Laurel
the
summer 2011
o f P h i K a ppa Tau
Phi Kappa Tau foundation Update
founders month of service recap
brotherhood
with a purpose
Four groups of friends prove that brotherhood has no limit
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 1
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Heartland Regional Conference
participants
clear
trails
at
Wapahani Mountain Bike Park
in
Bloomington,
Ind.,
during
Founders Month of Service. Learn
more on pages 24-25.
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Contents
The Laurel
3
summer 2011 VOL. 99, NO. 1
Editor-in-Chief
Lane Shetzer
Copy Editor
John Sayers, Bethany ’78
Graphic Designer
Stacey Castle
About The Laurel
The Laurel is the exoteric publication of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation.
Published prior to 1919 as SIDELIGHTS, a journal devoted to topics
related to higher education involving college and alumni interests, The
Laurel is now published regularly under the direction and authority of the
Board of Trustees of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation.
The next issue of The Laurel will be Vol. 99, No. 2 and will be published
in the fall of 2011.
Printed in the USA | ISSN Number: 0023-8996
Printed by The Watkins Printing Company, Columbus, Ohio.
Address Changes
Visit www.phikappatau.org and choose “Update Your Information” or call
800-PKT-1906 or mail changes to: Phi Kappa Tau, 5221 Morning Sun Road,
Oxford OH 45056 or e-mail Cindy Morgan at cmorgan@phikappatau.org
Features
14 Brotherhood with a Purpose
Four groups of friends prove that brotherhood has no limit.
Member
Fraternity Communications Association
24 Founders Month of Service Recap
A look at the Fraternity’s third annual month of service.
Departments
4
Directory
5Perspectives
6
Foundation Update
8
New & Noteworthy
This Laurel is printed on 100-percent recycled paper and
fits the Forest Stewardship Council’s requirements for
environmentally mindful publications.
9We Are FKT
26 Chapter Eternal
28 Our Chapters
30 Laurels
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 3
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:45:53 PM
Phi Kappa Tau
4
The mission of Phi Kappa Tau
is to champion a lifelong
commitment to brotherhood,
learning, ethical leadership and
exemplary character.
The vision of Phi Kappa Tau is to be
recognized as a leadership
organization that binds men together
and challenges them to improve their
campuses and the world.
FRATERNITY
NATIONAL COUNCIL
National President
Gregory M Heilmeier, Bethany ’86
National Vice President
Stephan M Nelson, Southern Mississippi ’73
Chief Executive Officer
*Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89
Joshua J Bleidt, Eastern Kentucky ’96
Michael D Dovilla, Baldwin-Wallace ’94
Wesley R Fugate, Centre ’99
J Kenneth Loewen Jr, Colorado ’80
Sean J McManus, East Carolina ’94
David A Ruckman, Ohio State ’62
Scott G Stewart, Nebraska-Kearney ’69
Cliff D Unger, Arizona ’98
undergraduate
advisory board
President: Steven E Binzel, Case Western ’08
VICE PRESIDENT: Philip Frandina, RIT ’08
AJ Broderick, RIT ’11
Manuel A Davila-Molina, Cornell ’09
Michael Disotell, Westminster ’08
Jason M Lustig, Cornell ’08
Matthew Marone, Florida State ’08
Trey Pippin, Louisville ’09
Jack Van Bibber, Mount Union ’10
Tyler Vienot, Saginaw Valley State ’09
NATIONAL ADVISORS
Chief financial officer/treasurer: David N Bauer, Bethany ’83
chief learning officer: Thomas A Jeswald, Ohio ’63
Recruitment/retention: Michael T Gabhart, Georgetown ’95
Ritualist/Chaplain: Fr. Nicholas R A Rachford, Cincinnati ’64
SERVICE: Matthew Parker, Evansville ’93
FOUNDATION
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EXECUTIVE OFFICES STAFF
(800) PKT-1906
Chief Executive Officer
Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89
shartman@phikappatau.org
x239
Director of Chapter Services
Tim Hudson, Truman State ’97
thudson@phikappatau.org
x231
Finance Coordinator
Lisa Adams
ladams@phikappatau.org
x232
communication coordinator
Lane Shetzer
lshetzer@phikappatau.org
x234
coordinator of volunteer development
Tyler Wash, Georgetown ’06
twash@phikappatau.org
x271
volunteer development consultant
Marty Dunning, Kentucky ’07
mdunning@phikappatau.org
x228
resource and development coordinator
Ray Sophie, Southern Illinois ’08
rsophie@phikappatau.org
x223
resource and expansion consultant
Jason Sweet, Saginaw Valley State ’09
jsweet@phikappatau.org
x221
expansion coordinator
Alex Koehler, Mount Union ’07
akoehler@phikappatau.org
x233
expansion consultant
Matt Marone, Florida State ’08
mmarone@phikappatau.org
x240
Executive Assistant
Cindy Morgan
cmorgan@phikappatau.org
x237
Administrative Assistant-Chapter Services
Lori Foister
lfoister@phikappatau.org
x226
Administrative assistant-foundation Angie Van Winkle
avanwinkle@phikappatau.org
x224
To view a complete list of Fraternity leaders,
visit www.phikappatau.org
Chairman
David A Ruckman, Ohio State ’62
first Vice Chairman
Scott G Stewart, Nebraska-Kearney ’69
SECOND Vice Chairman
Bill Fisher, Miami ’80
Treasurer
William G Braund, Westminster ’54
Secretary
James S Hamilton, Ohio State ’63
Steve W Chaddick, Georgia Tech ’70
John M Green, Nebraska Wesleyan ’60
*Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89
Reza Hashampour, Georgetown ’82
Joseph J McCann Jr, Spring Hill ’74
Richard F Michael, Michigan Tech ’70
Stephan M Nelson, Southern Mississippi ’73
Donald J Phillips II, Texas-Austin ’82
Ross E Roeder, Michigan State ’58
Joel S Rudy, Bethany ’60
Brent W Vickery, Texas-Austin ’81
*non-voting
DISTINGUISHED TRUSTEES
Jack L Bartholomew, Ohio State ’55
Raymond A Bichimer, Ohio State ’53
Mark M Boyd, Miami ’71
Norman W Brown, Ohio State ’50
Gerald G Carlton Jr, Ohio ’58
Melvin Dettra, Ohio State ’45
F Fred Fether, Bowling Green ’51
Lawrence L Fisher, Ohio State ’60
Hugh C Fowler, Colorado ’45
John D Good, Ohio ’47
Jim K Heilmeier, Kent State ’47
Theodore A Hendricks, Bowling Green ’59
Gregory M Hollen, Maryland ’75
Dan L Huffer, Ohio State ’57
David W Lawrence, Miami ’61
Robert Leatherman, Akron ’60
James C McAtee, Ohio ’65
F L Mac McKinley, Oklahoma State ’51
Frederick E Mills, Ohio State ’66
Fr. Nicholas R A Rachford, Cincinnati ’64
Timothy F Smith, Bowling Green ’62
Donald E Snyder Sr, Cornell ’49
Carl D Vance, Miami ’67
Graydon D Webb, Ohio State ’69
National Advisors are ex-officio, non-voting members of the National Council.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
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8/22/2011 4:45:53 PM
Perspectives
O
A Half Century of Memories
n Dec. 28, 1958, Baltimore Colts fullback Alan
Ameche split through the rain, the fog, and the New
York Giants defensive line with six minutes left in
overtime to claim the NFL championship in what
would become known as the “Greatest Game Ever Played.” The
back-and-forth contest, played in cavernous Yankee Stadium in
front of a nationally televised audience, paid the winners less than
$5,000 each and marked a change in the esteem that football would
hold in the hearts of Americans for decades to come.
Fifteen miles away, in Jamaica, Queens, a small group of men
gathered between classes to meet at a lunch table in the only academic
building on the St. John’s University campus. Although St. John’s
would grow into a highly reputable, nationally known university, the
campus at the time was small and austere. Coming together under
the Phi Kappa Tau flag in this unlikely conservative Catholic setting,
this small gathering would spawn friendships that would span five
decades.
The post-WWII growth in Phi Kappa Tau had come mainly from
new chapters at large state universities. St. John’s, having a small
campus with a distinctive religious educational mission under the
leadership of Rev. John A. Flynn, represented a divergence in both
geography and culture for the Fraternity.
“There were rules everywhere—jackets and ties with no exceptions,”
Mat Casamassima, St. John’s ’62, remembered. “If you went to the
field house to work out, you needed to change back into jacket and
tie or be thrown off campus!”
In 1958, St. John’s had just finished erecting only its third building
on its cozy new Queens campus. Flynn was in the process of moving
the St. John’s campus to Queens, from its Brooklyn digs to what was
once a distant Depression-era golf course in the neighboring New
York City borough.
“It was a tight-knit community back then,” said St. John’s Archivist
Blythe Roveland-Brenton, Ph.D. “There were no dormitories and
the administration and classrooms were pretty much in one building.
St. John’s plan was to expand its accessibility to more students who
hailed from Long Island and Queens.”
To that end, St. John’s did just that. The genesis of the Gamma
Gamma chapter was made possible only because the move to the
Queens campus attracted hundreds of new students. When asked
if they would have attended St. John’s had it not moved to Queens,
friends Casamassima, John Bila, St. John’s ’61, and Pat Linehan, St.
John’s ’63, declared in unison, “Absolutely not.”
5
If the new St. John’s campus location had become a bit more
accommodating to these future Phi Taus in the late ’50s, the campus
culture had not yet warmed to the idea of a new fraternity. Having
been thrice rejected for recognition by the student council, the group
remained resolved to rewire the prevailing St. John’s perception of
fraternities.
“We chose to be trendsetters by being the only fraternity on
campus that was not allowed to use the slang word ‘frat’ because we
were serious about brotherhood,” Bila said. “Our founders definitely
subscribed to National’s prescription against corporeal hazing and
humiliation. This in turn attracted men who were more mature, more
serious about scholarship and more willing to break with campus
tradition.”
Guided by an avuncular, soft-spoken faculty advisor named Jack
Maran, New York ’24, who would later be recognized with the Phi
Kappa Tau Palm Award, and led by its first elected president, Tom
Hartman, St. John’s ’60, and first pledge master, Mike Hourican, St.
John’s ’60, “the adversity [of gaining a foothold on campus] forged a
determination and camaraderie that persisted on campus through the
mid-’60s,” Bila said, and would produce lasting lifelong friendships.
In December of 1960, the Gamma Gamma chapter at St. John’s
received its charter from Domain Chief Don Zeissett, Rensselaer ’41,
and continued to receive support from Field Secretary Mike Raleigh,
Oklahoma State ’58, and Domain Chief Joe Rizzo, Michigan State
’48, throughout the mid-’60s. Bila suggested that Hourican may
have picked up the notion that “Phi Kappa Tau is a fraternity for
life” from these early advisors.
Today, there are 85 Gamma Gamma alumni from the late ’50s
and early ’60s who still keep in regular contact. They distribute a
periodic newsletter, enjoy small gatherings with family, and organize
an annual event to enjoy each other’s friendship and company. This
year, on the weekend of Sept. 19, these men will gather once again
at the Shawnee Golf Resort in the Delaware Water Gap National
Forest for their annual reunion.
In this edition of The Laurel, we celebrate stories of brotherhood,
like those of Gamma Gamma chapter, both in purpose and in
repose.
Just as it would be difficult to fathom that the “Greatest Game
Ever Played” would spawn an era 50 years later where the NFL and
its players would be haggling over how to split billions of dollars
in annual revenue, Phi Kappa Tau’s modest beginnings on the
humble St. John’s campus of 1958 continues to produce immodest
brotherhood that has only grown over five decades.
Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89, is chief executive officer.
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How Foundation Assets Turn into Br
r e v e n u e - p r o d u c i ng a s s e t s
6
The Boles Trust was established through
the estate of Phi Kappa Tau Honorary Founder
Ewing T. Boles, Centre ’14. Brother Boles set up
the original Phi Kappa Tau Educational Foundation in 1950 in Columbus, Ohio, and in 1985
donated the largest gift ever given to a fraternity foundation at that time, a matching gift of
$1 million for the Decision for Phi Kappa Tau
Campaign. In his estate plan, he left the Foundation another gift of $3 million in a trust. His
son, Tom Boles, William & Mary ’39, a pediatric surgeon, has also been a loyal donor to the
Foundation.
The General Endowment Fund was
established through gifts from donors who prefer
to have their donations pooled with others to be
used for the long-term health of the organization and its programs. The Foundation Board of
Trustees has oversight over these funds and their
utilization.
Restricted/Chapter Funds are those
gifts that a donor can either designate for the
long-term or short-term. These gifts are designated for a specific purpose, program, chapter or
other educational pursuit that is related to the
Fraternity. Examples of these funds are Chapter
Educational Grants, Named Scholarships and
Leadership Endowments.
ot h e r a s s e t s
The Elfers/Omega Scholarship
Fund was established through a bequest by Paul
A. Elfers, Wisconsin-Madison ’24. The Elfers
Fund has grown to $650,000 and supports six Phi
Kappa Tau undergraduate scholarships per year.
Boles Trust
$4.55M
Proceeds from these funds are applied
each year to support specific programs.
The Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Board
of Trustees has established a spending
policy that allows only 5 percent of any
endowed fund to be used annually for
operations (programmatic support).
General
Endowment
$2.45M
Restricted/
Chapter Funds
$1.5M
Elfers/Omega
$600K
$240K
$90K
$250K
$18K
The Phi Kappa Tau Executive
Offices, Centennial Gardens
and Archives
Brotherhood Fund support
(ANNUAL FUND)
Learning. Leading. Serving.
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Operating Income $170K
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8/22/2011 4:45:53 PM
o Brotherhood Opportunities
7
The Boles Trust underwrites a significant portion of the programming that is provided by the
Fraternity to chapters and brothers, including
chapter services, Leadership Academy, Presidents
Academy, Building Men of Character Retreats,
UIFI sponsorships and Regional Conferences. In
FY11, the Boles Fund contributed $240,000 to
programming.
Key
= Presidents Academy
= Leadership Academy
= Building Men of Character Retreats
= Regional Conferences
= Scholarships
In FY11, the General Endowment contributed
$90,000 to programming and scholarships.
= Programs
= Housing
In FY11, Restricted/Chapter Funds generated
$250,000 in support back to students, chapters
and the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps.
Total Assets = $10.5M
In FY11, The Elfers/Omega Fund distributed
$18,000 in scholarships.
Total Support = $776K
(FY 2011)
Supports general Phi Kappa Tau administrative
and event planning
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8/22/2011 4:45:57 PM
New & Noteworthy
8
B
Beta Celebrates 100 Years
eta chapter at Ohio celebrated its 100th anniversary May 20-22, 2011, feel the college fraternity is the most valuable group through which a student
in Athens, Ohio. More than 300 alumni, undergraduates and friends can learn to get along with people. Within the fraternity, an individual will
gathered for “Milestones & Memories: The Centennial Celebration of find an example of almost every type of personality, and because of the bonds
Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau.” This was a chapter’s first centennial since of brotherhood, he must learn to live with everyone in the group.
“This evening, take a moment to reflect on how the Fraternity impacted
Phi Kappa Tau’s national Centennial in 2006.
Planning for Beta chapter’s celebration began two years ago when Centennial your life and be proud of 100 years of bringing honor and credit to the NaCommittee Chairman Brian Breittholz, Ohio ’83, assembled a group of alumni tional Fraternity and Ohio University.”
and undergraduates to discuss ways to properly celebrate the marking of the oc- Chapter President Joshua Smith, Ohio ’07, gave official greetings on behalf
casion.
of the chapter, and Distinguished Foundation Trustee Jerry Carlton, Ohio ’58,
“I wanted a proper celebration that truly honored the achievements and welcomed all brothers and guests and provided the official toast.
contributions of the men and the chapter over the past 100 years,” Breit- Following dinner, several brothers offered glimpses of the Fraternity experitholz said.
ence during their eras: John Good, Ohio ’47, David Budd, Ohio ’56, James
While primary events were planned Friday through Sunday, undergradu- McAtee, Ohio ’65, Richard Harrison, Ohio ’79, Rodney Coon, Ohio ’85,
ates also planned activities throughout the week. Alumni began arriving in Chris Garber, Ohio ’93, and Steve Maltarich, Ohio ’04. Along with the era
Athens on Friday afternoon, and an evening welcome reception was held at reflections, Lt. General Robert Arter, Ohio ’47, recognized all brothers who
Konneker Alumni Center.
honorably served in the U.S. military.
On Saturday morning, about 30 alumni and undergraduate brothers trav- Heilmeier presented a number of recognitions during the banquet. Memeled to the Athens Country Club for nine holes
bers of the Centennial Cabinet were recognized
of golf. While they were on the course, others enby Heilmeier, as well as the chapter. Harrison was
joyed a continental breakfast at the house, historipresented with the prestigious Bridge Builder
cal memorabilia on display in the living room and
Award for his years of service as advisor to Beta
tours of campus. Sophomore Anthony Campbell,
chapter. Breittholz was presented with a presidential citation for his efforts in spearheading the
Ohio ’11, was selected by the chapter to be the
Centennial reunion. Breittholz recognized John
brother initiated during the afternoon Centennial
Grosh, Ohio ’84, for his tremendous undertakInitiation Ceremony.
Saturday evening began with a reception, foling of researching and writing the chapter’s hislowed by the Centennial Celebration Banquet in
tory book. Breittholz also recognized Smith for his
the Baker Center Ballroom. A special slideshow
contributions as chapter president.
containing photos of brothers from the earliest
As the evening began to close, brothers experidays of chapter life to the current day opened the
enced the Phi Kappa Tau Candlelight Ceremony.
program.
The program officially ended with the singing of
Longtime Board of Governors Chairman and
the Brotherhood Song followed by a closing video
honorary Beta chapter initiate Joel Rudy, Beththat inspired the group to build a legacy for the
next 100 years to follow. FKT
any ’60, served as the master of ceremonies. Rudy
John Good, Ohio ’47, addresses the crowd at Beta’s Centennial Celebration Banquet.
provided introductions of special guests, including Ohio University Vice President of Student
Affairs Kent Smith, Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi, and Assistant
Dean Char Kopchick. From the National Fraternity, National President
Greg Heilmeier, Bethany ’86, Past National Presidents Bill Macack,
Florida State ’73, and Greg Hollen, Maryland ’75, CEO Steve Hartman,
Muskingum ’89, Director of Chapter Services Tim Hudson, Truman State
’97, and National Chaplain Fr. Nicholas Rachford, Cincinnati ’64, were introduced. The group also welcomed Nan Worthing, wife to the late brother
W. Barry Worthing, Ohio ’58, who was very involved with the chapter.
Due to scheduling conflicts, Honorary Centennial Chair Senator George
Voinovich, Ohio ’56, was unable to attend the banquet, but sent a special
greeting to his brothers.
“I recently found a paper on the importance of extracurricular activities that
I wrote while a student at Ohio University,” Voinovich said in his greeting. “‘I
Past Beta chapter presidents gather before the banquet.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
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We
Are
Our i d e n t i t y
Four Phi Taus are making a name for
themselves, and they haven’t forgotten
their Fraternity roots.
FKT
9
David Brizius
Co-founder, C.A.M.P.
Bainbridge, Ohio
The Motivator
Fifty-five years ago, David Brizius, Ohio ’53, co-founded C.A.M.P., or
Constructing Assured and Motivated People—a motivating, faith-based,
weeklong summer camp for young people. Today, Brizius and his wife, Janny,
are as involved with the camp as they were when it began, and they don’t
intend to slow down anytime soon!
“While C.A.M.P. has received many awards over the years, including
recognitions from Parents Magazine, several Ohio governors and President
George H.W. Bush, I think the most impressive award of all is that our
all-volunteer staff continues to come back and help with this remarkable
program. Many of the staff members were former campers themselves, and
they believe so deeply in this program and the life-changing capabilities it
has on young people, they now return to ‘pay back’ what they received as
youngsters.
“As a Phi Tau at Ohio University, I was given a life-changing opportunity
of which I took full advantage. My fraternity experience gave me lifelong
friends, the confidence to succeed, the commitment to follow through and
plenty of leadership opportunities.The philosophy of our Fraternity in many
ways mirrors our philosophy at C.A.M.P., and that’s no coincidence!”
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8/22/2011 4:46:00 PM
We
10
Are
FKT
Tyler Aguirre
Lead Singer, Avenue 52
Los Angeles, California
The Musician
Tyler Aguirre, St. Cloud ’02, (left) has been singing for
awhile, but his band, Avenue 52, which also features
Sean Alexander (right) and Beau Evans, formed just two
years ago and is already having success. After less than
a week on VEVO and YouTube, the group’s new music
video, “Homeless,” snagged more than 55,000 views.
The single aims to raise awareness on the homeless
epidemic in the United States and the importance of
giving back, something that hits home with Avenue 52.
“It’s all about the music for us. We come together as
a group because our hearts are in the right place. We
all give back and want to make a mark. Giving back
and being selfless is the most beautiful gift you can give
someone else, and it makes you grateful for what you
have. Not only are we making music, but we’re making
music in the community.
“If it sends a message to anyone in the Fraternity, I
hope ‘Homeless’ says that when you leave Phi Tau as an
undergraduate, keep the Fraternity close to your heart.
Keep the core values close to you, keep giving back.
Don’t lose sight of where you came from, why you are
a member, why you are a brother.”
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 10
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8/22/2011 4:46:03 PM
Bob Plumleigh
Importer, Lord Plumleigh Imports
Alumni Service Award Recipient,
University of Southern California
Santa Ana, Calif.
We
Are
FKT
11
The Enthusiast
Photograph by steve cohn
Hall of Fame member Bob Plumleigh, Southern California ’47, and his
wife, Betty, have been loyal to their alma mater—the University of
Southern California—since they stepped foot on campus. Plumleigh
serves on the school’s humanities advisory board and marine
biology board, and the pair enthusiastically supports USC athletics,
especially by hosting the song girls and yell leaders for breakfast
or lunch before every home football game and taking them to
dinner after every away game. Plumleigh and his wife were recently
recognized for their dedication with the school’s prestigious Alumni
Service Award.
“I am a people person. I like to get involved, I like to travel, I like to
make new friends. My career as an importer wraps the latter two
together, but staying connected with USC is my involvement. And
being recognized for that? Well, that was quite an honor and very
heartwarming. It was a very similar feeling to when I was inducted
into the Phi Kappa Tau Hall of Fame.
“One thing I’ve found by my activity in a sense is that it has brought
others into the fold. My friends have grown to all parts of the world.
It all goes back to my fraternity life. It goes back to the camaraderie
you learn in the Fraternity. It carries you throughout life.”
TheLaurel
Laurel| www.phikappatau.org
| www.phikappatau.org
The
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We
12
Are
FKT
Toby Young
President, Exhibit Management Associates, Inc.
Louisville, Ky.
The Team Leader
As president of Exhibit Management Associates, Inc., Toby Young,
Eastern Kentucky ’95, runs the biggest trucking trade show in the
world—the Mid-America Trucking Show. Each year in March, the
show draws heavy-duty trucking professionals from all 50 states
and 80 foreign countries eager to see exhibits that take up more
than 1.2-million square feet. To run a trade show this big, Young uses
leadership skills that he said he began learning as an officer in Delta
Rho chapter.
“Joining the Delta Rho chapter of Phi Kappa Tau has shaped every
aspect of my life. The up-close interaction with my chapter has
proven very similar to my day-to-day task of managing a small team
of employees with various skill sets as we work together to reach
the common goal of promoting, selling and producing one of the
20 largest trade shows in North America. The social and leadership
skills I developed with Phi Tau have served me well and play an
integral role in my personal and professional successes. As I learned
in my days as an undergraduate member, if you take a small group of
men with the passion, drive and commitment to an objective, you can
achieve just about any goal you set your sights on.”
Learning. Leading. Serving.
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8/22/2011 4:46:13 PM
Phi Kappa Tau introduces…
phitaublog.org
13
“You and I don’t see things the
way they are; we see them
the way we are.”
—Herb Cohen
Learn about Phi Kappa Tau resources.
Gain a new perspective on greek life.
Inspire a new way of thinking.
Guide your chapter to success!
Domain Director Positions
Local Board of Governors Positions
Big Apple (New York City Area)
Board of Governors Chairman
Cornhusker (Nebraska Area)
Chapter Advisor
Deep South (Mississippi Area)
Risk Management Advisor
Golden Bear South (Southern California)
Scholarship Advisor
Reward!
Further the mission
Great Plains (Kansas Area)
Financial Advisor
of Phi Kappa Tau.
Lone Star (Texas Area)
Recruitment Advisor
Mentor high quality
undergraduates.
Patriot (New England Area)
Alumni Advisor
Live the creed!
Rocky Mountain (Colorado Area)
For more information on how to volunteer for Phi Kappa Tau,
visit www.phikappatau.org/volunteer.
Current Domain Directors • Thomas S. Abrams, Blue Ridge • Ricky A. Bailey, Citrus • Patrick J. Best, Three Rivers • Scott Brown, Mid-Atlantic
• Brian R. Conner, Housier • Scott Conroe, Empire • Adam S. Eldund, Rio Grande • Andrew R. Fruth, Lincoln • Philip J. Fr Upstate Michael L.
French, Southeast • John Friend, Buckeye North • Leslie A. Fugate, Bluegrass West • Michael T. Gabhart, Bluegrass East • Daniel J. Ginter, Great
Lakes West • Mark L. Greenway, Buckeye South • John L. Kaxzynski, Great Lakes East • Simon J. Klein, Pacific Northwest • David C. F. Lapinski,
Allegheny • James J. Lewis, Tidewater • Michael D. Lummus, Mississippi Valley • Jerod A. Maker, A-OK • Daniel M. Perdue, Tar Heel •
Keven P. Prather, Erie • Davorin K. Skender, Golden Gate • Steve Stratton, Shenandoah • Jeffery R. Steller, Ohio Valley •
Eric J. Winchester, Golden Bear North
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
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Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:46:18 PM
14
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 14
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8/22/2011 4:46:24 PM
15
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The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 15
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:46:30 PM
16
T
B y
J e ff
B a i r d ,
hirty-two years ago, when Gil Strohm, Muhlenberg
’69, the longtime Eta chapter cook, retired from his job
feeding lunch and dinner to hungry Muhlenberg Phi Tau
undergraduates six days a week, a thought occurred to the
graduating classes of 1970 and 1972: they should help the
man who kept them nourished through finals, varsity sports and
other college activities, in his retirement.
So, in 1980, the men organized the Strohmathon, a softball
tournament that continues to this day. The money they raised helped
offset Strohm’s bills for more than 10 years.
Little did they realize then that their
generosity towards Strohm would be so
rewarding for them long after their cook’s
death in the early 1990s.
For another 10 years, the tournament
continued without a stated purpose, except to
bring a group of about 25 brothers together
each year. Though all had a few close friends,
the effort to return to Allentown, Penn.,
and play softball each year kept the two
graduating classes close over the long run.
Bruce Reitz, Muhlenberg ’67, now Eta
chapter’s Board of Governors chairman,
managed the list of brothers and coordinated
the weekend, handwriting the invitations in
the days before mail merge.
“I wish every class could have a Bruce,”
Dale Rice, Muhlenberg ’67, said, joking,
“If you do something with him once, he
makes it a tradition. I can still remember
his handwriting and return address on the
invitations, which I watched for, for years.”
In 2001, the group had a purpose again: Rice, the Strohmathon
center fielder, caught an infection his body couldn’t fight.
“I went from playing in a basketball game one night to being in
intensive care the next night,” he said.
As a result of the infection, his extremities turned black. From his
hospital bed near his home in Maine, he wasn’t sure what would heal
and what would have to be amputated. In the end, he lost both legs
below the knee and fingers on both hands.
His hospital stay lasted three months. Rice’s wife, Joy, stayed in
his room the entire time. Ron Tuma, Muhlenberg ’68, one of Rice’s
classmates and brothers, flew to Maine from Philadelphia soon after.
M u h l e nb e r g
’ 0 1
As a professor of medicine at Temple University, Tuma lent his
skills to Rice’s family, interpreting Rice’s diagnosis and treatment
options from the doctors. During this early visit, while Rice was still
in the hospital bed, uncertain about his prospects, Tuma told him
that he could play golf someday soon. The nurses were disbelieving.
Tuma brought home the candid news about their brother’s
condition.
“I remember Ron telling us, ‘We almost lost our center fielder,’”
Reitz recalled.
But Tuma also brought back some ideas:
Rice could swing a golf club, even if he couldn’t
grip it; a manufacturer could make special
clubs; a PGA school in Florida specialized
in lessons for people with disabilities. That’s
when Reitz sprang into action, raising money
from fellow brothers, organizing the effort,
working the list. Rice’s closest friends—
Tuma, Reitz, Tom Miller, Muhlenberg ’67,
and Glenn Seifert, Muhlenberg ’68—worked
to make Tuma’s visions reality, while keeping
tabs on their friend in the hospital.
Meanwhile, the letters and calls streamed
into Rice’s hospital room.
“I had over 20 people e-mailing me,
sending cards, calling me,” he said. “It seemed
like I heard from someone every day.”
Though he missed the Strohmathon that
year, his friends passed around a cell phone to
talk from the game.
Rice saved the letters he got while he
was in the hospital and pulls them out every
few years to reread them.
“It’s funny to see how many are from fraternity brothers,” he
mused.
Fast forward a few months: Rice was out of the hospital. His
physical therapist worked with him to create an arm brace that would
slide onto his left arm, fastening with Velcro. A specially made golf
club could slide into the arm brace and allow him to swing with
almost the same power as before.
He traveled to the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., for
a week, compliments of his brothers. He worked with his instructor
on sand traps, putting and chipping greens, and sample holes.
“[My instructor] would take a cart and we’d play some holes,” Rice
“It takes effort over the
years to stay friends.
You can’t go back at
our age and say, I wish
I had been friends with
certain guys for the last
40 years.”
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 16
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8/22/2011 4:46:35 PM
17
said, “and sometimes I’d hit a shot and she’d dump 10 golf
balls at my feet and tell me to hit again. She was a very
good teacher.”
These days, Rice plays his fair share of golf: Eta chapter’s
annual charity golf tournament; a foursome with Seifert,
Miller and Tuma the week of the Strohmathon; an
annual game in the Poconos. Not that Rice would have
been a couch potato without golf: he still lifts weights,
plays basketball, builds stone walls around his property,
rides a recumbent bicycle, clears trails around the woods
behind his 1806-vintage farm house, snowshoes the trails
in the winter, and hikes the countryside of Maine.
But golf was a way to re-introduce competitive sports
into his life, and also a way to be closer to his brothers.
Eta chapter members are quick to point out that the
intensity of the softball game has faded over the years,
what with pulled hamstrings and joint replacements—
“We’re getting to the point where we’re starting to fall
apart,” Miller candidly said—so golf has replaced softball
as the game of choice, though they still play a few innings
each year.
Looking back, Rice said that he would have stayed
friends with three or four brothers, but the organized
Strohmathons were what kept up his friendship with
the wider group of ’70 and ’72 graduates, all of whose
support was critical in his recovery.
“It takes effort over the years to stay friends,” he said
over lobster rolls from Fast Eddie’s 50’s Restaurant in his
hometown. “You can’t go back at our age and say, I wish I
had been friends with certain guys for the last 40 years.”
Miller, who lives in Florida, put it succinctly: “Time
and distance can separate you if you allow them to. But
we didn’t allow them to.”
Funny thing about this group that pulled together
to support the Eta house cook who needed help in
retirement: three decades later, their original purpose long
since fulfilled, they remain lifelong friends, coming to each
other’s aid when necessary, but mostly just running the
bases, hitting the links, sharing a meal, and remembering
their old friend Gil Strohm and the good times they had
around his table. fkt
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Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 17
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Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:46:45 PM
18
Band of Bro t
A
by l a n e s h e t z e r
sk anyone who knew him and they will tell you that Army
Capt. Shane Adcock, Longwood ’98, was the epitome of a
Phi Tau gentleman. He was charismatic, genuine, involved
with the Fraternity and a friend to everyone.
Along with his Phi Kappa Tau membership with Epsilon
Lambda chapter at Longwood, Adcock was a member of Army ROTC
(Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and became an active-duty officer after graduating. He served for a year in Afghanistan before coming home
for a little while and deploying again.
Five years ago, on Oct. 11, 2006, Adcock was killed in action while
serving in Iraq. A grenade struck his Humvee during a convoy operation.
At the same time, on the other side of the world, Adcock’s friend Jeromy French, Longwood ’99, had just moved back to the States from
France and was working remotely. He received a phone call at home
from their mutual college friend Loren Hatcher. Hatcher delivered the
gut-wrenching news.
“When Shane died, it was tough for me,” French said. “I didn’t want
to believe it, like it wasn’t allowed. I also had anger for how it happened.
Shane wasn’t serving in the military because it was his job, but because it
was necessary. That made me feel a little bit better.”
Immediately, French knew
something needed to be done
to preserve Adcock’s name,
and last year, his ideas started
to become reality. While Epsilon Lambda chapter had
raised money in Adcock’s
memory for year-to-year
scholarships, French wanted
a longer-term solution. He
gathered some of Adcock’s closest friends—
Hatcher; Drew Walker,
Longwood ’99; John
Wiggins, Longwood
’99; Dave McWee,
Longwood ’99;
Walker’s wife,
Dana;
and his wife,
wed by
ie
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r
te
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a
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w
t
Dre
sa
al new
University scholarship
the loc
in Adcock’s memory.
The university requires a $25,000 base, which
must be raised within five years, to endow a scholarship.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 18
Through various fundraising events, the group has already raised more
than half of that amount in less than a year, and it hopes to double that
goal in the five-year period.
“The idea that Shane is gone and he’s not going to get to do some things
with his life—that’s difficult,” Walker said. “I want everyone to know
what Shane was capable of, what he meant to people. This scholarship
will help people realize who he was. He will live on.”
Once established, the Captain Shane T. Adcock Memorial Scholarship will be given annually. The scholarship will financially support a
Longwood University student who most closely mirrors Adcock’s contributions to the Longwood community.
Through the scholarship committee, French, Walker and Wiggins
have reconnected on a deeper level. The three Phi Taus were friends in
their undergraduate days, however, Adcock was at the center of those
friendships.
“Anytime you’re in a fraternity together, it means you have common
interests,” Walker said. “They were the guys that were always around and
very involved on campus. Jeromy thought of us for help on the scholarship because we were close friends and also close to Shane.”
Wiggins was especially close to Adcock, in part because they were
roommates on the Fraternity hall. One of Wiggins earliest memories of Adcock was how supportive he was when Wiggins lost a high
school friend.
“I remember that Shane was the one to come and pick me up and tell
me what happened to [my friend],” he said. “He was just there for me
that whole evening and the next day and made sure I got home—the true
sense of brotherhood in the time of need.”
Adcock also introduced Wiggins to one of his favorite charities—the
Special Olympics. Wiggins said that’s what kept the two together outside of school.
While French, Walker and Wiggins conversed here and there outside
of school, the trio agreed that serving on the scholarship committee together gives them a purpose and an excuse to keep in touch.
“Given the timing of this project, we’ve gotten closer in some different
ways, and it’s also brought us to where we’re communicating more since
we’ve graduated,” Wiggins said. “Everybody has their family life and
their work life and balancing this. Part of the motivation and satisfaction
for me personally is that it is hard to squeeze in a meeting, but when we
get on the phone and hear each other’s voices, it brings us back to the
common place. It brings us back to working towards a goal.”
French has a new-found appreciation for his friends.
“One of the things I’ve learned about Drew is that he’s a tireless worker,” French said. “I’ve always thought of him as just a great person, but
he has put in so much work. John has provided the steadiness I expected
him to.”
While a lot of the scholarship building has been work, the group has
found time to celebrate Adcock’s life through fun, too.
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
8/22/2011 4:46:48 PM
o thers
19
In March, the committee kicked off its fundraising by hosting a baseball game, “The Game for Shane,” between Atlee High School, Adcock’s
alma mater, and Meadowbrook High School, where Walker coaches. Local families, Longwood alumni and undergraduates, and friends of the
Adcock family turned out for the event, and the group raised $4,500 to
’00, Rob
Hawley uates.
w
re
d
start the fund.
n
’99, A
ergrad
Wiggins ock ’98 as und
n
h
o
In addition, Epsilon Lambda undergraduates hosted the annual AdJ
,
e Adc
rp ’99
Kevin A ’99, and Shan
cock Memorial Golf Tournament in April, which raised $1,350, and the
r
e
n
n
o
O’C
group participated in a fundraiser called “LUau” at a local restaurant, which
raised more than $3,000.
“It’s been a good time,” Walker said of the fundraising events. “I get a
chance to socialize and see people I haven’t seen for a long time. And, it’s
always nice to share stories about Shane.”
French is still pinching himself over the success they’ve had.
“Our expectation was that it was that it was going to be a tough uphill
climb for the full five years,” he said. “And then, we’d have to spend time
making it a decent sized scholarship. We’ve been so grateful that people
have been opening up their wallets as wide as they have.”
Walker believes that the scholarship is something people can rally
around because of the Fraternity, university and military connections. He
hopes that the group can raise $50,000, or even more, in five years.
“We hope it will be one of the most sought after scholarships on campus,” he said. “It’s kind of exciting to think about the people who will win
the scholarship. I guarantee if they’re anything like Shane, they’re going to
be a who’s who of great contributors to Longwood.”
Wiggins also hopes that the committee can build a foundation that will FWalker,
Lo
ren
be sustained for years to come.
bas ch, Lo ren Ha
t
eba
n
ll ga gwood cher an
“At the end of the day, this is about getting something started,” he said.
me
d
hon ’99, at Jerom
“It’s about something bigger than just the group. The efforts that we’re
orin
am
g Ad inor y
making and working together on, and the challenges and obstacles we face
coc
l
k. eague
is just a group trying to get stronger. We’re merely the more and the guides
to keep this going.”
Throughout his short life, Adcock strived to be the best he could possibly be, and he expected nothing less from his chapter brothers, something
the scholarship committee attempts to reflect in their work. In his obituary printed in the Fall 2006 Laurel, Brian Davis, Longwood ’96, related a
story about one of Adam Sunukjian’s, Longwood ’01, first encounters with
Adcock:
“Shane explained that being a Phi Tau should confer confidence, and
that [Adam] was now part of a brotherhood that was strong. Shane also
told [Adam] to walk with his chest out and chin up high, because as an
associate with Phi Kappa Tau, Adam was ‘the man.’
“Shane died a hero, and those that knew him will always remember
him as ‘the man.’”
For more information about the Captain Shane T. Adcock Memorial
Scholarship or to make a donation to the fund, e-mail adcockscholarship@
gmail.com. FKT
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Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 19
Adcock before deploying to Iraq.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:46:53 PM
A Texas C
20
by Michael Lerdahl, St. Cloud ’08
ip
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B r o th e r ho o d . It’s something that’s often
thought of as being exclusive to the undergraduate fraternity experience. The brothers
of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Alumni Group,
however, would beg to differ.
As one of Phi Kappa Tau’s most involved alumni
associations, the group pulls men from various
chapters who have all settled in northeastern
Texas as alumni. Members get together to socialize, volunteer, build a professional network
and even help with Phi Tau expansion projects.
Their story proves that the bond of brotherhood doesn’t stop at graduation.
T
DFW Alu
mni Grou
p membe
rs get tog
ether wit
h their fa
milies.
he DFW Alumni Group formed in 2006, the same year Phi Kappa
Tau celebrated its 100th birthday. It wasn’t until the following year,
when Travis Doyle, Oklahoma State ’97, moved to Dallas, that the
group had its official start.
“I didn’t really know anybody in the area when I moved down here and
just wanted to get together a group of Phi Taus in Dallas,” he said. “I acted
as the foundation for the [DFW Alumni Group].”
Doyle started gathering contacts for the group at a Phi Kappa Tau Foundation
reception in Dallas. He utilized LinkedIn, a social networking site geared towards
professionals, to expand the group.
“Travis was the spark plug for business reasons,” said Past National President
and DFW Alumni Group member Greg Hollen, Maryland ’75. “He was able to
capture an element of Phi Tau in Dallas—young, early-career men, along with
their families—and plan non-traditional alumni gatherings.”
Before Doyle came in and harnessed the younger generation of Phi Taus in the
Dallas region, gatherings of the group were few and far between. A mixture of
things, such as athletic events and other gatherings, brought a few brothers, but
usually alone.
“The real success of DFW,” said Hollen, “is the engagement of brothers along
with spouses or partners, and sometimes their entire families.”
For example, the club hosts a tent before University of North Texas football
games, where members of the group bring their families to tailgate and mingle.
Hollen said that this not only gives brothers the opportunity to interact with one
another, but also gives their families the opportunity to meet and get to know
each other, what he believes is a necessary ingredient for a strong alumni group.
And the DFW group is just that. In four years, the association has grown to
more than 200 members. Of course, not all 200 members come together for every
event. It is common, however, to have 80 brothers at an event.
“[The DFW group] is all about people, and in a purer sense, this is what na-
DFW Alumni Group members gather at a Texas Rangers AA game.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 20
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8/22/2011 4:46:56 PM
s Connection
tional fraternity affiliation is all about,” Hollen said. “Different guys from multiple chapters getting together is something normal in the DFW group.”
The group is also successful, Hollen said, because Dallas is a melting pot—most
people move into the area. It’s a breeding ground for people looking to make connections and get involved.
“The chance to meet and make connections with brothers from chapters all
over is something I cherish,” Doyle said. “[These guys] are not just common acquaintances. We have that special bond, that relationship and that trust factor.”
While the group does consistently host big events, like networking luncheons,
to keep people actively involved, smaller events are just as important because of
the personal factor. Smaller events also give members a chance to get involved
outside a social setting and make a difference in their community.
The DFW Alumni Group hosts at least one community service event each
year. Most recently, members built a playground for
an inner-city development project in Dallas, organized by Distinguished Foundation Trustee and
DFW Alumni Group member Jerry Carlton, Ohio
’58, and his non-profit organization.
“[The event] was led by someone we respect,”
Doyle said of Carlton. “We got to play with power
tools and hang out with brothers.”
The event turned out to be a success, and brothers even brought their families along to share in
the service. DFW Alumni Group President Steve
Springer, Bowling Green ’94, said that while the
group exists to make connections, having a greater
purpose makes those friendships even deeper.
“We have a common goal,” Springer said of the
brothers. “[We] want to help, to get out and do
something, something outside of the daily routine.”
One of the major events that the DFW group undertook last fall, and continues to have an active role
in, is the Fraternity’s colonization at North Texas.
“Helping start the colony at UNT makes us aware
of the reality that college students need the opportunity to have this experience,”
Springer said. “It makes you take a step back and see how the fraternity experience
has really shaped yourself and your friends.”
Bringing the colony to North Texas is big deal, not just for the Fraternity as
a whole, but also for the DFW group as this is the first step in bringing a Phi
Kappa Tau chapter back to Texas.
“No colonization would have happened if the DFW Alumni Group didn’t
exist,” said Roger Toney, Muhlenberg ’63, a member of the group. “We have all
taken on very different roles [in the colonization].”
Many of the active members of the DFW group have been heavily involved
with the new colony. North Texas Athletic Director Rick Villarreal, Southern
Mississippi ’76, is one of those people.
“[Rick] hosts meetings in his office from time to time and makes it known
that Phi Tau is involved on campus at North Texas,” Toney said.
In this way, the North Texas colonization is unique. The undergraduates
recruited into the colony have the opportunity to gain the perspective of men
21
from 15 to 20 chapters all over the country,
not just one or two.
Plus, DFW alumni are successful
professionals, and they have harnessed
this distinctive trait with a mentoring program for North Texas colony
members, something they hope will
catch on at other Phi Tau chapters
and colonies across the country. The
goal of the program is to intertwine
the fraternity experience and business skills to develop strong leaders
who will make knowledgeable business
prof essionals
and strong community leaders.
“Every student in the
colony will get an alumni mentor,” Hollen said. “Not
only is it a different concept, it’s a first in the country.
There is a very real need to mix business skills with
fraternity experience.”
And, it’s what the group does best.
“Professional networking was the foundation
of the group,” Doyle explained. “Through the DFW
group, brothers are able to expand horizons professionally, as well. For example, I have hired several Phi
Taus onto my company through people I have met
because of the group.”
Being an alumnus does have its differences from
the experience of one’s undergraduate years. As an
alumnus, there’s no class, no chapter meetings, and
you don’t see your brothers every day. These things
are replaced with other positive experiences, such
as careers and families, and the experiences as an
alumnus can be just as rewarding as those of an undergraduate.
“The group works because it is absolutely brotherhood with a purpose,” Doyle
said. “We all want to get together with each other. For example, the mentoring
program not only benefits the undergraduates at North Texas, but us as alumni
as well.”
Phi Kappa Tau offers lifelong membership and brotherhood, and joining an
alumni group post-graduation is one way to stay connected to the Fraternity.
“My wife has connected with other Phi Tau wives, and if I need anything,
I look for Phi Taus first,” Doyle said. “Some of my best [Phi Tau] friends are
medical doctors, a Ph.D. in English, a veterinarian, and a Razorback back fish
and caviar specialist. How many people can say that?”
With any luck, the DFW group will continue to grow its tradition of brotherhood with a purpose for years to come.
To learn about the group, contact DFW_info@PhiTauAlum.net. To learn
more about other Phi Kappa Tau alumni associations or starting your own group,
visit www.phikappatau.org. fkt
“The chance to meet
and make connections
with brothers from
chapters all over is
something I cherish.
These guys are not just
common acquaintances.
We have that special
bond, that relationship
and that trust factor.”
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Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 21
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:46:56 PM
A
B y
22
M a r t y
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 22
K e n t u c k y
’ 0 7
ll in the F
h, and
ife, Sara
w
,
9
’9
uskingum
onner, M
Quincy C Trinity.
r,
daughte
Learning. Leading. Serving.
D u n n i n g ,
N
early 10 years ago, a bond of brotherhood was formed at Delta Lambda
chapter at Muskingum. From the outside, this bond may have looked
just like any other fraternity friendship, but years later, it would be
tested and proven to withstand even the most difficult situations.
The connection that Rob McBurney, Muskingum ’00, and Luke Ford,
Muskingum ’02, made with Quincy Conner, Muskingum ’99, when they
became associate members of the Fraternity was “pivotal,” McBurney said.
Conner served as a model brother within his chapter. He was well liked by
everyone and was always there for his brothers no matter what.
“The bond we created at the Phi Tau house at a pivotal point in our developing lives is for life,” McBurney said. “It’s in all the smiles and laughter that
the trust is there, knowing all these guys would lay down for you … even after
10 years.”
After graduation, Conner worked hard to provide for his wife, Sarah, and
their daughter, Trinity, as a branch manager of Enterprise Rental Car. Both
McBurney and Ford said they learned a lot about the “power of fatherhood”
from Conner.
A few months after he married Sarah, at the end of 2005, Conner came
home from work, ate dinner with his family and put his daughter to bed. Not
long after, his wife found him laying on the floor downstairs. Conner had
suffered a heart attack and entered Chapter Eternal at 28 years of age.
“The legacy [Quincy] left to us was in his passionate pursuit for honor,
devotion, pride and, above all, happiness,” McBurney and Ford wrote on
the foundation’s website they created in Conner’s name, www.thequincyconnerfoundation.com. “For life, for love, for family, for friends, Quincy brought
all of us together and shared with us all of these gifts which continue to
brighten our lives.
“An icon for the pinnacle of fatherhood, friendship, marriage, brotherhood
and leadership, he will remain forever in our hearts.”
The Quincy Conner Foundation was founded to completely fund Conner’s
daughter’s higher-education expenses. A testament to the bond of brotherhood that is created in Phi Kappa Tau, to this day, McBurney, Ford, and
their other Delta Lambda brothers keep Conner’s memory alive and haven’t
strayed from their original mission.
“When we first started this foundation, we really didn’t have any direction
but we knew with all of our brothers we could make this thing work,” Ford
said. “It has been based off love, brotherhood and, most of all, respect. We
wanted to repay Quincy for the time we had with him on earth and the best
way we knew how was to take care of his pride and joy, the love of his life, his
daughter, Trinity. We wanted to do what was right. We have become a family
of brothers that takes care of each other no matter what.”
The foundation’s original goal was to raise a minimum of $150,000 for Trinity’s college expenses, but now has been extended to create opportunities for
high school seniors to seek higher education opportunities. To reach this goal,
the foundation has held different events over the last few years which has led
to a series of weekend events—known as “Q’Fest”—in Columbus, Ohio.
Q’Fest consists of the “Know Your Hole” golf outing at Champions Golf
Course; Quarters for Q Ceremony, which is a time to share about and reflect
on Conner’s life; charity dinner and comedy night at the 94th Aero Squadron; and prayer breakfast at the Concourse Hotel. The event has grown over
the last three years from just the golf tournament.
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
8/22/2011 4:46:59 PM
Family
“The goal of our events is to bring together anyone and everyone who
has had the opportunity to meet Quincy and wants to share with us their
personal stories and smile as we celebrate his life and make sure his daughter
feels his everlasting support through us,” McBurney said.
McBurney and Ford said they have been overwhelmed by the support that
Conner’s brothers, friends, and family have shown for the foundation. The
2011 Q’Fest alone raised more than $20,000.
“The process has been like trying to contain a wildfire in 50 mph winds,”
McBurney said. “The amount of overwhelming support coming from every
crevice of his life has been a testament to who he was and how he made
people feel. It’s brought so many of us closer and rekindled old relationships
while creating new memories.”
The two friends, who both serve on Delta Lambda’s Board of Governors,
point to the foundation’s first event as proof that their brother meant the
world to countless people: Conner’s Phi Tau brothers traveled to Ohio from
13 states with two months notice.
The foundation has grown in the amount of supporters over the past
few years and now extends beyond that of Phi Kappa Tau and the Conner family.
“We have members of the greek community from Muskingum College,
[Quincy’s] friends from Woodbridge, Va., and also Quincy’s family that
make this group whole,” said Foundation Board Secretary and Delta Lambda Chapter Advisor Mark Miller, Muskingum ’00.
The ever-growing support can also be seen in the inner-workings of the
foundation.
“Rob and I have worked on this foundation for three long years trying
to get established,” Ford said. “It wasn’t until recently we realized that we
couldn’t do this on our own. So we appointed a board of trustees; people that
we knew had the drive to succeed as much as we do and were very close to
Quincy and his family. We are supported by brothers as far back as 1994 to
current active members of the Delta Lambda chapter. This is now our [chapter’s] biggest annual get together.”
Undergraduate members from Delta Lambda chapter have become really
involved in the foundation and Q’Fest.
“Last year I challenged the Delta Lambda chapter members to start volunteering, and this year they are jumping at the chance to be there,” said
Miller.
Above all, everyone involved aims to honor the legacy that Quincy has left
behind.
“We are very proud to carry on Quincy’s legacy through this foundation
and we know that he is proud of our efforts,” Miller said.
For McBurney and Ford, creating the foundation has been a lesson in
brotherhood.
“There isn’t enough paper to write down what Luke or I personally have
learned,” McBurney said, “but one is that brotherhood really does last a lifetime.”
This year’s Q’Fest raised more than $20,000 for the foundation. All foundation information, including how to get involved, make a donation and
contact the board of trustees, can be found at www.thequincyconnerfoundation.com. fkt
23
Conner’s daughter, Trinity.
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Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 23
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:47:01 PM
2011
Founders BMonth
of
Service
r e a k s a ll R e c o r d s
24
Phi Kappa Tau’s third annual Founders
Month of Service (FMOS) was better
than good—it was the best. Over the initiative’s 34-day span (March 1-April 3),
members accrued 11,044 service hours
and raised $79,426.33 for charity, more
than the last two FMOSs combined.
Led by National Service Advisor Matt
Parker, Evansville ’93, Founders Month
of Service is a national service initiative
that surrounds Founders Day (March
17). In alignment with the service strategic imperative of the strategic plan, the
Fraternity participates in service events
each March to honor its founders.
Phi Kappa Tau’s founders’ principles
of democracy, integrity, equality and
brotherhood are just as important to the
Fraternity today as they were more than
100 years ago. During FMOS, brothers can better understand and live these
principles when they commit themselves
to their communities.
This year, more than 1,300 volunteers
got involved, including undergraduates,
alumni and Executive Offices employees. If you didn’t have the opportunity
to get involved in the 2011 Founders
Month of Service, mark your calendars
for March 2012. It’s never too early to
start thinking about next year!
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 24
By Lane Shetzer
March 4
Epsilon Sigma chapter at Chapman raised more than $1,800 for
the Association of Hole in the Wall
Camps during its annual Red and
Gold Week.
March 1
Over the course of the month,
Phi chapter at Bethany collected more than 1,000 pounds of
clothing for a local shelter.
April 2
Beta Beta chapter at Louisville
hosted its third annual Cornhole
Tournament and raised more than
$1,800 for the Association of Hole
in the Wall Camps.
March 23
Jonathon Goolsby, Kentucky
’98, volunteered six hours mentoring youth at the YMCA of
Greater Cincinnati.
March 26
Brandon Humble, Evansville
’10, and his Delta Beta chapter
brothers volunteered 60 hours
interacting with residents at a
local retirement home.
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
8/22/2011 4:47:03 PM
25
March 6
Virgil Richard, Oklahoma State
’57, helped raise $15,000 at the
83rd annual Zilker Kite Festival that benefits child abuse
prevention.
March 18
Lloyd Lipska, Nebraska-Kearney ’66,
served in the honor guard at a military
funeral.
March 18
George Arnos, Cal Poly-Pomona ’09, (left) and Patric Kiev, Cal
Poly-Pomona ’11, spent their weeklong spring break on a study
abroad trip to Amsterdam. Part of the program, hosted through
the university and Leger des Heils Amsterdam (Salvation Army
Amsterdam), included volunteering at a homeless shelter and observing how Salvation Army Amsterdam works with those who
are less fortunate.
Phi Kappa Tau Holds First
National Community Service Event
More than 30 undergraduates and alumni convened April 1-3,
2011, at Roundup River Ranch, a provisional member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, in Avon, Colo., for Phi Kappa Tau’s
first national community service event.
Over the course of the weekend, participants built a French drain,
built the foundation for an arts and crafts building, and worked on the
roof of the archery range. Because the camp wasn’t complete yet—it
opened summer 2011—all attendees slept in the dining hall. Event
organizer Jordan Loeb, Indiana ’06, said being together the whole
weekend was a “great bonding experience.”
“Not only did we bond while helping demonstrate our community
service, but you could see brothers reaching out to help others during
the projects,” he said. “If someone was getting tired of doing something,
no one would hesitate to reach out and help him. Or, at night, when we
were all around the campfire, brothers would tell stories about each other
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 25
March 12
Heartland Regional Conference attendees cleared trails at
Wapahani Mountain Bike Park
in Bloomington, Ind.
March 13
A group of undergraduates from
Beta Chi chapter at Southern
Illinois spent their weeklong
spring break volunteering
with Habitat for Humanity in
Miami, Fla.
to better learn about each
other.”
While the Fraternity
has been involved with
its national philanthropy—the
Association
of Hole in the Wall
Camps—since
1995,
Phi Kappa Tau has never hosted an event like
this in conjunction with
the organization. Plans
are already underway for
a similar second annual
National Community
Service Event. The event will once again occur at the end of FMOS at
one of the Association’s 14 camps. The exact date and location will be
announced in the fall.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:47:10 PM
chapter eternal
Th e f o ll o w i n g m e m b e r s w e r e r e p o r t e d d e c e a s e d t o t h e E x e c u t i v e
Offices between oct. 7 and June 24, 2011.
26
Akron
Delaware
Mount Union
Auburn
East Carolina
Muhlenberg
Baldwin-Wallace
Florida
William G Lamb ’42
John W Reece ’53
William F Dupree ’49
Ralph R Rohrer ’43
Donald G McMannis ’49
Bowling Green
Fred R Pullinger ’51
Frank Q Helms ’57
Blake V Nguyen ’03
Hansel T Shulenberger ’32
Edgar W Biggers Jr ’43
Everett L Peterson Jr ’51
Georgia
North Carolina State
Illinois
Northern Michigan
Bryant
Harold B Krug ’03
Robert H Swansbrough ’57
Centre
J A Logan ’26
Herbert A Meyer ’27
Elwood Humphrey ’30
Marty G Thomas ’30
Carl C Ellis ’31
Frank L True Jr ’33
James D Wallace ’50
Robert H Lacy ’63
Jay S Neville ’66
Bruce L Beck ’68
Craig Hamilton Stigger ’84
Coe
Carl Bremer ’29
Colgate
Raymond I Dawson Jr ’39
Alfred R Palmer ’50
Colorado
Donald L Haynie ’43
F Parker Fowler Jr ’45
James F Norling ’47
Gary A Pettit ’59
Colorado State
Richard L Weldon ’51
Cornell
Bertrand C Johnson ’40
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 26
Nebraska Wesleyan
C Gerald Stoutamire ’66
Florida State
Cal State-Long Beach
Donald I Martin ’42
Francis Yanoshik ’47
P R Byer ’64
Donald M Robbins ’44
Richard C Rupert ’47
Robert H Jones ’55
Keeley Bihr ’90
James G Annos ’51
Robert K Starkweather ’56
Raymond F Barker ’65
Benny R Ribaudo ’69
Paul H Aldenderfer ’47
George D Spiker ’61
Herman A Witt ’62
Kansas
Arthur O McGowan ’59
George J Linehan ’34
John L Milkowski ’61
Barry W Notarius ’61
Ohio
Robert D Schobert ’49
Charles D Brown ’17
Brandon T Grover ’17
Robert E Holmes ’41
Norman F Winkel ’50
Frederick A Dickey Jr ’56
Gary J Hawkins ’56
F S Hogan ’56
Michael J Boland ’62
Kentucky
Ohio State
Kansas State
Robert Rychel ’29
Don C Hart ’50
John T Tew ’56
Kent State
Edward C Martin ’50
David B Herndon ’68
Robert C Stout Jr ’49
Marshall W Sprigg Jr ’55
William D Doolittle ’61
Edward R Graviss ’61
Stanley G Spangler ’64
Walter T Peidl ’66
Philip C Chance ’68
Stanley C Miller ’12
John C Wells ’12
Ralph E Deem ’21
Owen T Moorhead ’36
Paul V Heffner ’42
John L Bartholomew ’55
J Richard Stewart ’55
Paul L Young ’58
William D Chapman ’62
Donald G Powell Jr ’67
Richard Lee Schnoor ’84
Miami
Old Dominion
Louisville
William M Howard ’51
Milton J Altznauer ’57
Frank M Adams Jr ’60
Michigan State
Harris R Symes ’29
Floyd J Gunn ’36
Ryan Buck AM
Penn State
Randal R Raeuchle ’35
Thomas F Courtless ’51
Frederick N Wescott ’51
Richard A Puhala ’58
Charles J Berry ’66
Forest L Benford Jr ’72
Southern California
John B Thomassin ’37
William H Waldman ’46
John E Murphy ’49
Southern Illinois
Clark D Hyland ’59
Southern Mississippi
Daniel T McQuagge ’61
Texas-Austin
George A Wells ’59
John H Sherrer ’63
Texas State-San Marcos
Brian L Slade ’76
Transylvania
Robert C Barker ’46
G Richard Jones ’47
UC Berkeley
James A Struthers Jr ’47
Roland E Iversen ’51
Jack R Scarzella ’52
Washington
Timothy Hoey Jr ’47
Westminster
Richard E Sass ’59
William & Mary
Harold P Eubank ’47
Kenneth E Smith Jr ’66
Youngstown
James L Gruhlkey ’07
Ole Miss
William C Pinkston ’69
Robert Wallace Edwards ’80
Matthew V Hatcher ’04
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
8/22/2011 4:47:10 PM
Raymond Dawson, Colgate ’39, died Jan. 10,
2011, at age 90. A graduate of Yale Law School, he
practiced law in New York City for three years before
changing professions and becoming an account
executive with insurance broker Davis, Dorland
and Co., for 25 years. Dawson held many leadership
positions, including those within the Colgate alumni
and greek community, and was a good friend of the
late Jack Anson, Colgate ’47. A regular summer
resident of Nantucket, Mass., Dawson was active in
the arts community on the island.
Parker Fowler, Colorado ’45, died Feb. 9,
2011, at age 84. He served in the U.S. Navy. Fowler
received his doctorate in mathematics, statistics, and
operations research, and was one of the first IBM
fellows. A professor and IT director, Fowler also
formed a software company, HMO Systems, with
his twin brother, Hugh Fowler, Colorado ’45. They
designed and installed the first digital data-based
management system for healthcare. Fowler also
served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church and
directed and sang in many choirs.
James Struthers, UC Berkeley ’47, died
March 8, 2011, at age 82. He served in the U.S. Army
Chemical Corps and was employed with The Dow
Chemical Co. until retiring in 1985. Struthers was
a member of Kiwassee Kiwanis, Midland Chamber
of Commerce, and supported the West Midland
Family Center.
John Murphy, Southern California ’49, died
Nov. 1, 2010, at age 84. He served in the U.S. Navy
during World War II. After the war, he graduated
from USC’s Marshall School of Business. Murphy
worked more than 50 years in the transportation and
meat importation industry and left three successful
companies that his family still operates. He was
especially proud that his eldest grandson, Zachary
Gourley of Chapman University, became his Phi
Kappa Tau brother in 2009.
Robert Swansbrough, Cal State-Long
Beach ’57, died Feb. 2, 2011, at age 72. A longtime
professor of political science and administrator
at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga,
Swansbrough served as the associate dean of the
college of arts and sciences. His research focused
on electoral politics in Tennessee and in the South,
American foreign policy, party realignment and
realignment in Tennessee, and political psychology
as applied to presidential decision making.
Daniel McQuagge, Southern Mississippi
’61, died March 19, 2011, at age 68. He received a
bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in English and
worked as a professor of English at Delta State
University until retirement in 1999. McQuagge
was a member of the National Council of Teachers
of English, the Mississippi Council of Teachers
of English, Conference on English Education,
and the Conference on College Composition and
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 27
Communication. He also served as director of the
Delta Area Writing Project.
Roger Byer, Muhlenberg ’64, died March 10,
2011. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves after
receiving a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg
and a master’s from The Wharton School of the
University of Pennsylvania. In 2000, Byer retired
as a managing director at Mentmore Holdings in
Manhattan, N.Y.
William Pinkston, Mississippi ’69, died
March 5, 2011, at age 62. He completed medical
school at the University of Mississippi Medical
Center, and upon graduation, he served in the Air
Force as Chief of Pulmonary Services at Kessler
Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. After completing
his military service, Pinkston co-founded
Jackson Pulmonary Associates and worked on
various medical staffs. He was president of the
MS Thoracic Society, a fellow of the American
College of Chest Physicians and a member of the
MS Lung Association.
27
Blake Nguyen, East Carolina ’03, died April 6, 2011, at age 25
from an undetected congenital heart defect. The condition affects less
than one-tenth of one percent of the population.
Chapter president of Gamma Eta chapter at East Carolina from 200507, Nguyen was a dedicated Phi Kappa Tau leader.
“Blake was the ultimate Gamma Eta brother,” Chesapeake Domain
Director David Ozag, East Carolina ’05, wrote in a letter to alumni.
“He was one of those brothers who made you his friend the moment
he met you. Through his examples, Blake taught all of us how to be a
good Phi Tau. To Blake, it did not matter if you were an older guy like
me or a newly initiated brother, Blake considered you a brother, now
and forever.”
Along with his position as president, Nguyen also served his chapter as vice president. He received a
presidential scholarship from Gamma Eta and attended Phi Kappa Tau’s Capital Regional Conference.
He volunteered at Camp Boggy Creek.
“After Blake’s death, I heard so many great stories about his leadership skills, some of them honed as a
Gamma Eta brother,” Ozag wrote. “Two of his co-workers and his mom told me stories that reinforced
a trait about Blake that all great leaders possess. It was a trait that some of us got to see in action during
his years as the Gamma Eta president—when others were at their worst, including me, Blake was always
at his best.”
Nguyen graduated from East Carolina in 2008 with a bachelor’s in political science and communications.
In 2009, he started work for Homeland Security as an operations lead in the national cyber security
division. Nguyen was enrolled in the project management program at the Graduate School of the
University of Maryland.
With the assistance of Ozag, a memorial scholarship is being set up in Nguyen’s honor. The Blake V.
Nguyen Memorial Scholarship will annually benefit a member of Gamma Eta chapter who demonstrates
Nguyen’s characteristics of commitment, compassion, kindness and leadership potential. The fund will
also be used to provide Gamma Eta brothers the opportunity to attend Phi Tau’s leadership development
events, including Leadership Academy and Presidents Academy.
The fund will run through the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation and donors will be provided with full charitable
tax exemptions. In order to establish the memorial scholarship, $10,000 must be raised. Ozag has agreed
to match each dollar donated, up to $5,000. If you would like to help, please contact Phi Kappa Tau
Foundation Administrative Assistant Angie Van Winkle at avanwinkle@phikappatau.org.
Nguyen is survived by his fiancée, Casey Michelle Savio, parents, Lam and Samantha, sister and brother,
and four grandparents.
At the time of publication, Phi Kappa Tau learned of the death of
Chesapeake Domain Director David Ozag, East Carolina ’05.
In the fall 2011 Laurel, a full obituary will be published.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:47:10 PM
Our Chapters
a r e v i e w o f ch a p t e r n e w s f r o m a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y .
v i s i t www . p h i k a p p a t a u . o r g t o r e a d m o r e n e w s .
28
Alpha Omega chapter at Baldwin-Wallace celebrated its 69th anniversary with a founders day banquet on campus. Undergraduates, alumni
and guests took part in a dinner; presentations by Chapter President Dominic Schillace, Baldwin-Wallace ’08, National Councilor Mike
Dovilla, Baldwin-Wallace ’94, and National President Greg Heilmeier, Bethany ’86; and a silent auction. [From left to right] Taylor Roll ’08,
Schillace, Nick Fantis ’06, Adam Harrison ’07, Heilmeier, Dovilla, and Matthew Long ’08.
Alpha chapter at
Miami was recognized with
the Excellence in Service and
Philanthropy and Excellence
in Brotherhood Awards at the
school’s greek awards. Over the
course of the academic year, the
group hosted three philanthropy
events and raised more than
$3,000 for the Association of
Hole in the Wall Camps.
Epsilon chapter at
Mount Union received eight
awards at the school’s greek
awards banquet: Highest
Chapter GPA, Highest New
Member GPA, Most Improved
Chapter GPA, Excellence in
Scholarship Programming,
Excellence in Campus
Involvement and Leadership,
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 28
Excellence in Alumni and
Parent Relations, Chapter of
Excellence Honorable Mention,
and Outstanding Greek Man
( Johnny Reid, Mount Union ’08).
Eta chapter at
Muhlenberg won the school’s
annual Greek Week. In addition,
Jonathan Landau, Muhlenberg
’09, was elected the school’s
student body president. He is the
first Phi Tau to hold the position
since the chapter’s re-chartering
in 2001.
Kappa chapter at
Kentucky received a basement
overhaul from Sears Blue Tool
Crew’s “Do It Together” (DIT)
program. The renovation was
awarded to the group because
of all the service the men do for
their campus and community.
While the crew was working
on the basement, the chapter
volunteered at the Hope Center,
an organization that provides
emergency shelter, food and
clothing to the homeless.
Mu chapter at Lawrence
received the Fraternity
Scholarship Cup for the highest
scholarship rating for the past
three terms.
Omicron chapter at
Penn State raised more than
$62,000 for Dance Marathon, a
national, Penn State-originated
philanthropy event, affectionately
known as THON, that raises
money for local children’s
University of Louisville IFC President Ben
Donlon, Louisville ’09, was honored with the
Southeastern Interfraternity Conference’s
(SEIFC) Gregory R. Singleton Fraternity
Man of the Year Award, the conference’s
highest individual student honor. The award
recognizes an undergraduate fraternity man
in the Southeast who is a role model to his
peers and consistently illustrates what it
means to live with integrity and by the values
of his fraternity. (Also pictured is Joni Burke,
UofL greek advisor.)
hospitals and charities. This was a
record-breaking fundraising year
for the chapter.
Phi chapter at Bethany
received the Woolery Award for
the highest fraternity GPA on
campus.
Alpha Delta chapter
at Case Western hosted its 10th
annual Phi K walk and run
philanthropy, which benefits
Camp Boggy Creek, a Hole in
the Wall Camp. Nearly 90 people
participated in the 5K that raised
$3,000 for the camp.
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
8/22/2011 4:47:14 PM
29
Mark Johnston, Chapman ’08, was named
the Chapman University Greek Man of
the Year and honored with the Cheverton
Undergraduate Award for the most
outstanding graduating senior. Both are
major awards presented by the dean of
students office.
Beta Beta chapter at
Louisville again worked with the
UofL men’s soccer team to collect
soccer balls for Kick for Nick—a
non-profit organization that
gathers and distributes soccer
balls to Iraqi children. The two
groups collected nearly 500 balls
for the organization, more than
double last year’s total.
Beta Lambda chapter
at Indiana received three awards
at the school’s greek awards
ceremony: Most Improved
Scholarship Award, Excellence in
Brotherhood Award, and Most
Improved Chapter Award. It was
the group’s best showing since it
re-chartered in 2005.
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Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 29
Beta Mu colony at
Kent State won Greek Week
and hosted a philanthropy event
that raised more than $1,000 for
the Association of Hole in the
Wall Camps. The group became
an official, recognized colony in
October 2010, with recruitment
allowed to begin in January 2011.
Over the course of the semester,
the colony also raised $1,400 for
the American Cancer Society,
was named highest campus GPA
and received Kent State’s Spirit
of Service Award for logging
more than 100 community
service hours.
Gamma Alpha
chapter at Michigan Tech
won its fourth straight first
place in the statue competition
at the school’s 2010 Winter
Carnival and took home the
Winter Carnival Cup as the
overall winner. The group’s snow
sculpture, “Narnia Is Frozen until
Four Royalty Are Chosen,” was
50 feet long and 28 feet high.
Gamma Lambda
chapter at Central
Michigan was honored with
eight awards at the school’s
first greek awards banquet. The
group received the Leadership
Development Award, Academics
Award, Most Improved GPA
Award, Recruitment Award, and
Positive Image Award as the
fraternity with the best image on
campus. Tristan Nelson, Central
Michigan ’06, was runner-up for
Greek Man of the Year, Brock
Thatcher, Central Michigan
’09, received a scholarship from
Alpha Tau chapter at Cornell received an
energy audit and energy improvements to its
chapter house, which is more than 100 years
old. The group expects to save approximately
$900-1,000 per year in heating costs.
Beta Iota chapter at Florida State participated
in more than 3,000 service hours over
the course of the academic year. The men
volunteered with the Association of Hole
in the Wall Camps, outreach organizations
in the Tallahassee community, and Habitat
for Humanity in New Orleans. The chapter
received the school’s Community Service
Excellence Award and Philanthropy
Excellence Award for having the best of both
programs in FSU’s entire greek system.
the Order of Omega honors
fraternity, and Andrew Nalian,
Central Michigan ’08, received
the Excalibur Award for the best
graduating senior at CMU.
Gamma Nu chapter at
RIT hosted a 45th anniversary
celebration of the chapter’s
founding. More than 70
undergraduates, alumni and
guests attended the weekend
events, which included a pig roast
and banquet.
Gamma Omicron
chapter at Cal StateFullerton received three awards
at the school’s Greek Life
Pursuit of Excellence Awards
Banquet: Dean’s Cup, the highest
recognition a chapter can receive;
Most Improved Chapter; and
Greek Leader of the Year,
presented to IFC President
Andrew Lopez, Cal StateFullerton ’08.
Delta Epsilon
chapter at St. Cloud held
its annual Founders Day formal
for undergraduates, alumni and
guests, which included a social
hour, dinner, Founders Day
Ritual ceremony and dance.
Awards were also presented:
Justin Wampach, St. Cloud ’94,
was named 2011 Alumni of the
Year, Mike Lerdahl, St. Cloud
’08, received the Jay Okins
Brother of the Year Award
and Jeff Mohlke Philanthropy
Award, and Christopher Norton,
St. Cloud ’10, won the Greg
Blaisdell Leadership Award,
Gary Helm Associate of the Year
Award and Will Prather Campus
Involvement Award.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:47:15 PM
laurels
30
h o n o r i n g p h i k a p p a t a u a l u m n i i n t h e i r p r o f e s s i o n a l a n d p e r s o n a l a cc o m p l i s h m e n t s .
v i s i t www . p h i k a p p a t a u . o r g t o r e a d m o r e n e w s .
Craig Hapner, Georgetown
’73, was inducted into the
Georgetown College Athletic
Hall of Fame. He was recognized
with the Brad Davis Award for
Game Administration, which
recognizes someone who helps
make games at Georgetown go
smoothly and efficiently.
Iota chapter at Coe celebrated 90 years last fall. One of the weekend events was an alumni
golf outing.
•
1960 •
Michael Seebert,
Louisville ’68, was named
interim director of Brightside,
a 501(c)3 and Louisville
government agency that unites
people in clean and green
activities to beautify the city and
foster community pride.
Dan Keller, Mount Union
’69, a Phi Kappa Tau Hall of
Fame member, was appointed to
a nine-year term on the Bowling
Greek State University Board of
Trustees. Chairman of the venture
firm Keller Capital Ltd., and
president of Kellco Investment
Ltd., a private investment
company specializing in venture
capital and private equity
investments, Keller also serves
on the BGSU Foundation Board
and is a member of the BGSU
Firelands Development Board.
Robert Bartle, Nebraska
Wesleyan ’69, started his term as
president of the Nebraska State
Bar Association. He is a partner
in the law firm of Bartle & Geier.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 30
Jonathan Heiliczer,
Louisville ’69, took a position as
fellowship program director in
the department of nephrology at
the Children’s National Medical
Center in Washington, D.C.
Bruce McCrory, Ole Miss
’69, co-owner and secretary/
treasurer of Kiker Corporation,
a professional roofing and sheet
metal contracting company in
Mobile, Ala., was elected the
2011-12 senior vice president of
the National Roofing Contractors
Association.
•
1970 •
John Gerrard, Nebraska
Wesleyan ’73, a justice of the
Nebraska Supreme Court, was
nominated by President Barack
Obama to serve as a judge on the
U.S. District Court. Gerrard has
served on the Nebraska Supreme
Court, the highest court of the
state, since 1995 when he was
the youngest appointee in state
history.
Kevin Lowe, Louisville
’77, was promoted to chair of
the department of business
administration at the Bryan
College of Business and
Economics at the University of
North Carolina at Greensboro.
In the last year, Lowe was also
named the Burlington Industries
Research Excellence Professor,
elected treasurer of the Southern
Management Association,
named associate editor at “The
Leadership Quarterly—the
leading leadership journal—and
appointed to the advisory board
of the Johnson A. Edosomwan
Leadership Institute at the
University of Miami.
Jay Buckelew, Bethany ’78,
was named one of five finalists for
the Faculty Merit Foundation’s
2010 Professor of the Year. He
is well-known nationally and
internationally for his work in
microbiology and ornithology.
•
1990 •
Tony Peyton, Louisville
’91, was appointed director of
policy for the Metro Louisville
government.
David Miller, Oklahoma State ’89, a Phi
Kappa Tau Hall of Fame member, released
his first book, “Hard Knocks MBA: The Search
for Job Satisfaction and Business Success
(Smart Marketing).” Miller was previously
the owner of Trinity Restoration, Inc., an
international automotive restoration services
provider in Tulsa, and he increased annual
revenues from $0 to more than $6 million.
To learn more about Miller’s book, visit
www.hardknocksmba.org.
Greg Danziger, Michigan
State ’93, joined Battery Giant
as president. The company is a
national franchise specializing
in the retail and commercial
distribution of all types of
batteries and related products.
Wes Fugate, Centre ’99,
became the executive assistant
to the president of Randolph
College.
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
8/22/2011 4:47:15 PM
31
Efrem Bycer, Cornell
’06, ran the Safari Park Half
Marathon to raise money for
Congo Leadership Initiative, a
non-profit that aims to educate a
cohort of high-caliber Congolese
high school students in servant
leadership. He raised more than
$500 for the organization.
Andrew Cartwright, Old Dominion ’07, hosted a chili cook-off to help Gamma Tau chapter at Old Dominion raise money for Victory Junction, a
Hole in the Wall Camp in Randleman, N.C. More than 50 people attended the event to taste seven kinds of chili and raise $600 for the camp.
•
2000 •
Charles Calloway,
Louisville ’00, is a research associate
and Ph.D. student with The
Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at
the University of Miami’s Miller
School of Medicine.
Patrick Strickland,
UNC-Pembroke ’00, was named
to the UNC Pembroke Alumni
Association Board of Directors.
He will serve a two-year term
beginning Sept. 1, 2011.
Jordan Hinds, Westminster
’04, was chosen to be a part of the
2010 Team MARATHON® Bar
athlete sponsorship program. As
part of the program, 200 amateur
athletes nationwide were selected
for sponsorship because they
exemplify the brand’s focus on
living a healthy, active lifestyle,
while encouraging others to do
the same.
The Laurel | www.phikappatau.org
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 31
Phi Tau members volunteered at Camp Boggy Creek, a Hole in the Wall Camp in Eustis, Fla., this
summer. (Front) Kenny Johnson, Georgia AM (Back L to R) Keith Shea, St. Cloud ’03, Evan Ernst,
Florida State ’09, Ross Widenor, Case Western ’10, and Yao Shi, Truman State ’00.
J.J. Lewis, Central Michigan
’04, was elected president of the
Graduate Student Association
at The Catholic University of
America.
Chad Corbitt, Florida
State ’06, and professional
partner Ethan Fieldman (Sigma
Alpha Epsilon) founded Tutoring
Matching Service (TMS),
a Facebook-based academic
tutoring marketplace two years
ago. The company recently won
the inaugural $50,000 Cade Prize
for Innovation, which is being
used to continue developing
software and expanding.
Michael Lummus,
Belmont ’06, spoke at a webinar
for the Direct Marketing
Association. The product manager
for marketing database services
at Acxiom, a global interactive
marketing services firm, Lummus
presented strategies for targeting
your best customers with
messages to which they’re most
likely to respond.
Nathan Dudney, Ole
Miss ’04, ran with the bulls in
Pamplona, Spain, to raise money
for cancer research. To learn
more, visit his website at http://
nathandudney.tumblr.com.
Learning. Leading. Serving.
8/22/2011 4:47:16 PM
Phi Kappa Tau Foundation
5221 Morning Sun Road
Oxford, OH 45056
Non-Profit
ORGANIZATION
u.s. postage paid
Columbus, OH
permit # 4416
6 0 t h N at i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n
N ASHVI L L E
T h e H i lt o n D o w n t o w n
J u ly 2 5 - 2 9 , 2 0 1 2
Laurel Summer 2011 pages 1-32.indd 32
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