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Brief History Phi Kappa Tau was founded on March 17, 1906, in the Union Literary Society Hall of Miami University's Old Main Building in Oxford, Ohio. The four honored founders were:
The 21 men who attended the first meeting hoped to establish themselves on campus by unifying. They agreed on the name Non-Fraternity Association because according to Founder Shideler, "A political combination of fraternities had taken charge of essentially all activities within the reach of the student body." Three years later, on March 6, 1909, the organization changed its name to Phrenocon, combining the proposed names, Friends, Non-Fraternity, and Comrades. |
Phrenocon expanded in 1911 when a second chapter formed at Ohio University. Additional chapters were established at Ohio State University, Centre College, Mount Union College and the University of Illinois. On March 9, 1916, the Miami chapter withdrew from the National Phrenocon in order to become a Greek-letter fraternity. They adopted the name Phi Kappa Tau, and the remaining five Phrenocon chapters agreed to the name change in December of that year. The Miami chapter was then invited to return to the national organization as the Alpha chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. |
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Phi Tau Fast Facts Founded: March 17, 1906 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio Membership: 145 chapters chartered since 1906 National Headquarters: 5221 Morning Sun Road, Oxford, Ohio 45056 Foundation: Incorporated as an Ohio not-for-profit in 1945 |
National Magazine: The Laurel National Philanthropy: Hole in the Wall Camps |
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Insignia Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity has available certain insignia for use by its members. All badge designs are patented and the Greek-letter combination carries a trademark. Coat of Arms: The sole rights for use of the articles bearing Phi Kappa Tau symbols is represented by a Norman shield of gold divided into two sections. Between the upper section and the base is a red chevron bearing three Phi Kappa Tau stars. The Fraternity's motto is placed below the shield on a scroll. The coat of arms can only be displayed by initiated members. Flag: The flag of the Fraternity shall be divided horizontally in two sections with the lower half old gold and the upper half Harvard red. In the center shall be the Fraternity coat-of-arms edged in black surrounded by the letters "Phi Kappa Tau" in Greek in black. |
Associate Badge: The associate badge is a Norman shield edged in white enamel with a field of gold bearing a raised Phi Kappa Tau star. This badge is worn on a shirt pocket or about an inch above the heart on a vest, shirt or sweater. It is never worn on a t-shirt or any undergarment or on the lapel of a jacket. Member Badge: The member badge is an irregular octagon having the major axis from top to bottom. The center is black enamel bearing a star and the character letters for Phi, Kappa and Tau in gold. The black center is surrounded by a band of gold. The only combination of jewels permitted is a diamond or zircon set in the star and sixteen pearls set in the outer band of gold. The badge is worn in the perpendicular position over the heart on a vest, shirt or sweater. It is never worn on a t-shirt or any undergarment or on the lapel of a jacket. Seal of Alliance: The seal of alliance is circular, around the outer edge of which are the words "The Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity Grand Seal." The central portion contains two unicorns rampant against the fasces. |
Colors: Harvard Red (PMS 201 or PMS 187 preferred) Flower: Red Carnation |
