Dear Friends of the Lotus,

As we rapidly approach summer, many of us are in the midst of grading exams and final projects for students. Some of those students are about to embark on new paths. Whether the paths are new careers, graduate school, international travel, or reconnecting with their roots, we are exuberant to see their potential for success knowing that in some small way we were able to contribute to their future. Such is the hope for tomorrow.

Many of you are aware that the efforts undertaken last year to partner with ASHS, AFE, ACB and other horticultural groups to develop an annual “National Collegiate Undergraduate Horticulture Convention” failed to resolve declining undergraduate participation in sponsored events. The Annual Floral Evaluation and Design Competition was once again cancelled due to limited participation by PAX chapters, competition from other events and budgetary challenges at many institutions. Personally, I do not see these challenges going away anytime soon. Hope remains as PAX, ASHS and ACB leaders have agreed to set aside time at the ASHS National meeting in August to openly and honestly evaluate what avenue will best serve our discipline. Look for additional information about this meeting in the near future.

The Pi Alpha Xi Photography Contest is highly anticipated again this year. We went digital last year and will maintain this format in 2010. Announcements for entering the contest have appeared in the ASHS Newsletter and PAX website (http://ashs.org/pax). Remember the contest supports scholarships to students in local chapters so encourage everyone to participate.

My time as PAX President is rapidly drawing to a close. I too will be taking a new path in the future. Not just because I will be stepping down from the presidency, but because I have chosen a new career path. In June, I will be joining Monsanto as their Biotechnology Greenhouse Management Platform Lead. I remain honored to be a PAX member and will cherish the friendships and memories of my time as president. I look forward to maintaining close relationships with everyone and I wish you all a great summer.

With positive and forward thoughts,

Daniel