Representatives from 24 universities nationwide recently attended the Phi Upsilon Omicron Conclave at UW-Stout, hosted by student members of UW-Stout’s Tau Chapter.
Phi Upsilon Omicron, with 99,000 members nationwide, is the National Honor Society for Family and Consumer Sciences. The organization’s conference, held on Oct. 3-5, supports educators and students in FCS and related fields.
The three-day event included presentations and workshops led by leaders in education, a community service project and an awards ceremony, where UW-Stout’s early childhood education Program Director Lindsay Barnhart was recognized for her distinguished service as a Phi Upsilon Omicron adviser.
Barnhart received the Bachtel/Holbrook Collegiate Advisor Award. She was nominated by her Tau Chapter student members.
“Lindsay is our biggest cheerleader when it comes to any service or planning we do. We wouldn't be able to do any of it without her support,” said Abbi Williams, Tau Chapter president. “Lindsay encourages us to be our best selves by taking on leadership roles. Lindsay does so much for Tau chapter and Phi U, as a whole.”
“Having my members nominate me was unexpected and an honor,” Barnhart said. “It is a joy to be a part of this organization and lead these stellar students to do the work they do. Hearing how they are impacted makes it even more rewarding."
“There are 71 active national Phi Upsilon Omicron chapters. While this award is not the highest honor the organization bestows, it is very meaningful when there are 70 other individuals that have the opportunity to receive it," she added.
Barnhart was initiated as a Tau member in 2009 while earning her Ed.S. in career and technical education. She began serving as financial adviser in 2011 and became co-adviser in 2017 with her mother-in-law, Carolyn Barnhart. Lindsay Barnhart has served as adviser since 2020.
Student activities and awards
Conclave attendees joined in a community service project to pack 50 birthday bags to donate to Stepping Stones of Dunn County, a nonprofit food pantry and homeless shelter. They tied six blankets and donated sheet sets for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to building beds for children in need.
The Tau Chapter was selected by the national council to receive a top honor for its work within the community – the Region 1 National Service Project Award, for the 2023-24 academic year. It also received the award in 2022-23.
“The national project award is so special. Our organization really prioritizes giving back and completing service projects, and to be recognized for our hard work is very much appreciated,” Williams said. “It is a total team effort when it comes to these projects. We have 12 members in our chapter, which is low compared to other chapters. But I think why we are so successful when it comes to service is that we all work together, and we all pitch in.”
Last year, Tau members completed nine service projects, including gathering donations for Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the Menomonie Public Library. They made appreciation bags for support staff at River Heights Elementary and Wakanda Elementary and participated in Teach Day, a biannual UW-Stout event that invites high school students to explore education majors.
They sent seasonal cards to elderly community members, and volunteered at elementary school events, Sunday school programs and the Special Olympics basketball tournament. They made port pillows for local cancer patients and a gift basket for an alumni member who was going through cancer treatment.
Williams thinks there is a definite connection between teaching, community service and the theme of family.
“Through my experience in the teaching field, ‘family’ is something that comes up often, both in supporting our students’ families and in creating our own family in the classroom and school,” she said.
“Our chapter is privileged to make a difference in the lives of others. We are very lucky to have received monetary donations to complete service projects. As a family, it is our responsibility and honor to give back to others who may be less fortunate. Completing service projects is one of my favorite parts of Phi U because it empowers us and the individuals we can help.”
Eight UW-Stout students were awarded more than $26,000 in scholarships at the conclave:
- Megan Buhrow: early childhood education, Menomonie
- Josie Finocchiaro: family and consumer science education, Rockton, Ill.
- Sarah Flock: early childhood education, Cashton
- Anna Johnson: family and consumer science education, Eau Claire
- Taylor Luxem: human development and family studies, Appleton
- Kennedy Reckmann: early childhood education, Lake City, Minn.
- Hannah Timm: family and consumer science education, Fremont
- Williams: early childhood education, Waupaca
Williams was one of three recipients of the Phyllis S. Howe Scholarship, who received $6,050 each.
“Teaching was always my plan, and even when I thought about doing something else, I always came back to teaching. Teaching brings me so much joy. I feel like there is no better investment than investing in future leaders. As a teacher, my goal is to provide a space where my students feel supported, safe and empowered to make a difference,” Williams said.
The conference also included presentations and workshops by UW-Stout faculty, staff and area educators: Associate Lecturer Ann Brand led a workshop on mindfulness; school psychology Program Director Angela Axelrod led presentations on Trauma Informed Strategies and Teaching, and ADHD and Learning Disabilities in the Classroom; AI Integration Technologist Emily Laird presented on generative AI’s role in education, and family and consumer sciences area teacher Sue Halama led a workshop on Laughter Yoga.
Allison Feller, director of the university’s Child and Family Study Center, led a tour of the state-licensed and NAEYC-accredited child care facility.
UW-Stout’s School of Education offers nine undergraduate and five graduate programs, including on-campus and online options, along with five certificates and three certifications.
