J.J. Lewis Receives Inaugural San Diego State University Rising Aztec Award

West Coast Domain Director J.J. Lewis, Central Michigan ’04, has received the inaugural Rising Aztec Award for accomplishments in public education and commitment to San Diego State University.

J.J. is the Superintendent & CEO of Compass Charter School in Thousand Oaks, California. According to the press release, this award recognizes “exemplary up-and-coming alumni who make support and engagement with SDSU a part of their lives and careers.” J.J. has been noticed for his influence and advocacy for public charter schools, school choice, and leadership at Compass. He will receive the award in February of the upcoming year.

Read the full press release here.

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Foundation Chairman Becomes Wilson College President

Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Chairman Wes Fugate, Centre ‘99, has been appointed the newest President of Wilson College, a role he will assume in January 2020.  

Dr. Fugate earned his PhD in Higher Education from the University of Georgia in 2012; a Masters in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis on Institution Advancement from Vanderbilt University in 2005, and a Bachelor’s in Dramatic Arts and Economics from Centre College in 2002. Dr. Fugate has spent many years working in higher education; he served as a Guest Lecturer at Lynchburg College, Randolph College, and the University of Georgia, as well as numerous presentations on higher education structure and policy at a variety of institutions. Dr. Fugate has worked with enrollment management and student affairs, supported the work of Boards and Trustees, and led successful communication and marketing efforts.  

Dr. Fugate’s new responsibilities will include enhancing the student experience, managing enrollment, providing financial stewardship, fundraising, building the alumni base, and enhancing relationships with the community.  

Dr. Fugate’s official statement:  

I am humbled and honored to be selected to lead Wilson College into its next 150 years. While Wilson’s commitment to opportunity, honor and providing a high-quality liberal arts education are what drew me to consider this position, ultimately getting to know the people of Wilson helped me to fall in love with the institution. Wilson has a remarkable history and I am excited about collaborating with students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and friends of the college to chart a path for its future success. 

The Wilson College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Fugate on October 19th out of a pool of over 100 candidates. Wilson is a private liberal arts college in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Dr. Fugate will be the 15th President in its 150-year history.  

You can read the Wilson press release here.  

Want to share your story with us? Submit news here. 

A PSA from Barry Mask, National Recruitment Advisor

Building a Successful Spring Associate Class Starts in November! 

College men have an Achilles Heel that keeps them from reaching their full potential unless they are able to recognize and overcome it – they generally don’t plan.  

National Recruitment Advisor Barry Mask, Auburn ‘78

If your chapter has just finished fall recruitment, it’s likely the last thing on your mind right now is spring recruitment. It’s November – the final month of the semester which means football rivalries and tailgates, the beginning of basketball season, holiday parties and senior nights, followed by final exams. There’s no need to worry about spring semester recruitment until IFC formal recruitment week at the end of January.  

Wrong!  

Waiting until you come back in January to start planning for recruitment, or even meeting guys is a sure path to recruitment mediocrity or outright failure.  Especially if you already suffered a less than spectacular or mediocre and low retention effort this fall. If you had a good fall recruitment – then take it to the next level by deploying the following tactics: 

1. Ask your existing associated or recently initiated class for 1-2 names each.  

2. Invite these PNMs over to everything you have left this fall – tailgates, road trips, gatherings, socials, holiday events. Why? Because…  

3. You’re going to bid them at or just after whatever semester ending events your chapter hosts. Tell them to go home over the break and talk it over with their parents.

Remember, these tactics aren’t “theory” – they are tried and true! 

We’ve done this for several years at Auburn and we always start January off with 8-10 accepted bids after break. Then add to them your regular recruitment tactics and guys you bid in January through informal or formal recruitment. For those chapters who have deferred recruitment on your campus, it’s even more important for you to make a lasting impression by making friends at your chapter/colony events throughout the semester.  

You can do this with a little effort and organization. It will pay big dividends for the future of your chapter.  

Go Far!  
Barry Mask, Auburn ‘78

Barry Mask can be reached on Instagram at: @bmaskotaub1 

William & Mary Man of Character Receives Local Recognition

David Belew, William & Mary ’50, has received the “Lifetime Hero of Character Award” from the West Chester, Ohio, Character Council.

 David is the former President of Beckett Paper, a longstanding institution in the area. The theme of this year’s award was “Character Connects” and the goal is to celebrate individuals who make the community better by setting an example of integrity.

 David has previously been featured by the local Journal News as “Mr. Hamilton” based on his commitment to growing and improving the community. In addition to his many years of work in Hamilton, David spends his time promoting local music, parks, and economic development. “Volunteering is my No. 1 hobby,” David said in the feature, “Volunteering is the rent we pay for occupying our spot on this earth.” David is active in his church, a passionate pianist and Board member of the Hamilton & Fairfield Symphony Orchestra, and a Board member of Hillside College in Michigan, a small school he spoke at 30 years ago and fell so in love with he wanted to promote their principles. After an open heart surgery in 1988 he became an ardent supporter of the local chapter of the American Heart Association, of which he eventually became President and a top fundraiser. In 1975 he started an auction for the local Boys & Girls club. Their goal was to raise $5,000. With David’s help they raised $10,000. In 2010, the auction raised $100,000.

 This is the eighth year the Character Award has been given, according to Jacqueline Schmucki, Executive Director of the Council. “What’s really great is a lot of the people that we honor tend to come to us and say, ‘You know I never win anything, I’m not the best in school or I was never the fastest or anything like that’,” Jacqueline said. “Just by being who they are and being great people, respectful, responsible, kind, compassionate… It’s a really great thing to be recognized for being a good person.”

 Five individuals also received the “Hero of Character” award; although, David is the only honoree receiving the lifetime designation. The council expects 250-300 people to attend the celebration.

Read the full news story here.

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Phi Kappa Tau Appoints Three New Domain Directors

Phi Kappa Tau is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Domain Directors, Stephen Duke, Nick Zapitelli, and Jory Hamilton. 

Stephen Duke, Middle Tennessee ’15, is the newest Domain Director for the Bluegrass region. Stephen has been a passionate member of Phi Tau since he became a Founding Father at the Zeta Lambda chapter of Middle Tennessee State University in 2015. As an undergraduate, he served as Treasurer, VPAR, IFC Treasurer, and GAMMA (Greeks Advocating for the Mature Management of Alcohol) Treasurer. Stephen also served on the Executive Board of the College Republicans and Debate Team. 

Stephen graduated with a degree in German in the spring of 2017. After graduation, he worked as Representative Bryan Terry’s intern for the 48th District of Tennessee. Stephen is currently working for his family’s Heating and Air Conditioning company while developing his own Translation Agency, Herzog Translations. 

The Bluegrass region includes schools in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Nick Zapitelli, Florida State ’03, is representing the Southeast Domain. Nick’s involvement in Phi Tau was cemented from day one and has continued up to this appointment. During his undergraduate tenure, he was President of his associate class, IFC delegate, Membership Orientation Officer, Chapter President, and motivated his chapter to sweep FSU’s Greek Awards. Nick was also named to FSU Homecoming Court and crowned Homecoming Chief his senior year. 

Nick has stayed loyal to the Fraternity and found a way to engage with Phi Tau no matter the direction life has taken him. Following his undergraduate years, Nick served on the Board of Governors for Beta Iota at Florida State, served as Colony and later Chapter Advisor for Beta Alpha at University of Texas-Austin, and served as Bluegrass Domain Director for the few years he lived in Kentucky. Nick now resides in Greenville, South Carolina, with his wife and their son. He works in the real estate industry. 

The Southwest region includes schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. 

Jory Hamilton, Washington ’12, is the newest Domain Director of the Pacific Northwest Region. Jory is an initiate of the Alpha Pi chapter at the University of Washington where he obtained his Bachelors degree. He went on to the University of Southern California, Ohio University, and Washington State to obtain Masters Degrees from all three institutions. 

Jory has served as the Alpha Pi Alumni Advisor, Evergreen Alumni Club President, and currently serves as their Chapter Advisor. He has links to Alpha Kappa at Washington State through his Masters program, as well as Pi at University of Southern California and Beta at Ohio University. 

Jory works as a Fundraiser and is currently running for Kirkland City Council. 

The Pacific Northwest region includes schools in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. 

Congratulations to our three newest Domain Directors. We are confident their Phi Tau, academic, and professional experiences will be an excellent match for their new role. We are excited to see graduate councils grow in their region as well as overall alumni engagement. 

Go Far! 

Beta Iota Chapter at Florida State University Closes

October 23, 2019: Oxford, Ohio—The Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity will close its Beta Iota chapter at Florida State University.

Throughout its nearly 70 years of operations, the Beta Iota chapter has produced numerous successful alumni members who have made significant contributions to their community.

Following investigations of Phi Kappa Tau policy violations, the National Council made the decision to render the highest penalty which is a suspension of the chapter’s charter (closure of the chapter’s undergraduate operations). It was decided that the chapter was no longer providing a quality fraternal experience for men who seek to better themselves through involvement with Greek life.

Phi Kappa Tau takes very seriously any activity where its members or chapters are not in line with our commitment to being Men of Distinction. While it is painful to close a chapter, it is imperative to uphold our strong values and ideals. With this commitment in mind, the National Council took this action.

“The staff and alumni advisors in collaboration with the undergraduate leadership and university worked to develop an action plan to address several concerns that needed attention,” stated Wm. Tim Hudson, Chief Executive Officer. “It is very disappointing to learn the undergraduate members did not follow through on their end. I believe the National Council sent a clear message that when individual members, chapter leadership or entire chapters fail to meet our organization’s standards they will be held accountable. We will continue our partnership with Florida State University and our alumni as we plan for a successful return in the future.”

About Phi Kappa Tau

Founded in 1906 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Phi Kappa Tau is a national fraternity that focuses on developing men of character into men of distinction. Currently, the Fraternity has 89 active groups—82 chapters and 7 colonies, or student organizations in the final stages of being installed as a chartered chapter—with more than 4,750 undergraduates in the United States and has served over 99,000 initiates throughout the past 113 years. Learn more at phikappatau.org.

About Beta Iota Chapter

Founded in 1949 at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, the Beta Iota chapter has served over 1,250 initiates throughout the past 70 years.

Longterm Donor and Volunteer Fred Fether Enters Chapter Eternal

2 October 2019 - Oxford, Ohio: loyal donor and longtime volunteer Fred Fether, Bowling Green ’51, entered the chapter eternal on September 20th, 2019. 

Fred was born on December 17th, 1931, in Archbold Ohio. He attended Bowling Green State University where he would later become the Director of Purchasing. Along with Phi Tau, he was an active member of the Masons where he served as the Worshipful Master and the District Education Officer. He was also a member of the Rocicrucians, Shriners, and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Toledo, where he received the highest honor. He was hard working, loved to travel, and helped run a B&B in Put-in-Bay during his retirement. 

For Phi Kappa Tau, Fred was a Foundation Trustee, Distinguished Trustee, and member of the Heritage Society. His chapter brother Tim Smith, Bowling Green ’52, had to say about Fred: 

Fred was always a mainstay in the Beta Tau Chapter. He was a friendly and congenial brother who stayed in Bowling Green after graduation. That gave him the opportunity to maintain an interest in the active chapter. As an alum his home was always open to other graduate brothers, and he and Eleanor enjoyed hosting the Beta Tau alumni party at homecoming each year.

Fellow chapter brother Bill Jenkins, Bowling Green ’57, contributed to this sentiment by saying: 

If I could sum up that man’s contributions to life, I’d use the word “dependable.” He was a special guy in many ways. I’m so glad I knew him man-to-man. 

Fred is survived by his wife Eleanor, whom he married in 1955, and his children Susan, and P.J. as well as five grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

His full obituary can be read here: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/toledoblade/obituary.aspx?n=fredrick-f-fether&pid=193974663&fhid=40683

Hall of Fame Member Farris Laverne “Mac” McKinley Enters Chapter Eternal

27 September 2019 - Oxford, Ohio: On the 21st of September, Farris Laverne “Mac” McKinley, Oklahoma State ’51, entered chapter eternal. 

Mac was inducted into the Phi Tau Hall of Fame in 2006 at the Centennial celebration. He was also a recipient of the Phi Award in 1964 and the Palm Award in 2013. He served as a Domain Director, National Councilor, National Vice President, and National President in the 60s-70s. As a Distinguished Trustee and Chairman on the Foundation, he was active within the Fraternity into his 80s. 

Director of Philanthropy Charlie Ball, Miami ’82, shares about Mac: 

At Oklahoma State, in addition to Phi Kappa Tau, he was a member of the ROTC Cadet Officers Club, Sigma Tau engineering honorary and the American Institute of Architects and the Beaux-Arts Society architectural organizations.

Mac served as national president from 1977-1979. He had been vice president to Ted Marye from 1975-1977. He served in the leadership of the fraternity during some of our most challenging economic times when the popularity of fraternities was at a low point. Mac’s leadership was instrumental in helping the Fraternity establish prosperity as the 1980’s emerged. 

Mac was an architectural engineer. He worked first for Skelly Oil Company in Tulsa and later for Coston, Frankfurt, Short, & McKinley Architectural Firm on Oklahoma City, for which he was a partner.

According to his obituary, Mac was a modest Christian who enjoyed music, literature, the arts, and sports. Above all the roles he served – he was most happy to be known as a mentor and a friend to his Brothers

His full obituary can be read here: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/203240920/farris-laverne-mckinley

Success at Phi Tau Alumni Events

Two Phi Kappa Tau chapters have recently celebrated successful alumni events.

The first is the Omicron chapter at Penn State University. Omicron was re-colonized last fall and now boasts 45 colony members. The alumni gathering was organized by Ed Boger, Penn State ’62, a local BOG member. 

Penn State Alumni

The other event was hosted by Sasha Kanevsky, Rutgers ’05, and Phil Frandina, RIT ’08, the two new Domain Directors for the Capital and New England regions, respectively, to celebrate the new structure of the Domain Director role. The event was held at Conolly’s in Manhattan. 

New England and Capital-area alumni

If your chapter has recently hosted a successful alumni event you can email communications@phikappatau.org to be featured. 

5th Biennial Conclave

Undergraduates visiting the Alpha house

Phi Kappa Tau’s fifth biennial Conclave kicked off this past weekend at Miami University’s Oxford, OH, campus. As the birthplace of Phi Kappa Tau, the return to Miami University represents Phi Tau’s homecoming - an opportunity for undergraduates and alumni to return to Oxford, where it all started. 

Conclave began Friday afternoon with presentations for the Roland Maxwell Award - the trophy given annually to the highest preforming chapter. The “Founders Four” chapters competed in Shideler Hall - named for Founder William H. Shideler, Miami ’06. This year, Upsilon at the University of Nebraska Wesleyan, Gamma at The Ohio State University, Beta Beta at the University of Louisville, and Delta Tau at California Polytechnic University-Pomona competed for the honor of becoming Phi Tau’s best undergraduate chapter. They were given the prompt, “How does your chapter go far?” Each chapter gave their own explanation as to what makes them best, including community service, philanthropy, academics, alumni engagement, and diversity. 

That evening Phi Tau hosted a SeriousFun-A-Thon in one of Oxford’s community parks. A common fundraiser, this SeriousFun-a-Thon brought out dozens of children in the Oxford area for carnival games to raise money for the SeriousFun Children’s Network. In total, the event and fundraising raised $7,600 dollars, enough to send three children and their families to camp. 

Friday night, members of the Boles Society were invited to a donor-dinner, where alumnus Sam Medley, Transylvania ‘94, and owner of Medley Bros Bourbon sponsored a tasting for all those attending. Sam gave insight on the recipe, the aging process, and the Bourbon industry with experience from his 80-year old family-owned company. 

Saturday morning began with educational seminars hosted by National Recruitment Advisor Barry Mask, Auburn ’78. Undergraduates whose chapters have shown outstanding recruitment ability also presented their best-practice tips, including Jay Johnson, Alabama ’18, Caleb Baum, Florida ’18, Jacob Grow, Mount Union ’17, and Stephen Listinsen, Ohio State ’18. 

After seminars and breakout sessions had concluded for the morning, attendees gathered in Shriver Hall for the Awards Luncheon. Individuals and chapters alike were presented with awards on their outstanding work in the past calendar year. Some of the award highlights include: 

The Frederick R. Fletemeyer Prize for the most outstanding colony, presented to Chi at North Carolina State University

The George V. Voinovich Award for the highest number of community service hours per man, presented to Lambda at Purdue University

The Paul Newman Award for the most funds raised for SeriousFun Children’s Network, presented to Beta Beta at the University of Louisville

The Outstanding Colony Advisor Award for an advisor who has presented exceptional contributions to a colony, presented to Rick Rice, Southern California ’74, at the University of Southern California

The Jack L. Anson Award for outstanding inter-fraternal service to the community, presented to Luke Williams, Lynchburg ‘17

Phi Award for an alumnus who has made outstanding contributions to his home chapter, presented to Guillermo Flores, Southern Illinois ‘08

A full list of award and scholarship winners to follow 

After awards were distributed the crowd broke up into groups where they began Pride Tours lead by Executive Office staff members. Guests were able to see Shideler Hall, the Phi Tau circle on Miami’s campus, Alpha house, as well as the Executive Offices’ Centennial Garden & Heritage Room. 

The final major event of the weekend was the Brotherhood Banquet, a tradition at all Conclaves and Conventions. Hosted by Charlie Ball, Miami’ 82, Director of Philanthropy, the major award winners were announced amongst a celebration of brotherhood and fraternity. 

Drake Berlin, Bethany ‘16, received the Dwight I. Douglass Presidents Award for excellence in leadership. Drake, the newest member of the Executive Offices staff, was a two-time Phi chapter President and called “the face of Greek life on campus” by his Director of Student Affairs. Under his leadership the chapter maintained the highest all-mens GPA on campus for 5 semesters in a row and received nominations for Order of the Star Awards and the Maxwell Award two years in a row. 

The Shideler Award was presented next. Given annually to Phi Tau’s most outstanding graduating senior, Evan Marshall, Nebraska Wesleyan ’15, served his chapter as President, Treasurer, and Community Service Chair. He helped the chapter earn the 2018 SeriousFun Network’s Appreciation Award and increased the chapter service hours to 25 per man. He was a part of 2018’s Maxwell Award winning group at National Convention in Cleveland, as well as the 2017 presenting group at Conclave.

The only chapter award presented during the Brotherhood Banquet was the Harold E. Angelo Award for most improved chapter. The winners, Beta Xi at the University of Georgia, completely overhauled their recruitment method and new member process after a suspension in 2017. With the “Recruitment 365” method they managed to recruit 35 new members in 2018 with a focus on accountability, core values, and education. They threw themselves into their philanthropic work as well, raising over $6,000 alone in a single evening for their “Summer Nights” event. 

2019 Maxwell Award winners - Gamma chapter at Ohio State University

The penultimate undergraduate award - the Roland Maxwell Award for Most Outstanding Chapter - was awarded to Gamma at The Ohio State University. Gamma was honored with the distinction based on their service, GPA, and campus leadership. By creating a “culture of leadership,” 66% of Gamma men hold positions of leadership not just within their own chapter, but across campus at large. Their commitment to service is undeniable - every day of the week throughout the school year they send multiple members to the Columbus Boys & Girls club and their annual pumpkin sale raised $11,482 in 2018. By utilizing a “standards based” recruitment process Gamma is able to recruit like-minded men who push one another to be men of distinction. 

Two additional awards were presented before the night ended. Dick Michael, Michigan Tech ‘70, was recognized for his service to the Foundation after stepping down as Chairman. Wes Fugate, Centre ’99, the current Chairman, thanked Dick Michael for his dedication to the Foundation. 

John Green, Nebraska Wesleyan ‘60, accepting the NIC Silver Medal

The final award of the night was presented by special guest Jud Horras, President & CEO of the NIC, to a man who needs little introduction in Phi Tau circles. John M. Green, Nebraska Wesleyan ‘60, was awarded the NIC Silver Medal which recognizes exemplary service or leadership in a role that has advanced the fraternal movement. A Boles Donor and impassionaied supporter of risk prevention, John Green has served as National President, Executive Director of the Fraternity, and Executive Director of the Foundation. 

The NIC website posted a brief excerpt of Jud’s speech: 

John’s long-time volunteer efforts – including a term as national president – came to a head in the 1980s when he was hired as the fraternity’s executive director. In that role he was instrumental in the founding of the Fraternal Risk Management Trust and Fraternal Information and Programming Group. After serving as the fraternity’s top administrator for a decade, he later agreed to become executive director of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation, in which he guided a successful $6.5 million campaign before he retired in 2007.

“John always replied in the affirmative when his fraternity and the interfraternity community called. His leadership and passion was needed during a variety of historical moments. I continue to be very impressed with John’s vision, compassion, leadership and dedication as a fraternity man.” 

The evening concluded with a candlelight ceremony by Bill Jenkins, Bowling Green '57, past National President and Executive Director. The following morning brothers who did not have to catch an early flight played the John Green Classic Golf Outing, a tradition following all Conclaves. 

Thank you to all our brothers and guests who made the trip to Oxford! While we will not see you again until 2021, we look forward to even more brothers attending the 64th National Convention in Fort Worth, next July!