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Alpha Theta Chapter Suspended |
February 17, 2012: Oxford, Ohio—Phi Kappa Tau National President Greg Heilmeier, Bethany ’86, announced today that the Fraternity’s National Council has suspended the charter of Alpha Theta chapter at William & Mary for a minimum of three years.
The chapter was suspended by the National Fraternity earlier last fall following an incident that involved an alleged assault. This incident arose from a scavenger hunt that was conducted through the membership orientation program for new members. Scavenger hunts and other such functions are not permitted by the Fraternity’s policies or the college’s conduct codes.
This latest incident follows other disciplinary issues that have arisen over the past two years. These issues were adjudicated and discussed with the undergraduates by the chapter’s local alumni board and the college. Both the Fraternity’s National Council and college viewed the most recent incident as indicative of the chapter’s unwillingness to change its operations despite past action by the school and alumni to facilitate that process.
“With the time and energy that has been offered to these young men by the alumni advisors, as well as the professionals at William & Mary, it’s disappointing to see that we have come to this point,” said Phi Kappa Tau CEO Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89. “Nationwide, we have thousands of young men who continue to focus on being model fraternity men—dedicated to learning, campus and community involvement, and fellowship—however, in isolated cases where the culture within a chapter becomes accepting of stereotypical fraternity buffoonery, our organization has been clear that it will not fly the Phi Kappa Tau flag.”
The college’s office of judicial affairs, through the dean of students, also supported the closing, issuing a letter to the chapter president that suspended operations for at least three years. The intention is to work with the school to restart the chapter with a new group of students after the suspension is complete. The earliest that plans could be developed are spring 2015. The timeline for a return to the campus has not yet been determined by the Fraternity.
“While there are certainly individuals among our chapter membership who are outstanding students and leaders on the William & Mary campus and community, the culture of the larger chapter was unable to support the mission of Phi Kappa Tau and the college,” Heilmeier said. “Our goal in the future will be to work with our group of dedicated alumni leaders to help rebuild the chapter that has graduated a wide variety of esteemed and distinguished members over the years.”
The Alpha Theta chapter has long been a flagship chapter for Phi Kappa Tau, consistently producing leaders in all walks of life. This recent suspension is not a reflection upon the hundreds of alumni who graduated through the chapter.
“Phi Kappa Tau has a history of supporting our partner universities and remains committed to the missions of the institutions in which our chapters reside,” Heilmeier said. “Although we take pride in providing undergraduates the opportunity to learn through the hands-on experiences of self-governing and accountability, there are situations that sometimes arise where a critical mass negatively influences a chapter’s direction. We have reached a point with our chapter at William & Mary where closing is in the best interest of all those involved, including the undergraduate members, guests, parents, the college and the dedicated alumni who helped build this chapter over the past 80-plus years.”
Over the next several weeks, the Fraternity will continue to work closely with William & Mary officials and chapter alumni to outline a timetable to re-establish an Alpha Theta chapter that will remain dedicated to the principles and ideals espoused in the Phi Kappa Tau mission, creed, and Ritual.
Founded in 1906 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Phi Kappa Tau is a national fraternity that fosters three core ideals within its membership: learning, leading and serving. Currently, the Fraternity has nearly 90,000 members and 86 active collegiate groups—74 chapters and 12 colonies, or student organizations in the final stages of being installed as a chartered chapter.
The mission of Phi Kappa Tau is to champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character. |
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Interview with Volunteer Development Consultant Marty Dunning |
February 17, 2012: Oxford, Ohio—By: Coordinator of Volunteer Development Tyler Wash, Georgetown ’06
 Marty Dunning, Kentucky ’07, was hired as Phi Kappa Tau's volunteer development consultant in July 2011. Before joining the Executive Offices staff, Marty served Kappa chapter as the philanthropy chairman and secretary. He has also volunteered at Camp Boggy Creek several times and is currently planning to marathon run to raise money for the camps.
For this month’s Domain Director spotlight, I decided to jump into the interviewer's seat and catch up with Marty to get inside his time as a Phi Kappa Tau staff member. Domain Director interviews will return in April.
Wash: Reflecting on your years of association with Phi Kappa Tau, what is the one thing that stands out as a point of pride for you?
Dunning: When my chapter brought home the Maxwell award. The men of the chapter had been building up to the point of winning for a few years, and I was lucky enough to be a part of the last year of work. The Convention in general that year was awesome, but being announced as the Maxwell recipients was just icing on the cake. I was beyond proud to be a Phi Tau and a member of Kappa chapter on that day.
Wash: You have been a member of the Executive Offices staff for almost a year now. Why did you decide to apply for this job?
Dunning: Ever since my first Convention experience, I have been in love with Phi Tau at a national level. I first wanted to give back when I was an undergraduate, and I was fortunate enough to be the communication intern back in 2010 for Convention and Leadership Academy. That summer only fueled my passion more, and I figured the best way I could give back to my brothers right now was by working on the Executive Offices staff full-time.
I had no idea that there was a volunteer development position opened when I applied, but when Tim and Tyler mentioned it to me, I knew that’s where I wanted to be involved. We rely on our volunteers, and I knew that from my time in the chapter, especially with Wes Fugate, Centre '99, as our chapter advisor. I knew if there was any way I could help our volunteers serve our chapters better, it was the job I wanted.
Wash: Explain your job responsibilities in a nutshell.
Dunning: Nutshell version: assist our Domain Directors and Boards of Governors with volunteer recruitment, resources and training. I also get to do some fun things like send out our “Happy Birthday Volunteers” postcards each week and work on keeping records of our volunteers.
Wash: Do you have one particularly fond memory that stands out from your time on staff?
Dunning: The first thing that came to mind was the Conclave this past summer. Not only was it a time that I got to see some friends from past events and be a part of a new biennial event, but also because I started to get a feel for my role in volunteer development by meeting several of our Domain Directors. Of course, I still had intern responsibilities, like 3 a.m. airport runs, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Wash: From your perspective, what is the most important piece of information that you can offer Domain Directors?
Dunning: I know it can be difficult to juggle volunteering, work, family, and all the other things you all have going on. We appreciate that. It’s definitely not the easiest to take on this role but we’re happy that you’ve chosen to do it. I just ask that you all keep doing great things.
As you know, our structure has changed some over the years. We are continuing to add members to the Domain Director rank, while also trying to figure out better ways to get you resources and reward those of you who excel at your position. My job is to help with those different processes and also assist you in all of your particular duties, including Board of Governors recruitment. Shoot me an e-mail whenever you need me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Get to Know Marty
Family: No little Marty's (fortunate for everyone, I know). My parents and older sister live in Paducah, Ky., and I have a nephew in Washington state.
Profession: Phi Tau.
Favorite Sports Team: Kentucky Wildcats and St. Louis Cardinals
Favorite Hobby: Running, swimming, photography, arts and crafts
Life Philosophy: Try to stay happy and positive. Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference.
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Foundation Trustee Wins Fundraising Award |
February 13, 2012: Pittsburgh, Penn.—Foundation Board of Trustees Secretary Jim Hamilton, Ohio State ’63, recently received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Along with his service to Phi Kappa Tau, Hamilton serves on the board of trustees at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh and the Forbes Health Foundation, both of which nominated him for the prestigious award.
 A retired senior vice president with Federated Securities Corporation, a mutual funds company, Hamilton said that the importance of helping others is something his parents taught him from a young age.m
“I suspect that it came from our church background and beliefs,” he said. “I just really enjoy helping people. One of the first things I did when I started working for PNC in Pittsburgh was to work with United Way. That’s where I started to really learn about going out and asking people to give. I learned that I enjoyed asking people to get committed.”
Hamilton recognizes that fundraising isn’t easy, nor something that a lot of people enjoy, which is why he thinks it’s that much more important to get involved if you have the talent.
“I want to impress upon people that [giving back] is always an opportunity,” he said. “And I think you should always take the opportunity to help other people because it can put a real joy in your heart when you do.”
Hamilton has served the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh in various capacities for more than 35 years. He originally got involved with the organization because his children were involved in Indian Guides and Maidens, now Y-Guides—a program that provides opportunities for fellowship, camping, and community-building activities for parents and their children.
He joined the Forbes Health Foundation six years ago when Forbes Hospital was starting a $7-million campaign. Hamilton said the group raised more than $10 million by the end.
Hamilton has served the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation for nearly 20 years.
“It’s been a real joy to serve on the board with some of my closest friends,” he said. “Bill Jenkins was, I think, the first person to ask me to get involved with the Foundation, and I’m so thankful he asked me.”
In addition, Hamilton serves as an elder at Beulah Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife have been members since 1968; on the Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority; on the fundraising board for the Murrysville Community Library Association, and alongside his wife on the fundraising board for the The Ohio State University College of Nursing.
Hamilton, who was “shocked” to be chosen for the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award, said he was grateful he was able to attend the award ceremony.
“I was really humbled to have been chosen for the award,” he said. “I was very impressed with having a chance to be there for the award but mostly to hear the other award winners’ stories. I always like having a chance to hear and read stories about … people who sacrifice their time to help others. I like that in people.”
Click here to watch a video about Hamilton's history of giving back. |
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Foundation Interview with Cliff Unger |
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February 8, 2012: Oxford, Ohio—Cliff Unger, Arizona ’98, has been an active supporter of Phi Kappa Tau since he was a founding father of Epsilon Tau chapter at Arizona. Since graduation, Unger has remained active, serving as chapter advisor of Alpha Sigma chapter at Colorado State and the Rocky Mountain Domain Director. Currently, he serves as a National Councilor.
 Unger is a not only engaged with the Fraternity, but also the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation. The Foundation recently caught up with him to get insight into his time as a volunteer and loyal donor. He shares some of his thoughts here:
Foundation: Reflecting on your years of association with Phi Kappa Tau, what is the one thing that stands out as a point of pride for you?
Unger: I would have to say there are two things really. First and foremost, the time I spent as a founder of my chapter, starting from day zero. We started with 13 men, and over the course of two years we spent countless hours working towards chartering. That entire process, culminating in 1998 with the honor of being able to call our group "Epsilon Tau," is an enormous source of pride for me and my fellow chapter brothers.
In addition, I'm extremely proud of the work our National Council has done over the past several years. Having been a part of this board for four years now, I can honestly say that our Fraternity has become progressive, innovative, and is leading our counterparts in many, many ways. I'm particularly proud of the way the Council and the Convention have crafted an Undergraduate Advisory Board, offering a broader voice and perspective on behalf of our undergraduate members.
Foundation: You are a generous supporter of Phi Kappa Tau, not only as a National Councilor, but with your financial gifts. Why is that so significant to you?
Unger: It's important to realize that your commitment to Phi Kappa Tau takes many different forms throughout the years. As an undergraduate, you offer your time, youthful energy and desire to be the absolute best ambassador that you can on your college campus. That commitment changes once you graduate. It might be time, it could be your professional insights, it might be monetary, or it could be all of those things. I've long believed that I have an obligation to offer anything I can to help our Fraternity continue to grow, and more importantly, continue to offer a tremendous experience to our undergraduate members. And the one way I know I can do that is by continuing to offer financial support to our Foundation and our key programs.
Foundation: As you look at the young men on campus today, what challenges do you perceive that they face and how might Phi Kappa Tau play a role in equipping them to meet those challenges?
Unger: While not new, the increasing competition in today's job market is a very real challenge. As our economy continues to face challenges, our young members must be better equipped to capitalize on job opportunities that are available when they graduate. Phi Kappa Tau plays an integral role in developing the skills and providing the experiences that will set our members apart. Leadership development; opportunities to manage, coach and develop other members; financial budgeting and understanding financial obligations; and a host of other experiences set our members apart from other graduates. These are real-world lessons and life-skills that they won’t find anywhere else.
Foundation: Do you have one particularly fond Phi Kappa Tau memory?
Unger: The most memorable experience I've had was the honor of leading the initiation of my father, as an honorary initiate, at the West Coast Road Trip. He never attended college but was a tremendous supporter of my involvement in Phi Kappa Tau. He became a member of Epsilon Tau, my chapter, and was an instant supporter of our Foundation, sponsoring members of the chapter to attend regional and national events.
Foundation: What encouragement would you offer to a graduate brother who has not yet engaged with the Fraternity as an alumnus, whether as a volunteer or donor?
Unger: WE NEED YOU!! Our tremendously talented staff, National Councilors, and undergraduates are moving this organization forward by leaps and bounds. But we need help! Our young men need mentoring, guidance, and sometimes just a sounding board. Our Foundation, now more than ever, needs funding to provide the comprehensive programs we're creating. I can promise prospective volunteers or donors this—you will be paid back tenfold on the investment you make. As cliché as that sounds, I guarantee it.
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Get to Know Cliff
Profession: Director of Sales and Marketing, Belkin International
Family: Looking for Mrs. Right (again), but hey, no one's perfect, right?
Favorite Sports Teams: Denver Broncos (sans Tebow), Detroit Red Wings,
Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Wildcats (BEAR DOWN!)
Life Philosophy: You don't ask, you don't get.
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Epsilon Chi Participates in USO Fundraiser |
February 7, 2012: Blacksburg, Va.—Epsilon Chi chapter at Virginia Tech recently hosted a change drive on campus to raise money for the USO’s (United Service Organizations) United Through Reading Military Program. The men raised enough money to provide 18 children with a book and video of their deployed parent reading them a story.
Phi Kappa Tau recently partnered with the USO to make the United Through Reading Military Program it’s national service project. The program allows a deployed parent to be video recorded reading a book to their child.
Past MOO Ryan Oberleitner, Virginia Tech ’09, learned about the program at Leadership Academy 2011.
“As the member orientation officer [at the time], I thought that this would be a great opportunity to get the new guys involved with a service project, especially one that so closely mirrored our values of learning, as well as serving,” he said.
Along with the change jar, brothers provided a banner on which students and faculty could write messages of support to soldiers in Afghanistan. More than 100 people signed the banner that was sent overseas.
“It was incredible how supportive and interested the campus community was about the program,” Oberleitner said. “Even those who didn’t donate asked a lot about the program and how they could contribute in the future.”
For Epsilon Chi chapter, supporting veterans has always been an important cause.
“In years past, we’ve geared our fall philanthropy toward Wounded Warrior and donated our proceeds to them,” said Chapter President Josh Freda, Virginia Tech ’11. “Also, one of our most recent alumni served in the Marines for four years before coming to Virginia Tech. He is someone that we look up to and definitely impacts the way we view the military. At times, these men and women are putting their commitment to serve the country above their own lives.” |
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YFS Magazine Names Beta Epsilon Alumnus ‘Top 20 Young Entrepreneurs of 2011’ |
January 25, 2012: Metairie, La.—Shaun Walker, Southern Mississippi ’03, and business partner Reid Stone were named to YFS (Young, Fabulous and Self-Employed) Magazine’s “Top 20 Young Entrepreneurs of 2011” for their success with their New Orleans-based marketing strategy and design agency HERO|farm. The list was chosen by YFS readers and staff members.
Walker and Stone founded HERO|farm in early 2009 after being unexpectedly laid off at the start of the recession.
“We figured that if no one was going to give us a job, we may as well make some ourselves,” Walker told YFS Magazine.
The agency specializes in outreach for small- to mid-sized businesses. The group was founded with a simple philosophy: Do great work for good people.
“Reid and I worked together for two years at a previous agency and always felt like we could be doing more than we were getting to do,” Walker said. “Creating ad campaigns and helping businesses grow was fun, but we felt something was missing. We were itching to make an impact on the world and saw the only way to do that was to simply start making one.”
A cornerstone of HERO|farm is to do at least one campaign per year pro bono for a non-profit, as well as work with clients who have admirable missions of their own.
“We don't want to be the biggest or richest; we're striving to be the most creative that makes the biggest positive impact on the world,” Walker said. “We've come to realize how beneficial and impactful advertising can be for the viewer when it is paired with a client who has a good mission. When you add value to a person's everyday life, you do more than just sell a product; you create a lasting relationship of goodwill and a connection that goes far beyond sell-buy-consume. Our goal is to help evolve advertising into something people don't run from, but applaud.”
In October 2011, HERO|farm, along with the New Orleans Mission, launched the “make a move” event. The event was the largest public assistance event in the history of the city and aimed to help struggling and homeless individuals by providing the resources they needed to jump-start their lives.
“That day we saw kindness and compassion surrounded us,” Walker said. “We were overwhelmed by the amount of people willing to volunteer and help others. We couldn’t have been prouder of how everyone banded together to help the people in our community who needed a hand up. That event and other similar situations truly make us feel something wonderful that no amount of money, power or fame could ever give us.”
Walker and Stone have also developed an online radio show—Brand This—where they give free marketing advice to other entrepreneurs and small-business owners. What follows is frequent advice they give to people looking to start their own business:
- GO. Just like a fighter pilot, with proper preparation, it’s better to make an incorrect decision and be moving than to make no decision at all.
- Business today, especially in this economy, is more about collaboration than competition.
- The value of contracts, even among clients who are friends, is extremely important. All clients should become your friends at some point and a contract preserves that relationship, enforces late penalties, protects intellectual property and clarifies the scope of your project.
- Be humble but, most importantly, do not doubt the words or recommendations coming out of your own mouth.
- If you are starting a business only to make money, you will fail. And you will be miserable. Concentrate on making others happy and in turn you'll experience it yourself.
Along with the recent honor Walker and Stone received from YFS Magazine, HERO|farm was selected as the 2011 Business of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators—New Orleans chapter. The duo will also be featured in a new ebook—“Coming of Age in a Crap Economy,” which asked, “How do you come into your own when your post-grad life is not at all what you had in mind?”
“A quote we frequently use is, ‘In the end, the king and the pawn go back in the same box,’” Walker said. “That is a powerful message to remind us that no matter how much money, power or fame you have, it all means nothing if you aren't making a positive impact on the world People remember the kindness and smiles you share with them, not the money you made.
Learn more about HERO|farm at http://hero-farm.com. |
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Alpha Pi Raises $1,500 for Camp Korey |
January 24, 2012: Seattle, Wash.—Alpha Pi chapter at Washington held its fourth annual haunted house philanthropy at the end of October and raised $1,500 for Camp Korey, a Hole in the Wall Camp. More than 250 people visited the haunted house during the three-day event.
Chapter members spent several days decorating the chapter house and creating costumes for the "Haunted Mansion" event. During the philanthropy, a tour guide took guests around the house to show them the mysteries and supernatural occurrences of the haunted mansion. Guests paid $5 to take a tour of the house, and every penny went to Camp Korey.
The philanthropy event is especially significant for Alpha Pi chapter brothers because they regularly volunteer at the camp.
"This event is important to us because it is a time of the year when we get to come together as a house for a few days of hard work and late nights to raise money for Camp Korey," said Chapter President Henry Kaminskis, Washington '11. "It's the combination of hard work and fun over this one week each fall that exemplifies the close bonds of our brotherhood.”
Camp Korey is located in Carnation, Wash. It operated as an on-the-road camp before opening its doors at Carnation Farm in 2008. Visit the camp's website at campkorey.org. |
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Upsilon Colony President Achieves Football, Academic Honors |
January 20, 2012: Lincoln, Neb.—Upsilon Colony President Steven Anderson, Nebraska Wesleyan AM, was recently named to the Capital One NAIA Academic All-America College Division Football Team, which is selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Anderson was named to the first team, which is comprised of student-athletes from NAIA, Canadian and two-year institutions.
 An exercise science major with a 3.33 GPA, Anderson is a junior place kicker and scored 58 points this season. He is one of four Nebraska Wesleyan football players named to the first team, the most out of any school represented on the list.
“Becoming an Academic All-American means more to me than any other award could,” Anderson said. “Knowing that not only the time on the field, but also the time in the classroom has paid off is the most rewarding thing to me. It not only makes me feel good but I finally feel like I have lived up to what all my coaches and family knew I could accomplish.”
Anderson started playing football his freshman year at Mount Michael Benedictine High School in Elkhorn, Neb., and at that time he “had never really played” before.
“Somehow, I became our freshman team quarterback,” he said. “Never having experience with football, I was terrible and thought my career was a one and done deal. Junior year of high school I decided to use my soccer background to punt and kick, in which I was pretty successful.”
He stuck with it and switched to a place kicker after joining the team at Nebraska Wesleyan. He admitted that his experience with the team has been a learning curve, what with a position switch and an injury last year, but said his team never gave up on him.
“Overall, it has been an extremely positive experience, and I definitely could not have done it without my friends and coaching staff,” Anderson said.
He knows, however, that he’s not at Nebraska Wesleyan just to play football. Anderson said that his parents have always made sure that his main priority was school. While the football team commitment is year-round and more than 25 hours a week, he’s learned to manage his time and successfully juggle sports with academics and extracurriculars, including Phi Tau.
“[Managing] all my extracurriculars, football and Phi Kappa Tau is quite the challenge,” Anderson said. “It takes very good time management but also surrounding myself with motivating individuals and still having fun. I have learned from my past to not overload myself, be comfortable with my limits and reach out for help when needed. It’s the only way I get through it all.”
Anderson hopes to attend graduate school to become a doctor of physical therapy. He’s also thinking about trying out for the NFL and coaching college kickers. And as far as Upsilon colony is concerned, Anderson hopes the group will submit its charter by the end of this semester.
“To all Phi Kappa Taus: If you ever wonder why you are here and doing the work that you do, think back to the ‘why,’” Anderson said. “Think about why you do this what you stand for and not just what you will get out of it personally. This is a brotherhood that not only [encompasses] the past and the present, but is constantly building a foundation for the future, as well.” |
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Civil War Reunites Beta Lambda Brothers |
January 18, 2012: Ann Arbor, Mich.—David Finney, Indiana ’61, and Joseph Neihardt, Indiana ’62, recently reunited after 50 years, and it’s all thanks to a shared interest in the Civil War. But first, let’s start at the beginning.
 Neihardt became Finney’s “little brother” after he joined Beta Lambda chapter at Indiana. However, not long after Neihardt was initiated, Finney joined the military and didn’t return to Indiana University until after Neihardt had graduated.
While overseas, Finney loaned Neihardt his Phi Tau pin, which Neihardt pinned on Beverly Krick, an Alpha Xi Delta sorority member at Indiana and Neihardt’s wife of 47 years.
“This created a special bond between Joe and me even though we didn't communicate during our next 50 years,” Neihardt said. “[At that time, my] brothers and I had a fitting pinning ceremony with serenade songs like ‘Phi Tau Sweetheart’ and ‘My Phi Tau Pin,’ followed by responsive singing from Beverly’s sisters.”
In 2010, Neihardt contacted Finney while organizing a Beta Lambda reunion. Finney couldn’t make the reunion but the pair planned a visit to Ann Arbor, Mich., during Neihardt’s upcoming research trip to learn more about his great-grandfather who was a graduate of the school in 1861, soon after the beginning of the Civil War. Since Finney is a Civil War scholar, he gladly accompanied Neihardt and Beverly on the trip.
“We had a great trip to the campus, caught up on his Civil War presentations and teaching career, and reestablished our bonds of brotherhood,” Neihardt said. “Although we didn’t see each other for 50 years, the special bond of brotherhood as fellow Phi Taus has kept us close, especially since we are big and little brothers.”
In addition to sharing the Phi Tau bond, both Finney and Neihardt share a Masonic bond, as well.
“David wants to attend my 50th year in the Masons, have me in attendance when he becomes the Worshipful Master of his lodge and reunite in Florida annually,” Neihardt said. “[And this reunion has encouraged me] to contact my three little brothers again with regularity.” |
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Cat Sohor to Serve as Phriends of Phi Tau Chairwoman |
January 17, 2012: Oxford, Ohio—Phi Kappa Tau is pleased to announce Cat Sohor, an interfraternal volunteer, as the 2012 Phriends of Phi Tau chairwoman. In this position, Sohor will communicate the mission and values of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and Foundation to non-members (Phriends of Phi Tau) and foster lasting relationships between Phi Kappa Tau staff, volunteers, and key non-member stakeholders, while enlisting support for the Foundation and various Men of Character Programs through volunteerism and donations.
 Sohor currently lives in Boston, Mass., where she works for Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is the assistant director of fraternities, sororities & independent living groups and is also responsible for the advisement of the 25 member organizations of the IFC.
Sohor attended William Paterson University, where she received her bachelor's in political science. Her experience with greek life began when she joined the Theta Phi Alpha fraternity at William Paterson. She continued her involvement by serving as president, vice president and publicity chair. At the same time, Sohor served other organizations, such as Greek Senate and the Student Government Association.
After graduation, she enrolled at Boston University and received her master's degree in higher education. Sohor also held a graduate assistantship at the Tufts University Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
Since completing her undergraduate career, Sohor has been involved in multiple volunteer roles. For Theta Phi Alpha, she has served as the Suffolk University colony advisor, conference director for Ohio chapters, director of appeals for the foundation and a counselor for Leadership Conference.
Sohor’s volunteerism with Phi Kappa Tau began in 2009 when she served as a character coach at Leadership Academy. She has since been a leadership coach at Leadership Academy 2011 and small-group facilitator at the 2010 Presidents Academy, and she is currently a Regional Conference curriculum team member.
Professionally, Sohor is involved with the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors where she serves as the region I director. She has also worked as the Northeastern University colony counselor for Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Although advising and volunteering takes up a lot of her time, Sohor still finds time for cooking, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends, especially her 1-year-old godson, Joey. She is also an avid follower of the New York Giants and New York Yankees.
“I like to seek out new opportunities and put my efforts and energy into the things and the people that I love," Sohor said. "I would also say that it’s always important to give back to those who invest in you. We have to pay it forward so that those who come after us have a good path to follow.”
Sohor was appointed to her new role on Jan. 1, 2012. |
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