professionals. His instrumental role in elevating the Purdue Pest Management Conference into a nationally respected institution underscores his enduring contributions to education, research, and industry advancement. This recognition celebrates a career that has shaped both the scientific foundation and the professional community of urban entomology. |
| | Shofu Babalola was the recipient of the Daniel A. Baldwin Industry Grant in the Fall of 2024. The funds received assisted Shofu with launching the two initiatives he outlines in his report below. Learn about this impactful program and consider how you might further support Shofu's mission to Educate, Empower and Elevate Pest Control Awareness If you are a Pest Management Professional seeking to advance your career within the industry, Pi Chi Omega has funds to support you! Click click here, to learn how to apply for a Pi Chi Omega Industry Grant. |
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
January 11, 2026
3:00PM - 5:00PM | Purdue University, STEW Room 202 |
| January 12, 2026
12:00PM - 1:15PM | Purdue University, STEW 214 AB |
| January 13, 2026
7:00PM - 9:00PM | Harry's Chocolate Shop, 329 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
