Phi Kappa Tau Announces Staffing Changes

13 November 2020 – Oxford, Ohio: Phi Kappa Tau announces the departure of Director of Chapter Services Tristan Conroy, Centre ’12. The role will be filled by Associate Director of Chapter Services, Brandon Lewis, Middle Tennessee State ’15.

Tristan has been a key member of the Phi Kappa Tau staff since 2015 when he started as a Success Manager. In his time, Tristan has impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of members. He has consulted with chapter leaders and advisors, helping to move their groups forward. He has initiated 100s of new members while attending charterings and created new Phi Tau leaders by facilitating national programs. He has impacted the staff he has mentored throughout the years and helped move our offices forward by implementing Salesforce and ChapterSpot.

“Tristan’s passion for the organization kept him motivated and striving for excellence. He is probably one of the hardest working men I’ve met. He pursues everything he does with the same amount of intensity, purpose, and focus that makes everyone around him want to be better. He will be missed but we wish him nothing but the best,” said Chief Operating Officer Travis Robinson, Eastern Kentucky ’98.

Brandon Lewis joined the Phi Tau staff in 2016. He has served as a Success Manager and more recently as Associate Director of Chapter Services working closely with colonies and alumni. “Brandon has shown the ability to lead and manage this role over the past four years,” said Travis. “We are really excited about the opportunity for him to lead the Chapter Services team and take them to the next level.”

The transition is effective as of November 15th. To find out more information on Phi Kappa Tau staff members visit the staff page.

Special 2020 Year-end Giving Incentives in CARES Act

The CARES Act signed into law in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic offers special charitable giving incentives for three categories of donors in the 2020 tax year. These may allow you to maximize the tax benefits of giving to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation.

For Itemizers…

The adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for cash contributions was increased for individual donors. For cash contributions made in 2020, you can now elect to deduct up to 100 percent of your AGI (increased from 60 percent).

For non-itemizers…

The CARES Act allows for an additional, “above-the-line” deduction for charitable gifts made in cash of up to $300. If you are not itemizing on your 2020 taxes, you can claim this new deduction. 

For those over 59½ years old with Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)…

The CARES Act did not change the rules around the IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), which allows individuals over 70½ years old to donate up to $100,000 in IRA assets directly to a charity like the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation annually, without taking the distribution into taxable income.

However, under the CARES Act, you can elect to deduct 100 percent of your AGI for cash charitable contributions. This effectively affords individuals over 59½ years old the benefits similar to a QCD; you can take a cash distribution from your IRA, contribute the cash to charity, and may completely offset tax attributable to the distribution by taking a charitable deduction in an amount up to 100 percent of their AGI for the tax year.

If you’re planning a large donation in 2020, this may be a smart strategy as long as you are between the ages of 59½ and 70½ and are not dependent on existing retirement funds.

For more information contact Director of Philanthropy Charlie Ball at cball@phikappatau.org.

This is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult your financial or legal advisor.

Pi Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

As the newest recipient of the Borradaile Alumnus Award for outstanding achievements, perhaps the most astonishing thing about Paul Ignatius, Southern California ’39, is that he had not yet won it.

 Ignatius was born to first-generation Armenian parents in Glendale, CA, on November 11th, 1920. After joining the Pi and graduating from Southern California in 1942, Ignatius served in World War II as a Commissioned Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, primarily as an Aviation Ordnance Officer in the Pacific.

Upon his return, Ignatius attended and graduated Harvard Business School with an MBA in 1947. Ignatius has had a varied and remarkable career, including Secretary of the Navy under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Assistant Secretary of Defense, Under Secretary of the Army, and Assistant Secretary of the Army. He has served as Chairman, President, and CEO of the Air Transport Association, President of The Washington Post, and Executive Vice President of The Washington Post Company. He founded Harbridge House Inc., a Boston-based consulting and research firm.

Now nearing his 100th birthday, Ignatius is retired. He has authored two books “On Board: My Life in the Navy, Government, and Business” and “Now I Know in Part: Stories of My Growing Up.” Ignatius has been inducted into both the Phi Kappa Tau and the USC Hall of Fame and received honors at the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center. His wife of 72 years, Nancy, passed away in 2019. Together they had four highly successful children. His grandson, Isaac, is now a member of the Pi colony.

On May 23rd, 2013 the Navy announced that an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer would be named after him. The USS Paul Ignatius was commissioned at Port Everglades, Fl on July 27th, 2019 with Ignatius in attendance.

Tightrope is Finally Here!

The Chapter Services team has partnered with Plaid to offer the Tightrope Education Program for our associate members. Phi Kappa Tau is committed to ensuring that you have the safest and most rewarding college experience possible, and we feel that Tightrope will be a perfect tool for this. 

Tightrope is a research and data-driven program consisting of online courses and optional in-person chapter activities to provide practical training on:

• Alcohol and Other Drugs

• Hazing

• Sexual Misconduct

• Mental Health

This program is fully replacing the partnership Phi Tau has had with GreekLifeEDU over the past 4 years. Similar to GreekLifeEDU, the expectation for participation is that all associate members must complete this program prior to their initiation, including Spring 2020 associates who did not complete GreekLifeEDU.

We have attached instructions on how to access the program. We have sent follow-up communication to your chapter Presidents and BOG on how to track an associate member’s completion of the program here shortly.

Thank you in advance for your participation and we wish you the best this semester!

Muhlenberg Doctors Make Generous Donation to Pre-Med Program

Dr. Thomas Burkholder, Muhlenberg '67, and his wife Dr. Judith Burkholder have made a major gift to their alma mater.

Both graduates of Muhlenberg’s natural science program, Thomas went on to attend Temple University’s School of Medicine and Willis Eye Hospital and become an ophthalmologist. Judith attended Hahnemann Medical College, now Drexel University College of Medicine, and became a physician specializing in internal medicine. Both credit Muhlenberg’s excellent undergraduate program with setting them up for med school success.

“The pre-med education that Muhlenberg has provided for decades is excellent, and medical schools were aware of their rigorous program and the quality of the students graduating from Muhlenberg,” Judith shared.

A rendering of the Burkholder Quadrangle

Now retired, the Burkholders have made a generous donation to the school, including financial support for pre-med students from underserved populations. “Privilege is a very real thing,” Thomas said, “A lot of people don’t have the chance to attend college or to attend and graduate medical school. Hopefully, this gift will enable some people to fulfill that dream.”

Muhlenberg will dedicate the Burkholder Quadrangle this fall as a thank-you for the gift, which will include a seating area and landscaped garden. The gift will also be used in support of an expansion to Seegers Union, a building on campus that provides space for advising, and Muhlenberg’s Career Center.

Read the original story here.

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Pi Colony Wins Rise of Troy Award Second Year in a Row

For the second year in a row, Pi colony at University of Southern California has won the prestigious Rise of Troy Award.

The Troy Award seeks to recognize a chapter who demonstrates excellence and outstanding growth in recruitment and intake efforts, education, retention, and engagement, and efforts of its members to promote growth and stability of their organization.

The Pi Colony’s official statement:

As the University of Southern California’s newest expansion, the Pi Colony of Phi Kappa Tau is proud to be the university’s largest expansion in the last fifty years. After the contraction of Greek Life within the last decade at USC, Phi Tau is determined to demonstrate that Greek Life can thrive and be a positive influence on the Trojan community. After starting with 22 members, Phi Tau has proudly associated over 40 members since its re-colonization in the fall of 2018. As the newest addition to the Row, we are committed to leading by example and serving as a role model for the rest of the USC community as we continue to grow and change the culture of Greek Life as USC. Under the leadership of former President Seth Novosel and current President Ralph Sun, Phi Tau has led the way in nearly every single metric. Our members are smart and well-engaged in the USC community, as over 70% of our members were involved in other student organizations and over 40% of our members hold leadership positions in such organizations. Phi Kappa Tau has demonstrated that any chapter, no matter how small or new, can make a big impact and serve as a role model for the USC community.

In 2019, Pi Colony won the Rise of Troy Award for the first time, as well as the prestigious Trojan Greek Emerging Leaders of the Year award. Go Far!

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Join us for the SeriousFun For All!

Last year, Phi Kappa Tau accepted the Excellence in Philanthropy Award to celebrate our long-term partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network at the gala in New York City. This year, now our 25th anniversary, the event is online and FREE for all to attend!    

Join Jimmy Fallon, Mark Hamill, and many more in celebrating the life-changing magic of SeriousFun camps. If you’re able, you can even create a watch party with your Phi Tau brothers. Every dime you raise will support Keep the Campfires Burning, a campaign launched to support camps as they continue serving campers and their family members safely in this crisis through innovative alternative programming, and also ensure that camps are in a position to welcome campers back when it is safe to do so. 

The event is premiering three times throughout the day on Facebook and YouTube live at 6 PM JST, IST, GMT, ET, and PT. We would love for you to join us!

Click here to RSVP!

September Recruitment Roundup

The University of Lynchburg with their 2020 Associate Class

Recruitment is well underway for many campuses and while chapters have had to find new ways to engage potential brothers, Phi Tau men are rising to the occasion.

Here are the top three chapters reported so far:

The new Associate Class at Texas State

• Nebraska Wesleyan – Upsilon: 19

• Washington State - Alpha Kappa: 17

• Texas State – Gamma Psi: 24

If your chapter is looking for ways to capture the attention of potential new members on your campus, bookmark our recruitment resources here. We have branded templates, a national recruitment video, schedules, Snapchat filters, and graphics – all for you to use.

Did you have a great virtual recruitment? Share it with us here.

The full 2020 brotherhood at the University of Idaho

Welcome Back Message 2020

15 September 2020 - Oxford, OH: From the Office of the CEO

I hope you had a great summer! I have compiled a few updates for you to review ensuring you have a successful year with Phi Kappa Tau. Remember you play a key role in safeguarding every member and guest when they attend one of our events. You make the difference.

My team and I look forward to working with you and your brothers this year. Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly at ceo@phikappatau.org.

Fraternally,
Wm. Tim Hudson
Chief Executive Officer

Phi Kappa Tau and COVID-19

COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way in which fraternity will operate in the near future. As we adjust to life with COVID, there are key reminders to note as we move through this very unique academic year:

• All chapters should defer to guidelines set by their institution. Review the policies of your campus, state, and local health departments. Check these platforms regularly for any relevant updates and take their instructions seriously.

• Refer to this page by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on information regarding the Coronavirus outbreak. Here you will find information on how it spreads, early symptoms, and prevention.

• Wear a Mask when around people you do not live with.

• Practice Social distancing when in public.

• Schedule regular cleaning for your chapter facility or other applicable common spaces.

May we all represent the lines of our creed which call on us to be good and loyal citizens and to discharge our obligations to others as each member is asked to do their part and help mitigate the spread of the virus to family, friends, and community members. 

Phi Kappa Tau Mark of Distinction program

The National Fraternity rolled out the updated Mark of Distinction program for new associate members during Fall 2017. All chapters and colonies are expected to fully adhere to the program during the association process of new associates as outlined. This program will allow for a more controlled education program for new associates to take part in and learn the values of Phi Kappa Tau.
If you have any questions about the program, please reach out to your chapter’s success manager.

Phi Kappa Tau and Tightrope

Phi Kappa Tau is committed to ensuring that you have the safest and most rewarding college experience possible. That's why we've partnered with Plaid to offer the Tightrope Education Program for our associate members. 
Tightrope is a research and data-driven program consisting of online courses and optional in-person chapter activities to provide practical training on:

• Alcohol and Other Drugs

• Hazing

• Sexual Misconduct

• Mental Health

This program will replace the partnership Phi Tau has had with GreekLifeEDU over the past 4 years with its requirement of full associate member participation.

Phi Kappa Tau Risk Management Policy

With the Fall 2020 academic term shortly underway, be sure that you are taking time to review the Fraternity's Risk Management Policy. This policy ensures that every chapter is providing a safe environment for all members and guests.

Furthermore, during the semester, chapter officers and advisors will work to educate every member of the chapter regarding the Phi Kappa Tau Risk Management Policy. The first program they will hold is the Risk Management Policy Overview by Oct. 15. Take a moment to review the policy before the meeting and bring any questions you might have with you.

Please take some time to review the policy by clicking here prior to the beginning of the academic year.

Phi Kappa Tau Good Samaritan Policy

To encourage members and chapters to act without fear of disciplinary action The Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity has two Good Samaritan policies, one for individual members and guests and another for the chapter itself. Remember to always call emergency services by dialing 911 for anyone needing immediate medical attention.

Please read and familiarize yourself with our full Good Samaritan policies by clicking here.

Dispute Resolution Policy

Effective Aug. 1, 2010, Phi Kappa Tau new members, existing members, and alumni making claims for personal injury, claims for damages to property, or disputes of any nature are referred for resolution through the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity Claim and Dispute Resolution Program. This means that you and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity will be bound to use the Claim and Dispute Resolution Program as the primary and sole means of dispute resolution. If you are unable to resolve a claim or dispute arising out of your membership or participation in any Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity-related activity, under the terms of the program the claim or dispute will be submitted to binding arbitration instead of through the courts. If legal action is instituted, the court will be requested to refer the matter back to the Claim and Dispute Resolution Program for final resolution.

This program is binding on all Phi Kappa Tau new members, existing members, alumni, chapters, House Corporations, foundations, alumni organizations and the National Fraternity. YOUR DECISION TO JOIN OR ACCEPT MEMBERSHIP OR CONTINUE YOUR CURRENT MEMBERSHIP IN THE PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY AFTER AUG. 1, 2010, MEANS YOU HAVE AGREED TO AND ARE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS PROGRAM AS CONTAINED IN THE PLAN DOCUMENT AND RULES, A COMPLETE COPY OF WHICH IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: as a download on the national website or through request from the Executive Offices at Travis Robinson. This will be true both during your membership and after your membership, should you terminate for any reason.

Likewise, the terms of the Claim and Dispute Resolution Program are binding on Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity; the terms can only be modified by providing advance notice of the change to members. While both you and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity retain all substantive legal rights and remedies under this program, you and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity are both waiving all rights which either may have with regard to trial by jury for personal injury, property damage, contract, or any other related matters in state or federal court. This plan covers any legal or equitable claim for personal injury, property damage, equity or breach of contract, arising out of any tort, statute, contract or law.

Click here to view the Dispute Resolution Policy.

Want a refresher on any other policies or governance updates?

You can visit our Governance & Policies page to view all of Phi Kappa Tau’s policies as well as the Constitution & Statutes by visiting phikappatau.org/governance. If you have any questions about a policy or section of governance, please reach out to your chapter’s success manager.

Transylvania Alumnus named Chief Commercial Officer of Professional Racing Team

Jason Bitsoff, Transylvania ’94, has been named Chief Commercial Officer of Chip Ganassi Racing. He will be responsible for revenue generation across the various teams that compete in NASCAR, IndyCar, and Extreme E.

Bitsoff comes to the role after 13 years at Feld Entertainment. He landed sponsorships for Monster Energy Supercross, and has a background with the Rockets, Predators, and as well as serving as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University for their Masters of Sports Management Program.

Chip Ganassi has been involved in the racing industry for over 30 years. The Chip Ganassi Racing team includes three cars in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and two cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. Overall his teams have 19 championships and more than 220 victories including four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400, and many more. Bitsoff will be based out of their corporate office in Pittsburgh.

Read the original press release here.

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