Activities of the Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York include dinners, community service, museum visits, leadership opportunities, networking and more. Please let us know if you have ideas for events and would like to get involved.
Please also browse Classifieds for member-suggested activities and other content.
Upcoming Events
Friday | April 13, 2018 @ 9:15 am | PBK Secretary Fred Lawrence: “Free Expression & Social Media: 21st Century Public Square”
Location:
New York University
College of Arts & Science
International Relations
12 Waverly Place, Room G08
New York, NY
RSVP:
aharonisharon@gmail.com
Past Events
Thursday | March 15, 2018 @ 5:15 pm | PBK-NY event “Farinelli and the King” with an Introduction by the Producer
The cast delivered an amazing performance for this final showing of “Farinelli and the King”. Special thanks to Jane Dubin for making this gathering possible, and of course, thanks to all PBKNY members who attended!
You are cordially invited to join PBK-NY in attending Farinelli and the King Thursday evening, March 15th!
We will be hosted by fellow Phi Beta Kappa member, Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, and producer of Farinelli and the King, Jane Dubin, who will provide behind-the-scenes insights an hour before showtime!
Discounted Group Ticket Details:
Seating
Rear Mezzanine (G-H)
Regular Price
$79
Group Discounted Price
$71 (plus processing fee)
Evening Agenda:
5:15pm – 6:00pm
Open Networking
6:00pm – 6:30pm
Remarks and insights by Producer, Jane Dubin
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Showtime!
Theater Location:
Belasco Theatre
111 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10023
About our Host:
Jane Dubin is a Tony Award-winning producer and the President of Double Play Connections, a theatrical production and management company committed to supporting emerging artists and playwrights in the creation and development of new works. Her co-productions include the upcoming Farinelli and the King, starring Mark Rylance,Bandstand, An American in Paris (4 TONY Awards, now on Tour and in London), Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey (Westside Theater and Currently on Tour), and Peter and the Starcatcher (Winner of 5 TONY awards, Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tour) among others.
Wednesday | February 28, 2018 @ 7:30 PM | Ian Hobson — Sound Impressions: The Piano Music of Debussy & Ravel
PBKNY expresses our sincerest thanks to all who attended this event!
Ian Hobson (background), PBKNY President Jacques Ohayon (foreground)
Pianist Ian Hobson performs Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and the world premiere of Stephen Taylor’s “Variations Ascending”
Please join us for the an evening with the immensely versatile and renowned pianist Ian Hobson, whose playing has been described by Gramophone as “intensely alive to expressive nuance, textural clarity and elastic shaping. Mr. Hobson is in the midst of a six-recital cycle of the complete solo piano works of Debussy and Ravel at New York’s downtown venue SubCulture. Mr. Hobson’s recitals will explore Debussy’s revolutionary quest to reach beyond traditional harmonic means to portray people and nature in an ambiguous yet still immediate reality; as well as Ravel’s brilliant, sometimes darkly-menacing solo piano works which tease the imagination with skillfully wrought intimations of spooky fairy tales, faraway places, and Gothic fantasies.
Phi Beta Kappa members are invited to join Mr. Hobson for his fourth recital in this series, followed by a stimulating, 20-minute question and answer period. Full program details below:
Debussy
Berceuse Héroïque
Valse Romantique
Mazurka
Nocturne
Ravel
Sérénade Grotesque
Miroirs
Debussy
Préludes, (Book 1)
The venue:
Subculture
45 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
212-533-5470
Friday | December 1, 2017 @ 6:30 PM | 2017 Holiday Party & Toy Drive
We had a nice holiday dinner and toy drive and thank everyone for contributing to this night’s success! For additional details on the CancerCare Toy Drive, please click here.
Jacques Ohayon (PBKNY President), with Carolyn Messner (PBKNY Vice President), and donations to CancerCare Toy Drive
2017 CancerCare Toy Drive donations
Susan Tausig (PBKNY Treasurer), Carolyn Messner, Jacques Ohayon, Huibin Liu (2017 PBKNY Scholarship Winner), and Leslie Verter (PBKNY Scholarship Director)
Alan Wong (Board Member), Susan Tausig, Leslie Verter, Carolyn Messner, Jacques Ohayon, Jonathan Morales (2017 PBKNY Scholarship Winner), and Matthew Kriegsman (Board Member)
PBKNY Member attendees
We hope everyone is having a joyful holiday season. We have a great evening planned for 6:30PM, Friday December 1st. We will be having dinner at Rare Restaurant and also awarding two scholarships. The scholarships are made possible from donations made to the PBKNY Scholarship Fund.
As traditional during our holiday parties, members are asked to bring unwrapped gifts or checks made out to CancerCare’s Kids and Teen Program. We are looking forward to seeing everyone.
Please RSVP to info@pbkny.org no later than November 22nd.
In order in simplify your dinner at Rare, each attendee will receive individual checks for their meals. You can see the menu at: www.rarebarandgrill.com. Rare is located at 152 West 26th Street, NYC
Members please mail in your PBKNY 2018 dues, ($30) it will be very much appreciated. Please also consider donating to our scholarship fund. We recognize that some members also contribute to the PBK Society in Washington and thank-you for your extended generosity. It is very much appreciated. Thank-you.
Please visit our website at www.pbkny.org for events and activities.
We would also like to announce the new leader of our PBKNY Book Club Kala DeStefano.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday November 29th 2017 at 7:00 pm at the Winslow. We are reading: This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz. The Winslow is located at 243 East 14th St. New York, NY 10003
Tuesday | October 17, 2017 @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | “The Business of Broadway” with the PBK New York Association
Special thanks to Jane Dubin, PBK National, and all who attended for making this night possible!
You’re invited to join PBKNY for an evening with TONY award winning broadway producer JANE DUBIN! Get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to put together a Broadway production and working in the theater industry.
Agenda
7:00 p.m. Open Networking
7:30 p.m. “Business of Broadway” Lecture and Q&A
8:30 p.m. Wine and Cheese Reception
Location
Fordham University Lincoln Center
South Lounge, Lowenstein
113 West 60th Street
New York, NY 10023
About the Speaker
JANE DUBIN is a TONY Award-winning producer and the President of Double Play Connections, a theatrical production and management company committed to supporting emerging artists and playwrights in the creation and development of new works. Her co-productions include the upcoming Farinelli and the King, starring Mark Rylance,Bandstand, An American in Paris (4 TONY Awards, now on Tour and in London), Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey (Westside Theater and Currently on Tour), and Peter and the Starcatcher (Winner of 5 TONY awards, Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tour) among others.
Before embarking on her career in theater, Ms. Dubin spent over 20 years in the financial services industry. Trained as an actuary, she was a Managing Director at Equitable Capital Management Corporation (a subsidiary of Equitable Life) and then principal of a private investment firm, as the Director of Marketing and Client Services. Ms. Dubin has an MBA in Finance from NYU and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Rochester, with a BA in Mathematics and an MS in Public Policy Analysis. While at Rochester, she was awarded an internship at the White House.
About The Phi Beta Kappa Society
Founded on Dec. 5, 1776, The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. It has chapters at 286 colleges and universities in the United States, almost 50 alumni associations, and more than half a million members worldwide. Noteworthy members include 17 U.S. Presidents, 40 U.S. Supreme Court Justices and more than 130 Nobel Laureates. The mission of The Phi Beta Kappa Society is to champion education in the liberal arts and sciences, foster freedom of thought, and recognize academic excellence. For more information, visit www.pbk.org
Tuesday | October 3, 2017 @ 7:00 p.m. | “The Contours of Free Expression” – Livestream – #BridgingDivides
The Phi Beta Kappa Society will partner with Trinity College in a program entitled “The Contours of Free Expression on Campus.” During the program, PBK Secretary/CEO Frederick M. Lawrence and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and long-time Philadelphia Inquirer editor William Marimow will engage in a wide-ranging dialogue on the recent challenges and resulting debates concerning free expression occurring on campuses across the country.
To participate:
Please visit PBK’s website to view the livestream and access additional reading materials. The program will also be available on this page after the event as soon as we receive a video file.
Thursday | September 7, 2017 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Key Connections – Networking Panel and Reception
We had such a wonderful turnout that night! Many thanks to PBK National, the speakers, and last– but certainly not least–all the PBK Members for making this night a tremendous success!
Join the Phi Beta Kappa Society and the Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York for a networking reception and panel on the topic “Phi Beta Kappa as a Career Tool.” Moderator Tony Maciulis, Head of News Video at Yahoo Studios, will lead panelists in a discussion on their career paths, advice, and using Phi Beta Kappa to your advantage in the workplace and job search.
Location:
Convene
810 Seventh Avenue
Rockefeller Hub 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10019
Cost:
Free! Appetizers and drinks will be provided.
About the Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York
The Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York (PBKNY), the first and oldest PBK Association, was founded in 1877 by Elihu Root as “a means of encouraging scholarship and culture outside of college walls.” PBKNY is a local association for elected Phi Beta Kappa alumni members who live in the New York City metropolitan area. We report to but are distinguished from The Phi Beta Kappa Society in Washington, where students are inducted from Chapters within Universities nationwide. Learn more at www.pbkny.org.
About the Phi Beta Kappa Key Connections Events
On September 7-10, Phi Beta Kappa will launch Key Connections, a new event series designed to welcome recent Phi Beta Kappa members, in at least 20 cities across the country. Hosted by Phi Beta Kappa alumni associations, these events will offer recently inducted and young professional members a chance to network with their peers and get to know other Phi Beta Kappa members in their community. Local associations provide an opportunity to expand professional connections, take advantage of cultural opportunities, learn about a wide array of topics in engaging and creative ways, and give back through scholarship programs and other activities. Learn more and see all participating cities at www.pbk.org/KeyConnections.
The Phi Beta Kappa Society
Organizer of Phi Beta Kappa New York City Networking Panel
Founded on Dec. 5, 1776, The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. It has chapters at 286 colleges and universities in the United States, almost 50 alumni associations, and more than half a million members worldwide. Noteworthy members include 17 U.S. Presidents, 39 U.S. Supreme Court Justices and more than 130 Nobel Laureates. The mission of The Phi Beta Kappa Society is to champion education in the liberal arts and sciences, foster freedom of thought, and recognize academic excellence. For more information, visit www.pbk.org.
The Key Connections event is a great opportunity to connect with Phi Beta Kappa members in the New York area.
We hope to see you there!
Saturday | August 19, 2017 @ 10:00 am | Tour of the Tenement Museum – Brunch to Follow
Many thanks to all who attended!
![Tenement Museum - 3 - Final 3[4833]](http://pbkny.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tenement-Museum-3-Final-34833.jpg)
(Click to view this image)
Saturday | April 22, 2017 @ 10:00 AM | Special Tour of Lincoln Center, Brunch, & Ballet
We had a wonderful turn-out for this event! Thank you all for making this a successful get-together!
Tuesday | February 28, 2017 @ 6:30 – 9:30 PM | Networking Event at RARE Chelsea Bar and Grill
Location:
152 West 26th Street
Inside Hilton NY Fashion District Hotel
New York, NY (See website and map)
Note: Each attendee will be billed separately for their own order(s)
Meet other PBK members from New York and the local area. Speak to Christine Clark about our new PBKNY Book Club or just exchange business cards.
This event is open to all Phi Beta Kappa members regardless of chapter, location, etc.
Wednesday | January 25, 2017 @ 6:30 PM | Book Club Meeting – The Murder of William of Norwich: The Origins of the Blood Libel in Medieval Europe by E. M. Rose
Our next book club meeting will be held in the public space at 550 Madison Avenue. We will be reading The Murder of William of Norwich: The Origins of the Blood Libel in Medieval Europe by E. M. Rose, which won the 2016 Phi Beta Kappa Ralph Waldo Emerson Award. (Goodreads, PBK Award Page)
Questions? Contact Christine Clark at christineclark2v@gmail.com.
Friday | December 2, 2016 @ 6:30 PM | 2016 Holiday Dinner & Toy Drive
A special thanks to all PBKNY Members who made tonight a tremendous success! In one night, PBKNY:
- In conjunction with CancerCare, collected donated toys, cash, and other gifts for children and teens affected by cancer (see complete blog here for our 2016 Holiday Toy Drive),
- Awarded our Annual Scholarships to 2 outstanding community college students, and
- Launched our PBKNY Book Club, led by new Council Member Christine Clark. PBKNY is excited to announce we were selected as an Honorable Mention in PBK national’s Keys to Action Week.
Toys and other gifts donated by PBKNY Members
Scholarship recipients (l. and r.) Yi Jiang and Vicky Chan, with PBKNY President Jacques Ohayon
Holiday party
Check out photos and videos on our Facebook page here!
We hope everyone is having a joyful holiday season. We have a great evening planned for 6:30PM, Friday December 2, 2016 We will be having dinner at Rare Restaurant and also awarding two scholarships. The scholarships are made possible from donations made to the PBKNY Scholarship Fund.
As traditional during our holiday parties, members are asked to bring unwrapped gifts or checks made out to CancerCare’s Kids and Teen Program. We are looking forward to seeing everyone.
In order in simplify your dinner at Rare, each attendee will receive individual checks for their meals. You can see the menu at: www.rarebarandgrill.com.
Rare is located at 152 West 26th Street, NYC
Members please mail in your PBKNY 2017 dues, ($30) it will be very much appreciated. Please also consider donating to our scholarship fund. We recognize that some members also contribute to the PBK Society in Washington and thank-you for your extended generosity. It is very much appreciated. Thank-you. Please visit our website at www.pbkny.org for events and activities.
We will also be announcing the launch of a PBKNY Book Club led by new Council Member Christine Clark.
The year is 1969. In the state of Kerala, on the southernmost tip of India, fraternal twins Esthappen and Rahel fashion a childhood for themselves in the shade of the wreck that is their family. Their lonely, lovely mother, Ammu, (who loves by night the man her children love by day), fled an abusive marriage to live with their blind grandmother, Mammachi (who plays Handel on her violin), their beloved uncle Chacko (Rhodes scholar, pickle baron, radical Marxist, bottom-pincher), and their enemy, Baby Kochamma (ex-nun and incumbent grandaunt). When Chacko’s English ex-wife brings their daughter for a Christmas visit, the twins learn that things can change in a day, that lives can twist into new, ugly shapes, even cease forever, beside their river… (from Goodreads. It is important that we receive your RSVP for this event, please contact Christine Clark via email: ChristineClark2v@gmail.com
The first meeting will be held on Wednesday December 7th 2016 at 6:30 pm at the public space at 550 Madison Avenue. We are reading the 1997 winner of the Man Booker Prize, The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.
Monday | September 19, 2016 @ 5:45 PM | GENERAL MEETING at the Museum of the City of New York
Location:
Museum of the City of New York
1220 5th Avenue (at 103rd Street )
New York, NY 10029
(Rowe Classroom 3, lower level)
Phone: 212-534-1672
Greetings to All PBKNY Association Members! Hope Everyone is Enjoying the Warmer Weather.
The annual meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2016 at 5:45 pm at the Museum of the City of New York.
The featured items on the General Meeting’s agenda are the Association’s annual election of Officers and ‘At-large’ Members of the Executive Council, the Association’s governing body, followed by a short presentation. All members of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, their friends, and family are invited to attend.
Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited, so please RSVP prior to the event.
6:30 PM SPECIAL EVENT: Who’s the Man? | Alexander Hamilton v. Robert Moses
Prolific, strong-willed, and unapologetic to a fault – Alexander Hamilton remains one of the most famous and influential New Yorkers. However, another New Yorker may give him a run for that title – master builder Robert Moses. One created the economic structure of our city and nation, the other physically shaped American cities like no person before or since. Both excelled at pushing forward complicated and uncertain projects, both had a flair for the dramatic, and neither was ever elected to public office. While they rose to prominence in New York City at very different times, for an evening we consider them side-byside and posit this question: If they had matched wits, who would have come out on top? Our three speakers explore the impact of these two “power brokers” on the city. This program delves into the themes of our exhibition Picturing Prestige: New York Portraits, 1700-1860.
Guest Speakers:
Joanne Freeman, Professor of History and American Studies, Yale University
Kenneth Jackson, Professor in History and the Social Sciences, Columbia University
Daniel Garodnick (moderator), New York City Council Member
RSVP: As soon as possible, please email your RSVP to: info@pbkny.org
Register: At mcny.org/programs. Use code PBKNY for $15 tickets (regular is $25)
ELECTION NOTICE
Executive Council elections for the 2016-2017 program year will be held immediately before the evenings program.
This year’s uncontested election slate, as selected by the Nominating Committee, is:
Officers:
- Diane Wesson President Emeritus
- Jacques J, Ohayon, President
- Susan Tausig, Treasurer
- Carolyn Messner, Vice President
Members of Executive Council:
- Alan Wong (Technology Resources), 2 year term
- Holly Greenberg, 2 year term
- Leslie Verter, 2 year term
- Alex Hunt (Fund Raising), 2 year term
- Jason Butler (Social Events & Activities), 2 year Term
- Allison Weinberg (Scholarship Fund Raising), 2 year term
All members of the Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York, dues-paying and life members, current with Association dues as of July 13 2016 will be eligible to vote; voting must be in person, proxy voting is not permitted. If you are not already an Association member, annual membership is still only $30.00 per year; membership forms are available on the Association’s website, www.PBKNY.org. Newly inducted members registering with PBK of NY by July 13, 2016 will also be eligible to vote. You can bring your 2016 dues with you to this meeting.
Saturday | June 3, 2016 | Williams College PBK Induction Ceremony
Our PBKNY President, Jacques Ohayon, was invited to participate in the PBK induction ceremony at Williams College. The Phi Beta Kappa Society’s new Secretary & CEO-elect, Frederick Lawrence–himself a Williams alumnus–was also present. Congratulations to all 2016 inductees!
Williams College 2016 PBK induction ceremony
(l. to r.) Steven Miller, Williams College PBK Chapter President; Frederick Lawrence, PBK Society Secretary & CEO-elect; Jacques Ohayon, PBKNY President; and Stephen Fix, Williams College Professor of English.
A Williams College senior is welcomed by Steven Miller and Frederick Lawrence into PBK
Jacques Ohayon and Stephen Fix with the Williams College PBK charter
Thursday | May 26, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m. | Networking Event at the French Embassy
We had a wonderful turnout for this amazing event!
The Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York proudly announces a wonderful networking event at the French Embassy!
We had a quiet winter and are now prepared to start our Spring programming with the long-anticipated event at the French Embassy in Manhattan. The focus of this event is for members who have had an educational experience in France.
From the Embassy:
France Alumni: Extend your French experience in the US!
France Alumni has been created by Campus France at the initiative of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development to enable international students who studied in France to make the most of their French experience. France Alumni USA, the local digital platform dedicated to American residents, will be launched in September 2016. Joining this unique social network will give you access to:
- Networking opportunities
- Job and internship offers
- Invitation to cultural events
- Information and resources to value your French experience
4 good reasons for Phi Beta Kappa members to join France Alumni network:
- Get access to an online directory to build your French network – Connect with other alumni who studied in France and live in the U.S. – Join, create and manage discussion groups to share your French experience with alumni from all over the world
- Bring together all Phi Beta Kappa Society members who studied in France – Create a dedicated section for Phi Beta Kappa members on the platform – Engage the French and Francophile community with your Phi Beta Kappa local chapter through virtual and in-person events
- Get involved in comprehensive career services to boost your career and give back to young members of the community – Share and have access to training and job offers – Give advice on career development through webinars and special events
- Receive regular updates and invitations to cultural events happening in your city to extend your French experience.
Those PBKNY members who have not had an educational experience in France are welcome to bring a friend that has and would be interested in attending and being part of the program.
Location:
French Embassy
972 Fifth Ave (corner of 79th Street)
New York, NY
Wednesday | May 11, 2016 @ 6:00 pm | La Philharmonie de Paris at the French Embassy
(click to enlarge graphic)
Thursday | April 14, 2016 @ 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Lebowitz Prize Symposium at Fordham University
Please join The Phi Beta Kappa Society as 2015 Lebowitz Prize winners Alvin Goldman (Rutgers University) and Jennifer Lackey (Northwestern University) Present their symposium “Social Epistemology.”
Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served!
Location:
Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus
Law School Lecture Classroom 3-03
113 West 60 Street
New York, NY 10023
Friday | December 18, 2015 @ 6:30 PM | 2015 Holiday Party & Toy Drive
With a tremendous turnout, the Holiday Party was a wonderful success!
We were especially proud to present our 2015 PBKNY Scholarship Awards to:
- Joshua Rotbert
- Marcelina Washington
Many congratulations to both, and we wish them the very best!
Joshua Rotbert (left) with PBKNY President Jacques Ohayon
And, of course, many thanks to all our PBKNY members who attended the party and donated to the CancerCare for Kids Toy Drive. All gifts went to children and teens living with cancer and coping with cancer in their family.
Wednesday | November 11, 2015 @ 6:30 PM | Paul Hatrak: “Communicating For Success: For Entrepreneurs and Business Owners”
Mr. Paul Hatrak led a cogent interactive discussion on how to communicate more effectively. All who participated in this wonderful workshop took away a fresh and unique perspective on attaining new and maintaining current relationships–both professional and personal. For more information on Paul Hatrak, please go to www.paulhatrak.focalpointcoaching.com.
Paul Hatrak, CPA, CGMA, Certified Business Coach, National Speaker Explains How to Better Communicate for Success “For Entrepreneurs and Business Owners”
Did you know if you are dealing with Clients, Connectors and Competitors the same way you could be losing up to 75% of your opportunities to become a more effective Entrepreneur or Business Owner?
It could be because you are communicating the same way with everyone and not tailoring your activities to each person’s behavioral style. If you respond the same way to everyone then you are not responding to anyone.
If you’d like to know how to communicate better and also gain immediate insight into your most challenging people, come hear Paul Hatrak, CPA, CGMA, Certified Business Coach, National Speaker talk on “Communicating For Success: For Entrepreneurs and Business Owners”.
Paul will lead an interactive discussion that will help you understand the universal language of DISC (dominance-influence-steadiness-compliance) as it pertains to Entrepreneurs and Business Owners.
DISC is concerned with how we act and our way of doing things.
You will gain an understanding of your own behavioral style, recognize the behavioral style of others, and be able to adapt and blend your style for greater, more effective communication and relationships (personal and professional).
About Paul Hatrak, CPA, CGMA, Certified Business Coach, National Speaker
As a FocalPoint Certified Business Coach and President of Hatrak Associates, LLC, Paul’s mission is to work with clients with “entrepreneurial spirit” to drive further success or to “rekindle the fire” that may have been lost in their business.
He’s combined 20 plus years of business and leadership experience with the powerful results-based content and expertise of one of the world’s best known business coaches, Brian Tracy.
Paul held senior financial management positions in large and small companies, holding such titles as Regional Finance Principal/Officer and Controller.
As regional Finance Principal for Willis Group Holdings plc, he was responsible for directing finance activities impacting a $150M global business segment with operations in North America, London and Bermuda.
In his previous position at Willis, Regional Finance Officer, he directed finance activities impacting the $100M New York Metro region.
Paul joined Willis from Marquis & Associates Inc. where he was a Partner and controller. In this role he coordinated the merger with Willis Group Holdings plc.
He also has previous audit and tax experience with Deloitte & Touche.
Paul holds a BS in Accounting from King’s College and is a CPA, licensed in Pennsylvania.
He is also a licensed Property & Casualty, Health and Personal Lines Producer in New Jersey.
Paul is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA), Financial Executives International (FEI), Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) and served on the board of the Morris/Essex New Jersey chapter of the institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
He is also an avid networker, connector and golfer.
Thursday-Saturday | October 8-10, 2015 | The Phi Beta Kappa Society 44th Triennial Council
In October The PBK Society 44th Triennial was held In Denver, Colorado.
Highlights of the Triennial was a constitutional debate following Roberts Rules of Order on the Society Resolution concerning the Mass Shooting crisis facing College campuses. The delegation decided to discourage arming college security guards while still recognizing the severity of the problem. Jacques Ohayon sent a copy of his epidemiological report on the causes of the Mass Shooting problem to Secretary Churchill and made it available to the 250 member delegation.
(l. to r.) Jacques Ohayon, PBKNY Delegate; John Churchill, Secretary, PBK Society; Andrew Masich, Ph.D., President & CEO, John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh Association Delegate
Delegates also received a special presentation from University of Chicago Professor and Composer Augusta Read Thomas:
Composer Augusta Read Thomas
This is the way a commissioned composition starts out.
The delegation also had the honor to receive a presentation from great American Author David McCullough (originally from Pittsburgh)
Friday | October 2, 2015 | The 13th Inauguration of the President of Drew University
On October 2, 2015 your President Jacques Ohayon, represented the Phi Beta Kappa Society at the 13th inauguration of the President of Drew University. Jacques personally delivered a plaque for Dr. MaryAnn Beanninger, 13th President of Drew University.
(l. to r.) Jacques J. Ohayon and Dr. MaryAnn Beanninger
Wednesday | September 30, 2015 @ 6:30 PM | “Read the Book, Meet the Author” – a joint program with the Museum of the City of New York
(Please click image for event details)
The recent “Read the Book, Meet the Author” event was a great success! Dr. Foner was very interesting and shared with us many insights into New York City’s role in helping to free slaves. If you would enjoy additional programming at the Museum please let us know.
Friday | August 28, 2015 @ 5:30 PM | Sailing at North Cove Yacht Harbor
We would like to get at least 20 persons indicating an interest prior to scheduling a definite event. Please check your schedules and determine whether you can attend this interesting summer event! The event is open to all friends and family as well as members of PBKNY.
The sail lasts one hour, after which we plan on going to Brookfield Place for drinks and networking. It should be an enjoyable event!
Wednesday | July 15, 2015 @ 6:00 PM | GENERAL MEETING at the Museum of the City of New York
Location:
Museum of the City of New York
1220 5th Avenue (at 103rd Street )
New York, NY 10029
(Rowe Classroom 3, lower level)
We had a fantastic turn-out for our General Meeting as well as Special Summer Event! Many thanks to all PBKNY attendees for making this a huge success!
The featured items on the General Meeting’s agenda were the Association’s annual election of Officers and ‘At-large’ Members of the Executive Council, the Association’s governing body, followed by a short presentation. All members of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, their friends, and family were invited to attend. Light refreshments were served.
SPECIAL SUMMER EVENT — The New York Nobody Knows — Wednesday, July 15th at 6:30pm
Immediately following our Annual Meeting, William Helmreich and journalist Ariel Kaminer discussed how NYC has changed since the 1970s and the voices and stories of two prevailing groups of people: the immigrants and the gentrifiers to which Heimreich attributes the city’s success. William Helmreich is a Professor of the Colin Powell School Civil and Global Leadership at City of New York Graduate Center (CUNY) and Journalist Ariel Kaminer is a senior reporter for BuzzFeed News and formerly a reporter for The New York Times.
2015 Election Results – Executive Council
Elections for the 2015-2016 program were held immediately before the evenings Program. Below was this year’s uncontested election slate, as selected by the Nominating Committee. All on this slate were elected to serve our Board for 2015-2016.
Congratulations to all our Officers and Executive Council Members!
Officers:
- Diane Wesson, President Emeritus
- Jacques J, Ohayon, President
- Susan Tausig, Treasurer
Members of Executive Council:
- Alan Wong (technology resources) – 1 year term
- Carolyn Messner – 1 year term
- Holly Newman – 1 year term
- Leslie Verter – 1 year term
All members of the Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York, dues-paying and life members, current with Association dues as of July 13 2015 were eligible to vote; voting was in-person, as proxy voting is not permitted. Newly inducted members registering with PBK of NY by July 13, 2015 were also eligible to vote.
Monday | May 11, 2015 @ 6:30 PM | NYC Happy Hour at the Royalton Hotel Lobby Bar
The Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York had a wonderful turn-out for its spring happy hour! Thanks to all the PBKNY new members for making this a huge success!
March 25-26 | Colgate University Visiting Scholar Lecture and Events | Hamilton, NY
With Caroline Bruzelius, A.M. Cogan Professor of Art and Art History, Duke University and 2014-2015 ΦBK-Frank M. Updike Memorial Scholar.
Friday | February 6, 2015 @ 4:00 pm | Lebowitz Prize Symposium at Fordham University
Lebowitz Prize winners Jonathan Schaffer (Rutgers University) and Jessica Wilson (University of Toronto) each presented alternate views on “Grounding in Metaphysics.” Organized by Phi Beta Kappa national, Secretary John Churchill moderated this event which comprised amazing presentations, a wonderful attendee turn-out, a dynamic Q & A session, as well as complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the conclusion of the event.
Special thanks to Secretary John Churchill, Ann McCulloch, and Laura Hartnett for making this symposium a huge success!
Location:
Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus
Lowenstein Building 12th Floor Lounge
113 West 60 Street
New York, NY 10023
Wednesday | January 21, 2015 @ 6:30 PM | Lecture on Animal Law with Sharon Discorfano, Esq.
Location: CancerCare, 275 7th Avenue, NYC 22nd Floor
For members living in New York City and thinking about getting a pet, or who already have one, this presentation is for you! Landlords are welcome as well. Sharon is a great resource, I spent the evening with her during the PBKNY Holiday Party and CancerCare Toy drive, and found her to have an exceptional personality in addition to a legal expert in this area. Any members attending her presentation will have the benefit of meeting and networking with Sharon.
A graduate of Rice University, I have an M.A. in Literature from Georgetown and an M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University, with my initial post-baccalaureate work in Psychology at Columbia University.
In May 2012, I received my J.D. from the James E. Rogers College of Law at University of Arizona, with a personal focus on Animal Law issues. At the law school, I served as Co-Director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter and as Student Representative on the Executive Council of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Arizona. In addition, I’ve worked as a Legal Intern for Compassion Over Killing, a Government Relations Intern at the ASPCA, and spent several years working with The Humane Society of the United States on its Cage-Free Campus campaign. My latest joy in animal advocacy is getting to be part of the NYC Bar Association’s Committee on Animal Law. (Note: posts on this site are solely mine and are not intended as representative of these organizations).
My personal experiences in the workplace range from academic settings to the music industry to Wall Street. My first career was as a child model, actress, and singer in New York; I resurfaced on the NYC blues scene years later, performing in venues such as The Bitter End, Manny’s Car Wash, Chicago B.L.U.E.S., and Tribeca Blues. Other cities I’ve hung my hat for a while: Houston, Rome, Austin, and Washington D.C.
Tuesday | December 9, 2014 @ 6:30 to 8:30 PM | 2014 Holiday Party & Toy Drive
Location:
Piccola Cucina
184 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
Details:
- $30 per person for Italian buffet and dessert (tax and tip included)
- Please bring an unwrapped toy or book for children and teens with cancer
We had a great time at the PBKNY Holiday Party!
Special Thanks to Jason Butler and Ashley Randolph for helping to make the arrangements.
From left, around the table: Jason Butler, Michael McMenamin, Jon Weiner, Leslie Verter, Sharon Santana, Sharon Discorfano, Brian Chernak
Left to right: Brian Chernak, Carolyn Messner, Paul Kirby and Jacques J Ohayon, President PBKNY
Thursday | November 13, 2014 @ 6:30 PM | Creative Writing and Music Workshop
Thais Miller and Evan Ardelle are both successful artists that have turned their talents into full time commercial careers. Thais a published writer, professor, editor and teacher, brought her talents to a digital ad agency. Evan, an accomplished musician, became a computer programmer and financial professional. This is a great opportunity to learn how to turn your Liberal Arts Talent into successful careers and employment. The evening will include a writing workshop and discussion about literary opportunities in New York City led by Thais, followed by a short performance by Evan on his antique cello. Evan will also describe his musical background and career. Please stop by, Thais and Evan will be glad to share their experiences with you. Please LOGON to thaismiller.wordpress.com for more information on Ms. Miller.
Location:
CancerCare
275 7th Avenue 22nd Floor
New York City
Tuesday | October 07, 2014 @ 7:00 PM | We are pleased to announce a New Members Evening!
Please stop by and meet fellow new members for networking and business card exchange. Great chance to learn about the PBKNY Association and receive membership details.
Location:
The Royalton Hotel Lobby Bar
44 West 44th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
New York City
1989 Revisited: Tiananmen and the Fall of the Berlin Wall 25 Years Later
Professor Jeffrey Wasserstrom’s lecture focused on the questions: How similar or different were the nearly simultaneous protests that broke out in Beijing, Budapest and Bucharest in 1989? Do the interpretations of the events that circulated at the time still make sense and why did the struggles in China as opposed to places like Czechoslovakia end so differently? Does 1989 still seem as crucially important and special a year as it did in the immediate wake of the toppling of the Berlin Wall?
Jeffrey Wasserstrom is the Chancellor’s Professor of History at UC Irvine and editor of the Journal of Asian Studies. He has authored four books, including Student Protests in Twentieth-Century China and China in the 21st Century: What Everyone Needs to Know.
Date:
Monday, September 15, 2014
Time:
7 p.m.
Location:
Leo A. Guthart Cultural Center Theater
Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, First Floor, South Campus
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
USA
Contact:
Sarah McCleskey
Email: sarah.e.mccleskey@hofstra.edu
Phone: 516-463-5076
hofstra.edu/culture
Sponsored by the Hofstra Cultural Center and the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
Phi Beta Kappa General Meeting July 14th 2014
Offices at CancerCare 275 7th Avenue, NY, NY
The Following slate of Officers were elected:
Officers:
Diane Wesson President Emeritus
Jacques J, Ohayon, President
Susan Tausig, Treasurer
Carolyn Messner, Vice President
Members of Executive Council:
Doris Seligman 2 year term
Alan Wong (technology resources) 2 year term
Holly Newman Greenberg 1 year term
Leslie Verter 2 year term
Susan Tausig gave a updated annual Treasurer’s Report for 2014
Following the meeting a we held a program on “Resume Building and working with Recruiters” board member, Alan Wong, gave a Power Point Presentation on “8 key steps to keep in Mind for a Successful Job Hunt”. After the presentation we held three breakout meetings: Marketing Careers, Medical Careers and Consulting Careers-
April 30th 2014 PBKNY Lecture in Conjunction with Dr. Sammons, a PBK Senator
As part of the NYU College of Arts and Sciences Bentson Dean Lecture Series. Dr. Sammons discussed his book”Harlem Rattlers and the Great War” It was a very exciting presentation followed by an impressive reception.
PBKNY Lecture February 26th 2014-Held at Fordham University Westside Campus
Electrical Engineer and Photographer Johnny Sandaire discussed his book:
A collection of 111 color and Black & White photographs depicting the Haitian people, their culture and the island’s landscapes.
The PBKNY Annual Holiday Party on December 4th 2013
The Party was a tremendous success. The event was held at Serafina on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and the night consisted of a delicious Italian dinner, a holiday toy drive for CancerCare Kids, as well as the presentation of the scholarship award to this year’s winner, Paula Villacres! All in all, it was a very festive celebration
On Oct 28th, 2013 we had a Halloween event at Madame Tussauds in Times Square.
In the past we have visited Merchant House (Manhattan’s oldest haunted house) and a day at Greenwood Cemetery (which was an escorted tour and just brilliant!) Tickets for the Wax Museum were at a reduced rate of $20 (which is half the regular rate) and e ichreceived donations for the Phi Beta Kappa scholarship fund which were most appreciated. We ended the evening at the cafe. Needless to say Phi Beta Kappa members taking photographs with some of Mme. Tussauds illustrious characters.
People Intell The Science of Microexpressions May 28th 2013 Fordham University
We have been fortunate to have many illustrious and diverse lecturers, we were privileged to present a team who is trained in the science of microexpressions. Used by intelligence agencies and security forces around the world the science of Microexpressions has become essential tool in keeping us safe. Mike Palestina, who is the Managing Partner of People Intell Institute (www.people-intell.com) graciously reformatted his 4 day seminar, which has been presented to corporations and public institutions to fit our time constraint.
Phi Beta Kappa General Meeting
On Tuesday, February 21st 2012 we held a general meeting which featured a lecture by Ms. Sherry A. Blair and also provided details about the PBK scholarship and nominating committees.
Ms Sherry A. Blair is a writer and entrepreneur, who spoke to us about her new book, The Positivity Pulse.
Below is a snipet of the material that was covered:
Increasing positivity is a necessity to create positive health and positive relationships. Many people are discouraged in today’s daunting economic times and are challenged to remain hopeful with healthy positive attitudes and relationships become tenuous and fragile. Taking a leadership role to increase positivity in your life gives you an edge at home, work and play. It also changes us at the cellular level. You will learn how to take a stand against negativity and learn some easy techniques to increase positivity in your life.
I hope that you can join us, on Tuesday evening at Fordham (60th St and Columbus Ave) at 7PM. As space is limited for this informal evening we will be asking you to RSVP by February 18th by email to drwesson@yahoo.com.
I look forward to meeting you, and know that you’ll really enjoy the venue.
Holiday Party – Wednesday, December 7, 2011
It’s not even Halloween yet, but we have already started planning for our annual holiday party. Last year’s event was a great time, for not only did our scholarship winners join us but the event was also a successful fund-raiser for CancerCare. Next month’s newsletter will provide additional information about the party, but please try to hold this date on your calendar.
Rick H. Pollak on Intentional Innovation- Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Rick H. Pollack, chief talent officer of STV Group, will be talking about “intentional innovation.” He says, “Innovations result when creativity is fashioned into something useful. We depend on a steady stream of large and small innovations in our lives and businesses to drive quality of life and profitability. However, most innovations are unplanned and unexpected. During this multimedia discussion, we’ll talk about (1) why daily, ongoing innovation is important to our personal and professional success; (2) what innovation looks like (often, it isn’t pretty or popular); and (3) some simple steps to increase our innovation abilities and behaviors so we can be more intentional in fashioning our creativity into something useful.”
Light refreshments will be served and we are opening this event to the general public, so please invite your friends.
TUESDAY-OCTOBER 25TH-7PM
Fordham University-113 West 60th Street
Networking Social – Wednesday, November 16, 2011New York’s eclectic hectic pace frequently puts a damper on creating new relationships. Do you want to connect with Phi Betas who can put you in touch with a contact you’ve been unable to meet, someone to brainstorm with, or someone who could open a door to a better job? We’re planning on meeting at the Hudson Hotel, located at 356 West 58th Street, in the Library Room (which is the bar).Members (and those thinking of becoming members) are welcome to join us at 6:30 p.m. For individuals looking for new opportunities, remember your résumés and business cards.
General Meeting, 7pm, Thursday, March 3rd, 2011. What could be better than to end the day gazing out over the city in one of the most contemporary night spots, while a fantastic ambient glow is generated by the fireplace bar? Hope you can warm up and meet us for our General Meeting at The Empire Hotel: Rooftop Bar (44 W. 63rd St-12th Floor -Rooftop). The purpose of the meeting is to select a nominations committee for the Annual elections.
Society’s Lecture Series, 6:30-7:30pm. Thursday, January 13th, 2011. Located at Fordham University, Lincoln Center, Generoso Pope Auditorium. 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023. PBKNY will be co-sponsoring this lecture with the Fordham Chapter at Fordham’s New York campus. The speaker is Nicholas D. Kristof of The New York Times, who will discuss his newest book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. The event will be open to both members and non-members. Tickets $25 for Phi Beta Kappa members. To purchase tickets click here and login with ID (1366652) and password (pbklecture).
Tickets must be purchased prior to the event. For questions and unsubscription requests, please email lecture@pbk.org. Please check the PBK National website for more details.
Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive and Association ‘General Meeting,’6:30-7:30pm. Tuesday, December 7th, 2010. Come join us for our annual holiday dinner and toy drop-off at RARE Bar & Grill. 152 West 26th Street (between 6th and 7th avenue), Chelsea district. 917.281.1990. Each person will be responsible for paying for his/her choices off the menu. Please bring either an unwrapped $10 toy (appropriate for a kid between the age of 6 and 18 years old) or a check made payable to CancerCare, a non-profit organization that supports kids coping with family members who are affected by cancer. Toys of any kind would be welcome and appreciated, especially arts/crafts, dolls, regular calculators, graphic calculators, backpacks, books, and warm scarves and hats. Kids will not be present at the restaurant to receive gifts but CancerCare will be sure to distribute them shortly thereafter.
“Music and Memory” Lecture by PBK Visiting Scholar Professor Kay Kaufman Shelemay, 5-6pm. Thursday, October 14th, 2010. Professor Shelemay is the G. Gordon Watts Professor of Music and Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. Silver Center for Arts and Science at NYU in Hemmerdinger Hall, 1st Floor, 100 Washington Square East, Greenwich Village. Silver Center. 212.998.5424.
Merchant House Museum, October 23rd, 2010 at 6:30pm. Meet for a Candlelit Ghost Tour of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House,” complete with eerie scenes of mid-19th century death and mourning! $25, MHM Members are $13. 29 East Fourth Street, New York, NY 10003. 212.777.1089.
PBK National Promo Video Shoot, September 18th. Olivia Buck invites all PBK members to participate in a video interview of 3 minutes of questions about their experience between 10am-1pm on Fordham University’s campus at 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY.
Summer Party at The Woods bar in Williamsburg, August 14th, 2010.
Annual Meeting/Officer Elections and Lecture: Architecture and Revolution in Cuba, June 2010
Belmont Freeman, a Yale University PBK member, is principal of Belmont Freeman Architects, an award-winning design firm in New York City. His work has received numerous awards and is regularly featured in the international design press.
Networking Event and General Meeting, March 2010
at65 Café, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center
Annual Holiday Party, January 2010
Faces and Names, 159 West 54th Street (@ 7th Ave)
Nick Corcodilos, “Making the Liberal Arts Degree Pay Off”, November 11
Nick Corcodilos, the author of “How to Work with Headhunters,” is a syndicated columnist and the host of “Ask a Headhunter: The Insider’s Edge of Job Search and Hiring” at www.asktheheadhunter.com. He received his BA from Rutgers, where he was elected to PBK, and an MA from Stanford. Nick was featured in the Fall 2009 Key Reporter and will be speaking about how to find hidden job opportunities in this job market. To learn more about this topic, read Nick’s blog.
Walking Tour of Green-Wood Cemetery, “Written in Stone, Tales of Green-Wood”, November 8
Networking event at The Morgan Library, November 6
Inaugural ΦBK Lecture Series
The Changing of the Guard in Washington – What to Expect”, January 2009. View the podcast
PBKNY General Meetings
Past meetings featured a lecture by Dr. William F. Baker about “Leading with Kindness”, a lecture by Dr. Donald B. Hoffman on “Drugs, Poisons – Past and Present”, museum visits and dinner at ArtePasta.
PBKNY Reading Group
The reading group discussed selections by John Steinbeck,William Least Heat-MoonChristine Rosen, Franz Kafka’s and Chuck Klosterman.
Voluntary Scholarship Contribution
At each event, PBKNY will be collecting voluntary contributions for the benefit of our Scholarship program; suggested donation in the amount of $5.00 per attendee.
For further information, or if you would like to organize a social or educational activity, please contact us here or at info@pbkny.org.