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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

Over the next few years, I found myself Although personal computers and printers
at Headquarters frequently as I served in had become commonplace at Headquarters, the
various roles on committees and administrative real technological revolution began after the
boards. The decade of the 90s brought major physical renovations were complete. The Society
building renovations and the beginnings purchased an Integrated Management Information
of the “technological revolution.” During System (iMIS) and approved replacement of all
the 1994–1996 biennium, the Headquarters computer hardware and peripheral equipment
Renovation Project included remodeling necessary for Y2K (Year 2000) compliance.
to bring the building into compliance with Throughout the first two decades of the 2000s,
the Americans with Disabilities Act and the DKG Headquarters continued to be not only
modification of electrical, heating, ventilation, the center of business operations for the Society
and air conditioning systems to meet current but also a meeting place and a symbolic “home”
health and safety standards. Inside, new carpet, for members. The Blanton Room was often the
new paint, new wall coverings, new window scene of chapter meetings featuring new member
treatments, reupholstering of furniture, purchase initiation/induction ceremonies. Members, friends,
of new office furniture—all of these made for a former staff members, and business associates
headquarters of which members could be proud. were invited to a celebration of the Society’s 75th
Three of the changes most notable were anniversary on May 11, 2004. During the week
installation of a chair lift from the foyer to the of the 2018 International Convention in Austin,
main hall, installation of an elevator (as envisioned more than 650 DKG members and guests toured
by the original architects), and construction of the Headquarters building. In a Blanton Room
a mantel and installation of a fake fireplace in ceremony in 2019, Mary Sanchez, the longest-
the Blanton Room. Previously, Dr. Blanton’s serving Headquarters employee, was inducted
portrait had hung on a recessed wall. The as an International Honorary Member upon her
architect suggested the “fireplace” to enhance the retirement after 51 years of service to the Society.
portrait and give the room a more formal look.

Dr. Paula Dent
and Evelyn Barron
survey old computer
equipment removed
from the Member-
ship Department to
be replaced by new
equipment prior to
Y2K.

Dr. Blanton’s portrait
has a place of honor
above a faux fire-
place in the Blanton
Room.

Collegial Exchange · 27