First "Progress" Successful

Phi Kappa Tau successfully wrapped Progress, a four-week virtual education series for undergraduate leaders and chapter advisors. Throughout Progress, participants set goals for themselves and increased their knowledge in areas like recruitment, chapter finances, alumni relations, and other valuable leadership skills.

Thank you to the following speakers and facilitators:

Week 1: Mission Briefing

Welcoming Session: National President Bill Brasch, Louisville ’67, and CEO Tim Hudson, Truman State ’97

Servant Leadership - Organizing Your Team: Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’87, and Mike Gabhart, Georgetown ’95

Advisor Panel Discussion: Stephen Rupprecht, Oswego ’91

You Need to Post @fraternitysocialmedia: Guillermo Flores, Southern Illinois ’08

Strategic Planning: John Mountz, Penn State ’90

Closing Session: Charlie Ball, Miami ’82

Week 2: First Contact

Building Inclusive Leadership: Dr. David E. Jones

Recruitment & Retention: Alex Koehler, Mount Union ’07, Alex Papke, Baldwin Wallace ’14, and Barry Mask, Auburn ’78

Philanthropy & Service: Matt Parker, Evansville ’93

Alumni Relations: Rob Reese, Kent State ’87

An Hour of Power with Dr. Lori Hart: Dr. Lori Hart

Week 3: Houston, We Have a Problem

Be the Man – A Movement for Healthy Masculinity: Casey J. Cornelius

Chapter Finances: National Councilor Michael Lummus, Belmont ’06

Working with your Campus FSA: Chad Warrick, Akron ’09

Risk Management Basics: Dr. Lori Hart & Megan Carlson

Week 4: To Infinity and Beyond

Ritual - A Way of Life: Dave Lapinski, Penn State ’74

Breakout Goal Setting

Officer Installation and Closing Keynote: National President Bill Brash, Louisville ’67, and National Vice President Dale Holland, Kent State ’87

Thank you as well to our Deans, our National Council, our National Education Advisor, and our Foundation Trustees for making this program happen. We hope all our participants learned something valuable they can take back to their campus. Go Far!

Meet Your Speakers!

Progress week one kicks off 1/21 at 7 PM ET. We are excited to welcome our chapter leaders and advisors to this virtual conference combining the best elements of Presidents Academy, VDI, and Regional Conferences, Progress provides leadership training for the future of Phi Kappa Tau to chapter leaders and advisors.

If you are a chapter leader or advisor and have not received your invitation link to Progress, please contact your Success Manager.

Topics for the evening include: Building a Team, Advisors Panel Discussion, Social Media, and Strategic Planning.

You will hear from a variety of highly qualified alumni over the course of the program. Meet your week one speakers below!

Progress Speakers 1/21

Bill Brasch, Louisville ’67

An initiate of the Beta Beta chapter, Bill is an incredibly active alumni to both the University of Louisville and Phi Kappa Tau. He has served as University of Louisville Alumni Board Vice President, the School of Engineering Board, and he is a recipient of the National Alumni Association Service Award.

Among many positions, Bill has serves on the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Board of Trustees (2016-present), was elected National Vice Present, National Councilor, and Bluegrass Domain Director. He has been awarded the Palm Award, Phi Award, and Brandon Outstanding Advisor Award.

Now retired, Bill worked as a Senior Construction Coordinator at the University of Louisville for 32 years. He is a Civil Engineer and holds a Professional Engineer (PE) license. He and his wife, Pat, live in Louisville.

Mike Gabhart, Georgetown ‘95

Mike Gabhart is a founding member of United Technologies, where he currently serves as Vice President of Sales. He has been involved in the technologies industry since 2004. Prior to that, Mike served on staff at the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices as a Leadership Consultant and Director of Chapter Services.

Mike has been an advocate for the recolonization of Delta Theta chapter at Georgetown College. He lives in Louisville with his wife, Heather, and two daughters. He holds a graduate degree from Xavier University.

Stephen Rupprecht, Oswego ’91

Stephen Rupprecht, EdD, serves as the Dean of Students at Cabrini University in Randor, PA. Dr. Rupprecht has worked in higher education for over 25 years at institutions including Cabrini, Temple, Drexel, Penn State, and Ball State. He has worked with Greek communities for the better part of this time.

Dr. Rupprecht has been a national volunteer for Phi Kappa Tau for 25 years and has served 9 years on the National Council. It was during this time that he revised the Borradaile Challenge standards in collaboration with Executive Office staff. Dr. Rupprecht was named Phi Tau’s first National Philanthropy Director in 1999.

Stephen has volunteered at camp Boggy Creek and Double H. Ranch. He and his wife, Sharon, have two children. He enjoys coaching youth sports and has competed in both New York City and Philadelphia marathons.

Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89

Steve Hartman served on the Phi Kappa Tau staff as a Leadership Consultant from 1992-1996. For 6 years, he worked in management consulting before returning to staff to serve as CEO from 2002-2013. He is currently the CEO of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity and Foundation in Indianapolis, IN.

He serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Fraternity Association, the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, and is the president-elect of the Indiana Society of Association Executives. He volunteers for several causes including the Hamilton County Humane Society, community youth sports leagues, and the Grace Church food pantry.

John Mountz, Penn State ‘90

John is graduate of Penn State University where he joined the Omicron chapter. He earned his master’s degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Florida. He previously worked with the fraternity/sorority communities at the University of Michigan and North Carolina State University for a combined 17 years. He spent four years as an independent consultant to universities and national fraternities and sororities, leading strategic planning efforts and lending expertise on Greek housing projects.

John is now Director of Student Engagement at East Carolina University. He is a facilitator for the LeaderShape Institute and the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute, and serves on the National Education Committee for the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity as Dean of their Presidents Academy

Guillermo Flores, Southern Illinois ’08

Guillermo initiated into the Beta Chi chapter at Southern Illinois University in 2008. After graduating, he served as an advisor to the chapter. He is the Associate Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life at Michigan State and leads the Michigan State Greek community of over 60 chapters and 4,500 students. He currently volunteers with Alpha Alpha chapter.

He is passionate about social media and launched the @FraternitySocialMedia page on Instagram to help chapters build their social media presence. His hobbies include Funko Pops and reading. His Instagram is @GuillermoxF.

Charlie Ball, Miami ‘82

Charlie initiated as a member of Alpha Chapter at Miami University in 1982. He served on the Phi Kappa Tau staff from 1984-1987. He has spent his career in non-profit management and leadership, with an emphasis on philanthropic fundraising.

He is currently the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy. As a volunteer, Charlie has served the Fraternity as a Domain Director, member of the National Council, and Trustee of the Foundation. He was National President from 2006-2008. His book, From Old Main to a New Century: A History of Phi Kappa Tau was published in 1996.

Travis Robinson, Eastern Kentucky ‘98

Travis started his career with Phi Kappa Tau as a Leadership Consultant in 2001 where he helped establish chapters at Florida State and Indiana University. After his time as a Leadership Consultant, he spent 10+ years in corporate recruiting and employee benefits sales at companies like MetLife.

In 2014 he returned to staff as Chief Operating Officer and moved back to Oxford, OH, with his wife Kristen and their three children. He spends his free time coaching softball and learning about the world of 4H with his kids.

Tim Hudson, Truman State ’97

Tim serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and Foundation. He has been involved with the staff in Oxford, OH for nearly twenty years. In his current role, Tim also represents the Fraternity on the Governing Council of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).  He is a volunteer and board member of the Oxford Lions Club. 

He is a proud uncle to Jack and Addie.  Tim received his undergraduate degree from Turman State University and is an initiate of our Delta Omega chapter. 

Doug Suhr Joins Chapter Brothers at Wealth Management Firm

Doug Suhr, East Carolina '91

Doug Suhr, East Carolina ’91, recently joined Whitener Capital Management, Inc., becoming the 3rd Phi Tau to join the firm. He now works alongside firm owner Rick Sanford II, East Carolina ‘91, and Sean Gilsenan, East Carolina '87. “Rick brought Sean on board about 10 years ago and I 'finally' joined the firm this week,” Suhr said.

They had over 120 active members during their time in the 90s and have many fond memories of the Gamma Eta chapter.

Read the full press release below:

Rocky Mount, NC (December 15, 2020) – Whitener Capital Management, Inc., announced today that Douglas W. Suhr has joined the firm as Senior Financial Planner. Doug’s energies will be dedicated to enhancing the firm’s wealth management offering, by providing a customized and personal approach to comprehensive financial planning.

Whitener Capital Management, Inc., (founded in 1987), is an independent SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Rocky Mount, NC with assets in excess of $310 million.  “The core focus of the firm has always been money management,” said Rick Sanford, principal owner, and president of the firm.  “However, clients are now facing numerous planning decisions that need to be approached collectively and integrated with their investments.  The addition of Doug to direct the financial planning process highlights our firm’s ongoing commitment to truly providing comprehensive wealth management.”

Doug brings a wealth of experience from his 24 years in the financial services industry.  He possesses a unique blend of advanced technical expertise in all areas of financial planning and wealth management.  Doug believes deeply in the value of using financial planning to drive the investment management process.   “The financial markets have never been more difficult to navigate. Financial planning provides the clarity necessary for creating wealth, and ultimately financial freedom.”

Doug is a Certified Financial Plannertm and alumni of East Carolina’s School of Business.  He received his degree in Finance & Management from Southampton College of Long Island University.  Doug and his wife Sarah are active in their local community and busy raising their blended family of four children.  

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Chi Wins Big

Chi chapter has been recognized as one of the most outstanding fraternities on North Carolina State’s campus through a series of Fraternity and Sorority Life awards.

The chapter was nominated as one of 5 John T. Caldwell Chapters, an award for Best Fraternity on campus.

The chapter was recognized as an Education and Learning Winner for educational programs they hosted/participated in throughout the past year. They were 1 of 4 FSL chapters awarded this recognition, out of 26 chapters eligible. 

Carter Avayou, North Carolina State ‘19, was the Outstanding New Member Recipient for his contributions and impact on the chapter when he joined last year.

Will Steitz, North Carolina State ‘19, was one of 4 FSL Outstanding Chapter President Recipients for his work the past 2 semesters as Chi chapter president.

IFC President Kendall York, North Carolina State ‘19, was the Outstanding Fraternity Man Recipient for his work not only with Chi, but his impact overseeing IFC the past year. 

Congratulations to these outstanding Men of Distinction!

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Lambda Chapter Celebrates 100th Anniversary

By Ed Brizendine, Purdue '85

Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity was established on the Purdue campus on November 20, 1920. The Lambda Chapter at Purdue University was the eleventh chapter of the rapidly expanding Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Founded by sophomore agricultural students, the Purdue chapter had its beginnings a year earlier as a local fraternity called Beta Xi Alpha. Along with the chartering of the chapter itself, 20 undergraduate men and 3 faculty advisors were initiated into the organization. An additional 13 men were initiated in the Spring of 1921. Purdue faculty member Captain (later Colonel) Frank W. Bryant, Purdue ‘20, advised the chapter through its initial years and continued to be greatly involved in the national organization throughout his life.

Always active in intramural sports, student government, community service, and philanthropic projects, the chapter brotherhood has had and continues to have a strong presence as leaders on the Purdue campus. For nearly 80 years the chapter had a strong physical presence on campus as well when its chapter house was located at 516 Northwestern Avenue. Now, Wang Hall, the house was located on prime property right across from the Purdue engineering mall. Built in 1927 the English Tudor-style house was designed by fellow brother and prominent architect Richard C. Lennox, Purdue ‘21. Whether wrapped with a red ribbon and bow during the Christmas season or enclosed in wooden timbers during its biennial “Fort Phi Tau”, the unique chapter house was well known across the campus.

During its 100 years, the Purdue chapter has initiated over 1,500 men into Phi Kappa Tau. While the number of active undergraduate men has fluctuated over the years, its core value of recruiting a select and diverse group of men of character has remained constant. It currently has 30 active members with a long-term goal of growing the membership to 60 brothers.

But the success of the fraternity isn’t just about its undergraduate brothers and its presence on the Purdue campus. It is also about its alumni. As they learned and honed during their undergraduate years, the alumni continue to be successful both as leaders in their professions and as active members in their communities. While a mark of distinction is conferred on all men initiated into Phi Kappa Tau, the fraternal friendships formed as undergraduates that grow into the unbreakable bonds as alumni are perhaps the true marks of being a fraternity man.

The Lambda Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau has lasted a century on the Purdue campus only through the enthusiasm of its undergraduates and the dedicated support of its alumni. The chapter will be recognizing this milestone event remotely this year due to the ongoing pandemic. A formal in-person celebration will take place sometime in the near future.

Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity is a national collegiate fraternity founded March 17, 1906, at Miami University. Its mission is to champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership, and exemplary character. It has 80 active undergraduate chapters and 11 active colonies. Since its founding, it has developed over 100,000 men of character into Men of Distinction.

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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