07/12/2026

Past Scholarship Recipient Raises the Bar at NCUE by Giving Back

Pi Chi Omega brought members and friends together during the National Conference on Urban Entomology (NCUE), held in Atlanta, Georgia, in May for a special Raise the Bar Social. Hosted by members of the Pi Chi Omega Board on Monday evening, the event welcomed NCUE attendees for an evening of networking, fellowship, and support for Pi Chi Omega’s mission. Pi Chi Omega is especially grateful to Trécé Inc. for generously covering the evening’s bar tab, helping make the event possible and allowing the funds raised to directly support the organization’s programs.

Throughout the evening, attendees purchased tickets for a 50/50 raffle, building the total pot to an impressive $1,515. The lucky winner of half the proceeds was Janet Kintz-Early , Ph.D., JAK Consulting Services—but the story did not end there.

Janet, a former Pi Chi Omega scholarship recipient and current member, immediately donated her entire winnings back to the organization.

As an entomology student at Clemson University, Janet received a Pi Chi Omega scholarship intended to help students studying entomology or a closely related field achieve their academic goals and potentially pursue careers in the structural pest control industry. She shared that the scholarship made a meaningful difference during her time in school, even helping her pay her rent.

Grateful for the assistance she once received, Janet wanted to give back so Pi Chi Omega could continue helping future students and advancing its mission of enriching and connecting the structural pest control industry.

James Miller, ACE, Pi Chi Omega president said, "Janet’s generous gesture perfectly captured the spirit of the Raise the Bar Social—and demonstrated the lasting impact Pi Chi Omega scholarships can have on their recipients." James is pictured here with Janet and fellow Pi Chi Omega member Dr. Jessica Lindenmayer, Global Field R&D Coordinator for Trécé Inc.

In addition to raising funds, attendees enjoyed reconnecting with longtime friends, meeting new colleagues, and learning more about Pi Chi Omega and its contributions to the industry. The evening served as a meaningful reminder that supporting students today can create industry leaders and generous supporters for years to come.