As we embark on this, second decade of the twenty-first century, we continue to enjoy the awesome privilege of living in the greatest country ever conceived.  The opportunities we have all been given to succeed in our chosen profession and to enjoy the fruits of our labor are true blessings from God.  We have all been honored by earning the opportunity to change the lives of our patients on a daily basis.  This honor should never be taken for granted and out responsibility to our profession should always be held in the highest regard.  As members of Xi Psi Phi International Dental Fraternity we have been trusted with the stewardship of an elite organization that was founded by a small group of forward thinking professionals who recognized the value in the camaraderie and professional stimulation that results from a group of individuals forming together to reach a common goal.  Every member of Xi Psi Phi joins the fraternity with thoughts of personal goals or expectations they may hope to get from the group.  These goals and expectations are often very basic and are frequently based on social interaction and peer group activities.  As we progress in our educational pursuits, the personal goals associated with fraternal activities often begin to shift to more altruistic and knowledge seeking pursuits.  For those who truly embrace the value of Xi Psi Phi as a beneficial source of professional interaction and networking, goals begin to significantly change near the time of dental school graduation.  Very often, a strong effort is made to keep lines of communication intact with other Xi Psi Phi members.  The true value of networking becomes reality when ZIP applicants for residencies can communicate with fellow ZIPs in the same program or school.  Doors begin to open to those seeking practice opportunities when potential partners or employers are also ZIPs.  Comfort levels are raised and barriers lowered when Xi Psi Phi dentists enter into military settings, public health clinics and other institutional positions and discover that a colleague is also a ZIP.  Even our significant others find comfort in conversing with spouses of our ZIP colleagues about experiences they have had with ZIPs over the years.

For some ZIPs, the journey continues well into their professional careers and beyond.  There are many Xi Psi Phi alumni chapters that are active around the United States and Canada.  By remaining active with these chapters, ZIP alumni are able to strengthen their ties to fellow ZIPs as well as support and mentor local dental school chapters, thus helping ensure their long-term growth and success.  It is through strong alumni involvement that Xi Psi Phi will continue to grow and prosper so that the legacy of our founders will continue to live on.

Some of our most dedicated alumni seek out opportunities to give back to Xi Psi Phi by volunteering their time as Chapter advisors, Province Chairs or as members of the Xi Psi Phi Supreme Chapter Board of Directors.  Through the continued efforts of these extremely dedicated ZIP alumni, our fraternity has been kept on a successful and positive course throughout its existence.  In today's society there seem to be fewer individuals willing to accept long-term responsibility to ensure that those who follow will have the same experiences and opportunities that they enjoyed.

I am proudly accepting the full responsibility of strengthening the foundation of Xi Psi Phi during my tenure as Supreme President.  As with any long-lasting foundation, work must begin at the most basic ground level.  I will strive to increase the number of pledges in the active chapters through the local support and encouragement of ZIP alumni who volunteer to visit local rush activities to provide testimonials of the benefits of Xi Psi Phi through their careers.  I will work with the Province Chairs to re-energize failing chapters through creation of active alumni leadership contacts at those schools.

I will make 100% alumni membership beginning with the class of 2010 a priority, and I will work with the Supreme Secretary-Treasurer to increase long-term alumni membership.

I will personally communicate with every ZIP alumni chapter to reinforce our gratitude to them for continuing to keep Xi Psi Phi active in their communities, and I will encourage alumni without a local chapter to establish one.

Throughout the years that I have continued to serve Xi Psi Phi as a chapter advisor, Province Chair, and Supreme Chapter Board Member, I have had countless opportunities to answer the question, "Why should I join ZIPs and what's in it for me?"  My answer almost always includes the statement "you will get out of it much more than you put into it."  That being said, to go above and beyond and give back to Xi Psi Phi more than just supplying Mom and Dad's address and your first alumni dues payment, you can be assured that you are making a life-long investment in a network of professionalism and loyalty that cannot be measure in time or money.

In light of the many uncertainties we are seeing in our government, our economy and our future, a simple investment of minimal time and very affordable dues is a small price to pay to establish relationships that will always remain loyal, beneficial and supportive.  Your Xi Psi Phi family remains one of the brightest beacons in your professional career.  Embrace it, support it and help to strengthen it for the future.  We, the Supreme Chapter Board members and local ZIP leaders, look forward to welcoming all of you with the open arms of a true ZIP brother or sister.

Fraternally,

George T. Knight, Supreme President                

San Antonio, Texas

Beta Lambda, 1988

(Supreme President Knight has selected the following Xi Psi Phi BIENNIAL "password" - INVOLVEMENT)