the OF PHI KAPPA TAU O O O O O O O F P P P P P P P HI K A P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P A A A A A A A A A A TA A A A U U U U U U U U U O O O O O O O O O O F P P P P P P P P P HI K A A A P P P P P P P P P P A A A A A A A A A A TA A A A A U U U U Laurel CONVENTION IN REVIEW LEADERSHIP ACADEMY RECAP FALL 2010 ADVERSITY THREE PHI TAUS FACE TOUGH SITUATIONS AND COME OUT STRONGER ON THE OTHER SIDE THREE PHI TAUS FACE TOUGH SITUATIONS AND COME OUT STRONGER ON THE OTHER SIDE OVERCOMING OVERCOMING
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the
OF PHI KAPPA TAUOOOOOOOF PPPPPPPHI KAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPAAAAAAAAAA TAAAAUUUUUUUUUOOOOOOOOOOF PPPPPPPPPHI KAAAPPPPPPPPPPAAAAAAAAAA TAAAAAUUUULaurel
CONVENTION IN REVIEWLEADERSHIP ACADEMY RECAP
FALL 2010
ADVERSITYTHREE PHI TAUS FACE TOUGH SITUATIONS AND COME OUT STRONGER ON THE OTHER SIDETHREE PHI TAUS FACE TOUGH SITUATIONS AND COME OUT STRONGER ON THE OTHER SIDE
OVERCOMINGOVERCOMING
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
UNDERGRADUATE ADVISORY BOARD
PRESIDENT TREY PIPPIN, LOUISVILLE ’09,
TALKS WITH NATIONAL PRESIDENT-
ELECT GREG HEILMEIER, BETHANY ’86,
AND NATIONAL COUNCILOR WES
FUGATE, CENTRE ’99, AFTER DINNER
IN BOULDER, COLO., AN EXCURSION
DURING PHI KAPPA TAU’S 59TH
NATIONAL CONVENTION. LEARN
MORE ON PAGES 18-23.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
The LaurelFALL 2010 VOL. 98, NO. 2
Editor-in-ChiefLane Shetzer
Copy EditorJohn Sayers, Bethany ’78
Graphic DesignerStacey Castle
About The LaurelThe 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 each year 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. 1 and will be published
in the summer 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,
Three Phi Taus face tough situations and come out stronger on the other side.
18 Convention in Review
A look at the Fraternity’s historic 59th National Convention.
24 Leadership Academy Recap
A look at the Fraternity’s fi rst annual Academy.
27 A True Man of Character
A Mu chapter alumnus selfl essly enters Chapter Eternal.
DEPARTMENTS
4 Directory
5 Perspectives
6 Foundation Update
7 We Are PKT
26 Chapter Eternal
28 Our Chapters
30 Laurels
Contents
This Laurel is printed on 100-percent recycled paper and
fits the Forest Stewardship Council’s requirements for
environmentally mindful publications.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
Phi Kappa TauFOUNDATIONBOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIRMAN David A Ruckman, Ohio State ’62FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Scott G Stewart, Nebraska-Kearney ’69 SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Bill Fisher, Miami ’80TREASURER William G Braund, Westminster ’54SECRETARY James S Hamilton, Ohio State ’63
*David BogganSteve W Chaddick, Georgia Tech ’70John M Green, Nebraska Wesleyan ’60 *Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89Reza Hashampour, Georgetown ’82Joseph J McCann Jr, Spring Hill ’74Richard F Michael, Michigan Tech ’70Stephan M Nelson, Southern Mississippi ’73Donald J Phillips II, Texas-Austin ’82Ross E Roeder, Michigan State ’58Joel S Rudy, Bethany ’60Brent W Vickery, Texas-Austin ’81*non-voting
DISTINGUISHED TRUSTEESJack L Bartholomew, Ohio State ’55Raymond A Bichimer, Ohio State ’53Mark M Boyd, Miami ’71Norman W Brown, Ohio State ’50Gerald G Carlton Jr, Ohio ’58Melvin Dettra, Ohio State ’45F Fred Fether, Bowling Green ’51Lawrence L Fisher, Ohio State ’60Hugh C Fowler, Colorado ’45John D Good, Ohio ’47Jim K Heilmeier, Kent State ’47Theodore A Hendricks, Bowling Green ’59Gregory M Hollen, Maryland ’75Dan L Huffer, Ohio State ’57David W Lawrence, Miami ’61Robert Leatherman, Akron ’60James C McAtee, Ohio ’65F L Mac McKinley, Oklahoma State ’51Frederick E Mills, Ohio State ’66Fr. Nicholas R A Rachford, Cincinnati ’64Timothy F Smith, Bowling Green ’62Donald E Snyder Sr, Cornell ’49Carl D Vance, Miami ’67Graydon D Webb, Ohio State ’69
The mission of Phi Kappa Tauis to champion a lifelong
commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and
exemplary character.
FRATERNITY NATIONAL COUNCILNATIONAL PRESIDENTGregory M Heilmeier, Bethany ’86
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTStephan M Nelson, Southern Mississippi ’73
Joshua J Bleidt, Eastern Kentucky ’96Michael D Dovilla, Baldwin-Wallace ’94Wesley R Fugate, Centre ’99J Kenneth Loewen Jr, Colorado ’80Sean J McManus, East Carolina ’94David A Ruckman, Ohio State ’62Scott G Stewart, Nebraska-Kearney ’69Cliff D Unger, Arizona ’98
Steven E Binzel, Case Western ’08Michael Disotell, Westminster ’08Philip Frandina, RIT ’08Jason M Lustig, Cornell ’08Matthew Marone, Florida State ’08
NATIONAL ADVISORSCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/TREASURER: David N Bauer, Bethany ’83CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER: Thomas A Jeswald, Ohio ’63 RECRUITMENT/RETENTION: Michael T Gabhart, Georgetown ’95RITUALIST/CHAPLAIN: Fr. Nicholas R A Rachford, Cincinnati ’64SERVICE: Matthew Parker, Evansville ’93
National Advisors are ex-offi cio, non-voting members of the National Council.
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.
To view a complete list of Fraternity leaders, visit www.phikappatau.org
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
5
PerspectivesATLANTA, FALL 2005: An owner of a small retail business, Bob Tobey, New Mexico State ’71, usually counts on 70
percent of his annual revenue to come during the holiday season. Tobey is accustomed to the hustle, and he doesn’t “have
time” to get sick. So, when he can’t shake a nagging sore throat, he begrudgingly calls his doctor to see if he can solve the
problem with a quick round of antibiotics. He needs to get well, and quick.
Six weeks later, Tobey awakes in great pain. He tries to speak, to even let out a yelp, but his vocal cords don’t respond.
He fi xes his ears on the sound of deep breathing, like Darth Vader hiding behind the door. He fastens his eyes on his
surroundings—the room is stark and cold, there are IVs running into each
of his arms, and a feeding tube is snaked into his left nostril. He then fi xes
on the faces of his wife and three daughters standing around his hospital
bed, and then he hears the breathing again, that deep breathing, that Darth
Vader breathing.
He then understands. He lays in recovery from “radical neck” surgery.
Th e reluctant recipient of a new tracheotomy, Tobey has left behind a few
muscles, several lymph nodes and one very stubborn malignant tumor.
* * *SACRAMENTO, FEBRUARY 2006: As Tobey plods through the
next steps of treatment—chemotherapy, radiation and rehabilitation—
2,000 miles away, Rick Keltner, Sacramento State ’76, prepares for another
normal, cool, crisp, winter day. As he shaves, Keltner’s razor opens a small
cut on the right side of his neck. Upon examination, he notices a lump.
OCTOBER 2006: Kelter lays on the surgeon’s table undergoing a similar procedure as Tobey’s. Th eir lives are now inter-
woven in a common experience.
Connecting through Tim Hudson, Truman State ’97, at the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offi ces, and having met at the
2002 Phi Kappa Tau National Convention, Tobey and Kelter talk often as Keltner starts radiation therapy following surgery.
Knowing well the eff ect of three months of daily radiation treatments, Tobey prepares Keltner for the dry mouth, lack of
appetite and general “blahs” that he is about to experience.
* * *THE PRESENT: “I am convinced that the key to getting through the entire course of the radiation therapy was Bob
helping me understand what was happening to me, to my body and, most importantly, what was going to happen next, and
Bob was NEVER wrong,” Keltner remembered.
Although both Tobey and Keltner still have some lingering eff ects of treatment, including damage to their saliva glands
and taste buds, their scans indicate that they have returned to life as “normal.”
“My cancer seems more like a bad dream than anything else,” Tobey said.
Perhaps it’s also “normal” that, in addition to their families, their Phi Tau family was able to provide support in times of crisis.
“When word began to circulate, I [received] a lot of calls from the brothers that I went to school with,” Tobey said. “It was
very comforting to know that they all cared.”
In this issue of Th e Laurel, you’ll meet several brothers who overcame adversity, just like Tobey and Keltner. Each set their
sights on positive outcomes, accepting that life’s detours can be worth the extra miles. As the holiday season gets underway, it
will be normal for most of us to give thanks for our blessings. Remember to count those trials-turned-blessings twice. ΦΚΤ
Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89, is chief executive officer.
“Never, ever, NEVER, no matter how bad you look or feel, acknowledge out loud the potential of anything other than a positive result or outcome. There will be plenty of folks around you who are all too willing to play the role of the fatalist. Let ’em, but don’t be one of them. Love ’em, but don’t listen to ’em. It takes no more effort to believe in and ex-pect a positive result than a bad one.
”—Rick Keltner, Sacramento State ’76
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
Phi Kappa Tau Foundation
Th ere are many reasons that alumni, parents and friends are motivated to step forward and support the young men of Phi Kappa Tau through a gift to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation. Jack Alvenus, St. John’s ’89, has two.
“First, there is an obligation,” said Alvenus, who is program manager for Bridgewater Associates, LLP, a hedge fund concern in Westport, Conn. “I gained such joy and established so many friendships through my association with Phi Tau that I feel a very positive obligation to support the organization in whatever way possible so that others might experience those same joys and lifelong friendships.”
Alvenus has been a member of the Ewing T. Boles Society since 2003. Th e Boles Society designation recognizes those individuals who contribute $1,000 or more annually to support the work of the Fraternity. Alvenus said he is pleased to support Phi Kappa Tau at this level and admited he is motivated in part by what he receives in return.
“A second reason that I give to the Foundation is that being able to be a part of aff ording others the type of experiences I had—continuing to help keep the undergraduate experience alive—gives me the chance to relive my own personal fraternity experiences.
“For example, every time I go to Convention, I’m excited to go,” he said. “I’m a little depressed when it is over. I see people I’ve known for years. And I meet undergraduates who will come up to me and start a conversation, and I’m really impressed by who they are and the experiences they enjoy as part of the Fraternity.”
Alvenus said he never imagined being a fraternity man upon entering St. John’s years ago. Today, however, he recalls the diverse group
of people he was able to meet because of his association—“people I never would have had contact with otherwise”—and considers himself fortunate to continue to be an active member of the Fraternity today.
“It’s those little gems from the undergraduate experience that come to mind every now and then that make me glad I’m supporting the Fraternity with my time and my fi nancial resources,” he said.
Financial support from alumni, parents and friends is crucial as the Foundation works to provide resources for the burgeoning education programs that Phi Kappa Tau makes available to its undergraduate members.
“I would encourage every Phi Tau alumnus to follow the example of Jack Alvenus and other supporters of the Fraternity,” said David Boggan, executive director of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation. “Jack examined what was important to him in his life, came to an understanding of how the Fraternity helped shape his life, and then determined to help make similar experiences available to another generation of Phi Taus.”
Th e Phi Kappa Tau Foundation, Boggan pointed out, is uniquely positioned to accept charitable donations and invest those gifts so that each dollar given helps strengthen and expand the educational and leadership-development opportunities available to today’s 3,300 undergraduates.
“Th e time to step forward and add your strength to the Phi Tau brotherhood has never been more critical,” Boggan said. “Because the Fraternity is adding additional members through new chapters and because educational programs are expanding to accommodate that growth, funding from our alumni, parents and friends is needed.
“As we approach the traditional season of charitable giving, I encourage everyone who has a stake in the future of Phi Kappa Tau to invest in these young men by making a thoughtful, proportionate gift to the Foundation.” ΦΚΤ
WAYS TO GIVEVisit www.phikappatau.org/donate
or call (800) PKT-1906
ONLINEDonate securely, effi ciently and
completely through the Foundation’s online giving feature at
www.phikappatau.org/donate
CREDIT CARDPhi Kappa Tau accepts VISA, American
Express and MasterCard. Call (800) PKT-1906.
CHECKSend all correspondence to:Phi Kappa Tau Foundation5221 Morning Sun Road
Oxford, Ohio 45056
AUTOMATICFUNDS TRANSFER
Regular monthly bank drafts make giving more convenient and might allow you to increase your
philanthropic goal. Call (800) PKT-1906 to join.
ANNUAL FUNDThe Foundation invests your unrestricted gifts where the
opportunity is greatest. Restricted gifts are also accepted. You join
thousands of Phi Taus in assuring that education, leadership and service
priorities are well-funded.
CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS
Many companies match their employee’s personal charitable
contributions. Ask your employer if your company participates in a
matching gift program and make the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation your
non-profi t of choice.
PLANNED GIFTSThrough your will, trust or other estate plan, your charitable gift establishes a lasting legacy and
provides for future generations of Phi Tau undergraduates.
Why I Give
Jack Alvenus, St. John’s ’89
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org
xxxx
We Are ΦΚΤΦΚΤ
PHO
TOG
RA
PH B
Y L
UC
Y M
AN
ALD
Learning. Leading. Serving.
The Spirited Fan Jason Sweet, Saginaw Valley State ’09, is the kind of guy you want on your team.
One of Saginaw Valley State University’s
biggest fans, he serves the school as a
resident assistant (RA), tour guide for
prospective students, intramural sports
participant, model student and the
“Cardinal Man.” Oh, and he’s a founding
father of Zeta Beta chapter, what he says
kept him in school.
“When I started college, I got involved,
or over-involved looking back on it. I
threw myself into Saginaw Valley State
and did not put effort into school. I
knew I wanted to join Phi Kappa Tau
with Nu Lambda Nu, the local chapter
that became Phi Tau, but I couldn’t with
my grades. With help from my brothers,
I turned around my college career. Had
it not been for my brothers’ guidance
and support, I would be at home, not
experiencing all that college has to offer.
“These days, you could probably call
me Saginaw Valley’s No. 1 fan. I’m at every
football game wearing my ‘red pride’ to
prove it. Thanks to Phi Tau, I know what
it means to be part of a team and take
pride in the little things. It’s how I live my
life every day, and I’m completely fulfi lled
because of it. ΦΚΤ
7
Jason Sweet“Cardinal Man” and Student, Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center, Mich.
OUR IDENTITYThree Phi Taus are making a name for themselves, and they haven’t forgotten their Fraternity roots.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving. THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
We Are ΦΚΤ8
Tom HopeWriter, “Bonding For Life”Rochester, N.Y.
The Storyteller Tom Hope, Texas-El Paso ’41, has more
Hope’s photo of Gen. Patton(left) appeared in The New York Times on Sept. 4, 1944.
“One of the books that I read in high school intrigued me, ‘The Americanization of Edward Bok,’ about the long-time editor of the Saturday Evening Post. He was Dutch, coming to this country in 1870, and as he left Holland, his grandmother’s parting words were, ‘Edward, you must leave the world a little better than you found it!’ “What sage advice. And, what a challenge for me. I chose it for my life’s goal. “I like to think that I started my challenge at then-Texas College of Mines, when my brothers and I helped Phi Kappa Tau become the fi rst national fraternity at the school. Roland Maxwell, Southern California ’22, came to El Paso to induct us, and we were all so pleased with him. “I went on to serve in the Army as a photo offi cer and, using movies, helped change the style of parachute landing in both the American and Canadian armies. I also taught, and then ran, the Army Motion Picture School in New York City. “Post-war, I served as an industrial fi lm producer at General Mills in Minneapolis and helped move ‘The Lone Ranger’ from radio to television. Then, I became a Marshall Plan consultant in Paris, helping the French recover after seven years of war. That led me to Eastman Kodak as a fi lm consultant in Rochester, where I eventually started Hope Reports, a media market research fi rm. “While I’ve changed careers, certain things in my life have been constant—my family and my Army brothers. That goal of mine, to make positive changes in the world, has only been possible because of the people I’ve known along the way. ‘Bonding’ was done as a labor of love, describing the comradeship of soldiers fi ghting together and continuing that intense connection post-war. This relationship is often stronger than between blood brothers. “As I continue my storytelling and recount my experiences, I think about that challenge I set for myself back in high school. I hope I have helped make this world a better place.” ΦΚΤ
Tom Hope looks through his photo albums.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
The Passionate LeaderDavid Dodd, Tennessee ’79, started in the computerized
water feature craft at Sea World Park in Orlando. His business,
Fantastic Fountains, has since gone international with recent
projects—musical fountains, animated fountains and dancing
fountains, to name a few—completed at the Columbus Zoo in
Ohio and the Atlantic City Pier. Currently, he’s working on a
project in downtown Columbus (pictured) aimed to beautify
the city and bring more people downtown. He credits his time
as a Phi Kappa Tau undergraduate for giving him the leadership
skills necessary to create, maintain and grow a successful
business.
“Learning to grow the chapter in various offi cer roles and
expanding my involvement at National Convention were
invaluable to me and, I believe, a great benefi t in my professional
life. Phi Kappa Tau gave me confi dence to follow my passion and
start my own company, from which I still get satisfaction after
more than 20 years. It gave me other things, too: lifelong friends
and my wife, who I met playing interfraternity intramural sports.
By joining Phi Kappa Tau, I received wonderful opportunities to
serve others, lead the chapter and stretch my potential. I’m
still reaping the benefi ts.” ΦΚΤ
We Are ΦΚΤ
Learning. Leading. Serving.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org
David DoddVP of Operations, Fantastic FountainsTampa, Fla.
OVERCOMING
11 11
IT’SIT’SINEVITABLE.INEVITABLE.
It’s inevitable that life will throw you curveballs,
and the only way to move past those dark days is a whole heck of a lot
of resolve and mental toughness.
IT SOUNDS EASY . . . BUT IT’S NOT ALWAYS.IT SOUNDS EASY . . . BUT IT’S NOT ALWAYS.
For three Phi Taus, toughness wasn’t a choice. When their worlds got a little darker, they made up their minds to keep going, even when
it was incredibly hard. One learned a valuable lesson, one became a better leader, and one found that the strength of brotherhood and the importance of
service can make all the difference.
IT’S NO SURPRISE. IT’S NO SURPRISE.
It’s no surprise that a member of this Fraternity would come out stronger after an extremely bumpy ride. That’s what Phi Taus do. They band together and resolve to use what they’ve experienced for
good. It may not be easy, but maybe that’s the point.
ADVERSITYOVERCOMINGOVERCOMING
THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
Balancing Act
Tthe journey of Robbie Falkenrath, Southern Illinois ’08, through college and Phi Kappa Tau has been anything but normal. In his fi rst year at Southern Illinois University, he struggled and seemingly lost everything, only to come back
stronger and lead his chapter to success. Th e transition from high school to college can be diffi cult for a young person, and Falkenrath’s case was no exception. Living on your own, be-ing your own boss, and making your own decisions for the fi rst time can be an overwhelming experience, regardless of whether you’re prepared or not. Th roughout high school in Highland Park, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, Falkenrath had a very structured routine as many involved students do. He was on the swim team, captain of the water polo team and senior patrol leader with Boy Scouts. He made Eagle Scout while serving as president of venture crew, a part of the Boy Scouts program. Falkenrath’s typical routine during sports season went something like this: practice, school, practice, dinner, homework, sleep … and work during any extra time. But along with his involvement came coaches, advisors and, of course, his parents to keep him on track academically. After the first few weeks on SIU’s campus, Falkenrath joined the Beta Chi colony of Phi Kappa Tau with the fall 2007 associate mem-ber class. “I was drawn to Phi Tau immediately,” he said. “I clicked well with the guys and thought by joining the colony that I could be a part of some-thing special.”
While Falkenrath made a great new member, no one knew that he was having diffi culty adjusting to the newfound freedom college off ered. He struggled with attendance in his early morning classes, and that led him to academic probation after his fi rst semester. “I basically went from structure to nothing,” Falkenrath said when comparing his life in high school to his fi rst semester in college. His second semester started off better than the fi rst. He was able to rebound signifi cantly, enough so that he was allowed to initiate when the colony chartered. Shortly after the chartering, however, things took a turn for the worse, and Falkenrath found himself reverting back to where he was at fi rst se-mester. He came to the realization that he might not be able to raise his grades enough to come back to school the next fall. Th at fear was con-fi rmed a few days before his dad came to pick him up for the summer. “It came as a shock to me,” Guillermo Flores, Southern Illinois ’08, said of Falkenrath’s news. “We used to eat lunch in the dining hall every day and talk about classes and the Fraternity.” To make things worse, his dad brought the family boat to SIU so they could go fi shing before they made the fi ve-hour drive back home. Falkenrath knew at the time that he wouldn’t be allowed to come back to school in the fall but couldn’t bring himself to tell his father until a couple days later. “It was the most awkward fi shing trip of my life,” Falkenrath said. But home wasn’t any more comforting. “When I got back home and my parents found out, everything changed,” he said. “Th eir expectations of me were diff erent from before. I knew I wanted to work my way back to SIU but it became very clear from talking to them that I would be on my own in this endeavor.” Falkenrath had to pay his own tuition and fees, as well as the gas he used for the hour-and-a-half daily commute to and from class at the lo-cal community college. He worked all summer and throughout the fall, lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons. To get back to SIU, Falkenrath had to average a 3.4 GPA in 24 credit hours. He took four classes that summer but said the big reality check came in the fall when his friends returned to school. “Th ey were at school and I was living at home again,” he said. “Th at’s when it really sunk in that I had to step it up.” He, once again, took a full load during the fall semester, and even made the dean’s list. “When you are footing the bill it defi nitely provides a new incentive to do well in your classes,” Falkenrath said.
By Andy Fr uth, S outher n I l l inois ’08
Robbie Falkenrath (fi rst row, middle) accepts his chapter’s Maxwell plaque at the 59th National Convention in Denver.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
ADVERSITYADVERSITYOVERCOMINGOVERCOMING
13
When the spring 2009 semester rolled around, he was able to return to SIU. He felt he had to prove himself and wanted to show everyone—his parents, the Fraternity and himself—that he had changed. Falkenrath jumped back into Phi Tau immediately upon returning. Th at semester, he moved into the chapter house, served as sergeant-at-arms, and made a successful transition back to SIU. Th at summer, he attended Leadership Academy 2009 in Oxford, Ohio, and returned to campus in the fall as the chapter’s philanthropy chair. Falkenrath performed so well in his position that his brothers elected him chapter president that November. He attended Phi Kappa Tau’s Presidents Academy before the start of the spring semester, an experience he said helped him tremendously with his duties. “At Beta Chi, we always seemed to run on crisis mode, as if the sky was falling, but after talking to other presidents at Presidents Academy, I realized that although Beta Chi wasn’t [yet] an elite chapter, [we were still doing something right],” he said. Past Chapter President Derrick Wildes, Southern Illinois ’08, relates Falkenrath’s growth to the chapter’s. “I think the Fraternity was in a better place overall when Robbie came back,” Wildes said. “He joined Phi Tau when we were a colony, still struggling with fi nding an identity and recruiting quality men, and re-turned to lead a chapter that was motivated and had a shared vision for its future.” As president, Falkenrath has worked especially hard to delegate re-sponsibilities to other offi cers, and then hold his executive board mem-bers accountable for their jobs. “We have these other positions for a reason, and we all mutually de-pend on one another,” he said. His eff orts have paid off . With Falkenrath at the helm, Beta Chi chapter was one of only 12 Maxwell chapters in 2009-10, the highest chapter honor based on performance in the Borradaile Challenge. Falkenrath has maintained at least a 3.0 GPA since returning to school, but his overall GPA is still much lower as it refl ects his poor per-formance freshman year, a very real reminder of what he’s still working towards. Despite this, he is on track to graduate in December 2011 with a bachelor’s in graphic design and minors in marketing and art history. Falkenrath serves as a testament to Beta Chi’s new members. He is always willing to talk about his experience and give perspective on what could happen if they don’t take school seriously. While Falkenrath said those semesters at home were some of the hard-est of his life, he owes it to himself to look at how far he’s come. Learning from his mistakes makes him resilient, and a great Phi Tau. ΦΚΤ
13
Robbie Falkenrath; his mother, Mary; father, Randy; and brother, Chris, pose for a family photo.
Beta Chi chapter members celebrate winning the large fl oat division in the school’s homecoming parade (Falkenrath pictured in front).
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
ADVERSITYADVERSITYOVERCOMINGOVERCOMING
Beta Chi chapter members celebrate their 2009-10 success at Convention (Falkenrath pictured third from the left).
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
ADVERSITYADVERSITYOVERCOMINGOVERCOMING
CCraig Hairston, New Mexico State ’72, does
not mind telling anyone about how rich his
life has been, even after suff ering a spinal
cord injury that left him, as experts say, an incomplete
paraplegic.
He can walk with a cane but spends most of his
time in a wheelchair—that is, when he is not pursu-
ing his passion for auto racing near his home outside
Columbia, S.C. With hand controls he designed and
built himself, Hairston has a drag-racing car with
his well-known emblem on the side: the traditional
handicapped symbol with a racing helmet on the fi g-
ure’s head. He hoped to drive it for the fi rst time in
December, after building the car slowly over the past
few years, adding pieces as he had the money and
mechanical help.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
BY SCOTT CONROE, CORNELL ’01
Racing for Racing for Success
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
Before his own car was complete, Hairston raced Leg-ends cars around Charlotte, N.C. Th e cars are replicas of old-time race cars powered by motorcycle engines. He also raced off -road dune buggies and mini sprint cars, and has worked as a motorsports consultant for racing teams in the South. Not only is Hairston’s life rich, it’s full. It was a car accident that left him partly paralyzed in 1979, but he says that painful event actually helped him become a better manager of time and people. So did his days as a Phi Kappa Tau. “You need to want to succeed badly, to learn how to turn and race a vehicle in my situation, and some of that comes from my college years,” Hairston said. “Our Phi Tau chapter, like most, was a little of both partying and a place where we did projects—community work, fundrais-ing, house projects. I was a brother only my last two years, so I was not an offi cer and I didn’t live in the house, but I played intramurals … and took part in our community projects. My jersey with our letters was … cool and repre-sented something pretty good.” Th e Fraternity provided him with friends to turn to when classes or other aspects of his life were not going well. All these years later, he remains friends with his big brother and classmate, Bob Tobey, New Mexico State ’71. “Craig was involved. He was always around our chapter, and he would have made a fi ne chapter offi cer,” said Tobey,
the chapter advisor at Alpha Rho chapter at Georgia Tech. “He was a very good athlete … in intramural football and softball. Just a great guy.” Hairston has no doubt that Phi Tau played a role in his life after he graduated in 1974 with a degree in math and a concentration in computer science, what would be a com-puter science major these days. Post-college, he managed programmers who were mapping solar energy resources at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Hairston also raced mo-torcycles. He loves the smell of oil and engines, and spend-ing time in garages, tinkering with any machine that could go fast. He had just become a supervisor of one of those Los Alamos teams when he suff ered his spinal cord injury, as a passenger in a car that was involved in a terrible one-car accident on the icy mountain roads of New Mexico. As he slowly recovered, he said, he learned to delegate, to ask other people to lend a hand. He held staff meetings from his hos-pital bed. “I had to trust people and give them credit for their eff orts,” Hairston said. “I was perceived as a better leader after that.” He went on to spend more than two decades in soft-ware management for gas companies in Texas, and prod-uct support and quality improvement for SIERRA Geo-physics in Washington, a Halliburton company. His love for conversation and people opened doors. Among other things, he was master of ceremonies for an annual cus-tomer dinner at one company. Hairston switched gears in 1994, becoming a consultant for motorsports companies. His South Carolina fi rm off ers data analysis, teamwork training, customer-service training and performance-improvement strategies for auto racers, some of the people he loves best.
One of his clients was Rob Bush, who owns a drag race track and competes in motorcycle drag racing. He helped Hairston build his drag racer after Hairston helped him land corporate sponsors for his racing, although Hairston calls them “marketing partners,” which casts them less as bosses and more as part of a team. “Craig has a can-do attitude,” Bush said. “He might be a little limited in what he can do but that doesn’t stop him. He wrote a plan that got me a $10,000 sponsorship from American Suzuki. He put it together and got me the backing.” Hairston returned to racing a few years after adjust-ing to his new life in a wheelchair. He drove dune bug-gies in the desert. He liked the fact that, while there are sports for handicapped athletes such as the Paralympics, auto racing has no handicapped competition level; he would not receive special treatment. Racing officials were at first reluctant to let him on the course, but he showed them how much control he had using just his hands. He entered the Baja 1000, an off-road race in California, and finished first in his racing class. That boosted his confidence enormously. Hairston’s voice becomes full of energy when he talks about the drag racer he is fi nishing near his home. His goal is to drive it at 200 mph. “His car will be the quickest in the world when we’re
done,” Bush said. When asked about the risks of crashing, Bush said that is al-ways the case with road racing. “It’s a risk,” but it rarely hap-pens on a drag course itself. He said the adrenaline rush of rac-ing is “something you live for,” so he understands its appeal for Hairston. “Craig really picked up the pieces and moved forward,” Tobey said. “He couldn’t race motorcycles anymore but he found other ways to race instead.” Hairston has turned to teach-ing lately. He taught leadership strategies and management cours-es at Midlands Technical College in Columbia for a decade, and spent the last four years develop-ing an apprenticeship program for facilities and housing workers at the University of South Carolina. He is looking for his next challenge beyond racing. “Th ere’s no doubt that some of what I was able to do over the years came from my Phi Tau experiences,” Hair-ston said. “I learned to be part of a team and gained insight into how to accomplish things. In the business world, peo-ple dig in and butt heads. In a fraternity, you’re thrust into a situation where you must pull together. You learn to rally your resources.” ΦΚΤ
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ADVERSITYADVERSITYOVERCOMINGOVERCOMING
Craig Hairston’s drag racer
Hairston sits with the drag racer he built himself.
Racing for SuccessSuccess
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
ADVERSITYADVERSITYOVERCOMINGOVERCOMING
It started with a phone call––the type of call in
which the bearer of bad news tells the receiver to
fi rst, sit down. For Andrew Youtz, Mount Union ’06, this news came across the line from nearly
900 miles away. And it would forever change his life.
“He said my mom had cancer and that I needed
to fl y home,” Youtz said, vividly remembering his
father’s call.
Th ree days into a 10-day Florida vacation with his
then-girlfriend’s family, Youtz found himself searching
for a fl ight to return to his native
Ohio. Th e trip would be one of
the last he’d take for pleasure
but marked the beginning of
the most diffi cult journey he’d
ever known.
Youtz grew up in Alliance,
Ohio, home to the University
of Mount Union. As a high
school football center, Youtz was
recruited by several Division I
collegiate teams, but the ties to
his family and the chance to
win a national championship at
a local college led him to attend
Mount Union.
Entering his sophomore
year, however, Youtz suff ered an
injury that kept him from playing. His friend Ryan
Shannon, Mount Union ’06, often invited him to the
Epsilon chapter house, not with the explicit intention
of recruiting but just to play video games or hang out.
With more time to socialize, Youtz found himself at
the Phi Tau house quite often.
“I wasn’t interested [in joining] at fi rst,” he said. But
after witnessing the chapter’s bond of brotherhood, he
realized that associating with Phi Kappa Tau might be
a good idea. Th e atmosphere and type of people the
Fraternity attracted were perfect for him.
Youtz’s sophomore year ended well.
“I had a girlfriend, was going to play football again,
and things were going my way,” he said.
He was working out in anticipation of that summer’s
football practices and had decided to major in sociology
with a concentration in criminal justice. But just as his
life was taking shape, he received the call.
His mother, Helen Youtz, was diagnosed with
pancreatic cancer on July 17, 2007. Th e aggressive
cancer was in a late stage—it
had spread to her lymph nodes,
spinal cord and stomach—and
doctors gave her seven to nine
months to live.
Informed one day after
the diagnosis, Youtz headed
home to see his family. During
his trip, he thought about
the future. He didn’t want
to abandon his pursuit of
returning to football but was
torn by his love of family.
“I was selfi sh,” he said.
“I started thinking about
myself. I had worked hard
[for football] but then it came
crashing down.”
Youtz traveled straight to the hospital. Th e relationship
he had with his mother was special. Upon entering her
hospital room, she said, “Hey, baby.”
“I lost it,” Youtz said. “My mom was my best friend.
I would tell her anything, and she was always there to
get me through tough times.”
Almost immediately, the family held an impromptu
meeting.
“She wanted to fi ght,” he said. “She said she was
going to beat this thing and would fi ght. She even
By Ian Andre ws, Mount Union ’01
d with a phone call––the type of call int started
the bearer of bad news tells the receiver towhich th
it down. For Andrew Youtz, fi rst, sit Mount Union’06 his news came across the line from nearly , th
away. And it would forever change his life.900 miles a
aid my mom had cancer and that I needed“He sai
” Y t id i idl b i hit fl h
Fraternity attracted were perfect for him.
Youtz’s sophomore year ended well.
“I had a girlfriend, was going to play football again,
and things were going my way,” he said.
He was working out in anticipation of that summer’s
football practices and had decided to major in sociology
ith t ti i i i l j ti B t j t hi
By Ian Andre ws, Mount Union ’01
LeaningLeaningBrotherhoodon the Bond of
Jay, Andrew, Helen and Nick Youtz celebrate Andrew’s high school graduation.
16
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
ADVERSITYADVERSITYOVERCOMINGOVERCOMING sent negative or sad people away. She didn’t want them
bringing her down.”
Th e family decided she should travel to Indianapolis
to receive treatment at Indiana University Cancer
Center, one of the leading cancer-treatment centers in
the country. Within fi ve days, arrangements had been
made, and the family set off to Indiana.
“Her attitude was amazing,” Youtz recalled. “She was
an inspiration to the entire family.”
Youtz still wavered between his desire to play football
and allegiance to his family. His fi nal decision required
a grueling schedule. He attended classes Monday
through Friday, then left for Indianapolis each week
after his last Friday class. On Sunday night, he’d return
to campus to start all over.
Earlier that summer, Youtz had called his Phi Tau
big brother, Shannon, to tell him the news. Shannon
said he was there for Youtz and would do all he could
to support him.
“He told me that I was going to get through this
[and that I wasn’t] going to go through this alone,”
Youtz said.
Shannon later informed the chapter about the Youtz
family crisis. Nearly every brother called or texted
Youtz, off ering him everything from an ear to a place
to stay.
“[Andrew’s] strength gave us strength,” Shannon
said. “His pride became our pride. He inspired us not to
just be better, but be better Phi Taus. Th ere is nothing
we wouldn’t do, nothing we wouldn’t try to overcome
for our friend, our brother.”
Once school resumed in August 2007, the chapter
didn’t forget its pledge to Youtz. Th e men assured him
that his family came fi rst.
“If I missed a chapter meeting or another event
because I was traveling between Alliance and Indiana,
they understood,” Youtz said.
Th e chapter itself benefi ted from helping Youtz. It
survived reorganization in 2006 but was still suff ering
from the eff ects of poor decisions made before many
of the current brothers had even begun their college
careers. A deep appreciation of what their brother was
going through helped guide chapter members and gave
them an immediate and renewed sense of purpose. For
Epsilon chapter, the 2007-08 academic year would
become Youtz’s year.
“Everyone was there to support Andrew, especially
Ryan Shannon and Alex Koehler [Mount Union ’07],”
Chapter Advisor Roy Clunk, Mount Union ’75, said.
Th e chapter helped Youtz through the situation “by
giving him the love and support he needed, being there
when he needed someone to talk or cry with.”
When an anonymous donor, or several donors, paid
his dues, Youtz knew the men surrounding him were
not only chapter brothers, but lifelong brothers.
“Th ey wanted me in the chapter,” he said. “One of
the best things they did was to be there to sit and talk
with. You realize they actually do love and care about
you and will walk through hell with you.”
Shannon said it was easy to support Youtz.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more gracious and
inspiring human being,” Shannon said. “He was always
the quickest to be polite and thank anyone and everyone
for their condolences and all the help they off ered.”
At the beginning of the 2008 spring semester, the
chapter arranged a surprise for Youtz. He was told when
to be at a local building, with not
many other details. When
he arrived, he found himself
in the middle of a spaghetti
dinner fundraiser, staged
by the chapter to support
the Youtz family. Th e entire
chapter was there and nearly
every fraternity and sorority
was represented. Dozens
of students and community
members arrived throughout the
day to support the Youtz family,
as well as Epsilon’s eff ort on their
behalf.
“Once I saw the guys wearing
black T-shirts that read ‘Team
Helen’ on the front and our
letters on the back, I lost it,” Youtz
said. “We all wore Team Helen
wristbands.”
Not long after the chapter’s fundraiser,
Helen passed away, despite doctors’ best
eff orts. Although Youtz’s grades suff ered
during this traumatic year, he rebounded
and graduated in May 2010. He still speaks
regularly with his Phi Tau brothers.
“Andrew’s dad has shared more
than once that it was the support and
friendship of the Phi Taus that got
Andrew through the harrowing ordeal
of seeing his mother suff er with cancer,”
Clunk said.
Most of all, Youtz remembers his
mother reinforcing that he never take life
for granted, to live it to the fullest and
have fun.
“She told me, ‘Don’t be afraid to tell
people you love them,’ ” he said.
Th at’s how Youtz lives his life today.
And it’s the friendships, support and
dedication that he experienced with Epsilon chapter
that guides him to be a good, real friend to people. He
lives by a credo of “no regrets” and strives to always fi nd
time to listen to people.
While Youtz’s hard season started with a phone
call, it ended with much more. Epsilon extended
the hand of brotherhood, and a sad and diffi cult
experience deepened that bond, bringing an entire
chapter together to support a brother at his lowest
moment and galvanize members to move onward
from a troubled past. ΦΚΤ
In the Summer 2010 Laurel, we will feature brothers who
Epsilon chapter brothers show their Phi Tau and Mount Union spirit (Youtz pictured far left, back row).
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
Undergraduates, alumni and friends of Phi Tau traveled from across the country to attend the Fraternity’s 59th National Convention July 14-18, 2010, at Th e Westin Westminster in Denver, Colo. More than 300 participants spent the week in brotherhood, strengthening the Fraternity in its core ideals: learning, leading and serving. Business on the Convention fl oor included electing national offi cers, determining National Constitution and Statues changes and National Council structural changes, and making recommendations on the policies and operation of the Fraternity. Appointed committees, including scholarship, technology, Borradaile Challenge, service, housing, fi nance
and risk management, also gave reports on the Convention fl oor.
Th e following Constitutional amendments were discussed in length, voted upon and passed on the Convention fl oor:
Th e Past National President • was removed as a member of the National Council.Undergraduate National • Councilors were removed as members of the National Council, and an inaugural Undergraduate Advisory Board was developed in its place.The Borradaile Challenge • reporting process was moved from academic year to calendar year.
In addition, delegates voted to add Harvey C. Brill, the man
who had the most impact on Phi Kappa Tau’s founding along with the four founders, and the Fraternity’s second National President, to Phi Kappa Tau’s official membership role. Other Convention activities included a dinner in Boulder, Colo., Dave & Buster’s outing, alumni excursion to Estes Park, and service project in downtown Denver, followed by an afternoon at Elitch Gardens Th eme Park. Th e Fraternity’s accomplishments were recognized during the Hole in the Wall luncheon, Awards Banquet and Brotherhood Banquet. Convention pictures and video are available under “Programs,” “National Convention” on the national website. ΦΚΤ
nationalleadership
harvey C. Brill
The following members were elected to, or changed positions on, the National Council:
• Greg Heilmeier, Bethany ’86, National President• Steve Nelson, Southern Mississippi ’73,
National Vice President• Mike Dovilla, Baldwin-Wallace ’94• Josh Bleidt, Eastern Kentucky ’96
The following members completed their National Council term:
• Bill Macak, Florida State ’73• Rick Keltner, Sacramento State ’76• Charlie Ball, Miami ’82• Patrick Keal, Kentucky ’04• Efrem Bycer, Cornell ’06
The following members volunteered their time at this year’s Convention:
• Wes Fugate, Centre ’99, for banquet planning
Marshalls• Chris Greenland, Georgia AM• Parker Macak, Florida Gulf Coast AM• Brian Quatch, San Jose AM• Giovanni White, William Paterson AM• Saron Woodworth, Charleston AM
The following members donated Convention items:• Jim Hamilton, Ohio State ’63, for Recognition
Banquet favors• Scott Stewart, Nebraska-Kearney ’69, for ban-
ner and poster decorations• Greg Heilmeier, Bethany ’86, for snack give-
aways
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
No one is alive today who could say why it happened (or didn’t).Sometime between 1918 and 1920 a decision was made to as-sign consecutive badge numbers to the men who were members of the Non-Fraternity Association, Phrenocon and Phi Kappa Tau prior to 1916. For reasons for-
ever unknown, the name of Harvey Clayton Brill, a member of the organization from the start and the second president of the Non-Fraternity Association, was omitted. Thus, since the 1920s, Brill was not listed on the Fraternity’s member-
ship roster.Until July 17, 2010. On that date, at Phi Kappa Tau’s 59th
National Convention in Denver, a resolution was passed to posthumously place Brill’s name on the Fraternity’s rolls.
Presented on the Convention fl oor by Past National President Charlie Ball, Miami ’82, the resolution was fully supported and endorsed by Past National Presidents Mel Dettra, Ohio State ’45, and Ray Clarke, Bowling Green ’51; past Phi Kappa Tau Executive Director Bill Jenkins, Bowl-ing Green ’57; Coordinator of Volunteer Development Tyler Wash, Georgetown ’06, and past Recruitment Coordinator Charles Underwood, Eastern Kentucky ’03.
Not surprisingly, as one of the original 21 men who as-
sembled on Miami’s campus March 17, 1906, Brill was often labeled the “fi fth founder.” He graduated in 1908 and earned his Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Michigan. As a student at Michigan, he was recruited by and joined another general fraternity (Phi Sigma Kappa).
Brill returned to Miami in 1911, played an integral advi-sory role for the men of Phrenocon, and ultimately served as chairman of Miami’s chemistry department until his retire-ment in 1952. He died at age 90 and is buried in Oxford’s cemetery, just a few yards from his lifelong friend and col-league Founder William (“Doc”) Shideler, Miami ’06. For trivia buffs, Harvey Clayton Brill’s assigned member number—after 104 years—is 88,333.
By Bill Jenkins, Bowling Green ’57
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
Gregory M. Heilmeier, Bethany ’86, took the Fraternity’s helm July 17 in Denver, Colo., dur-ing Phi Kappa Tau’s 59th National Convention. As National President, he is looking towards the future by
accomplishing operational goals today. After graduating with a B.A. in politics and public
policy, Heilmeier quickly became involved with Phi Kappa Tau as an alumnus, serving as a Domain Direc-tor, BOG member and Foundation Board of Trustees member before serving on the National Council.
Here, Heilmeier shares a little about his personal, professional and Fraternity life.Profession: Co-owner of Tasty Pure Food Com-pany, a wholesale food distributor serving Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania.Family: Wife, Theresa; Father, Jim, a charter mem-ber of Beta Mu chapter at Kent State; brothers, Kevin and Bill, members of Alpha Phi chapter at Akron, and Dan; and two mini schnauzers, Winston and Bosco. Hobbies: Bowling and golf; fi nished the bowling season with a 212 average, my highest ever. Let’s not talk about the golf score.Favorite sports team: Any Cleveland team; still wait-ing for the fi rst championship season.Favorite food: My wife’s homemade pasta sauce.Most interesting place you’ve ever visited: Hawaii; the diversity of climate and culture is incredible. Most surprising thing about me: I’m a licensed pilot.Person who has most infl uenced you: My father. Best advice you’ve ever received: Nothing worth achieving is easy.Favorite Phi Tau memory: Initiation, and realizing that my father was there to watch.What do you consider Phi Kappa Tau’s biggest ac-complishment in its 104.5 years? Initiating the great men who have shaped our Fraternity, our country and our world. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants.Where do you hope the Fraternity is in two years? Stronger, in membership numbers, chapters, programming, volunteer involvement, housing and fi nancially. Every facet of our operations will be examined and areas of improvement will be determined and the necessary changes will be implemented. My main concern isn’t two years from now, but really 25, 50, even 100 years from now. Are we making a difference in young men’s lives? How do we make a difference in our world?
Q&A Withpresident heilmeier
Undergraduate and alumni Convention delegates voted to remove Undergraduate National Councilors as members of the National Council and develop an Undergraduate Advisory Board in its place. Th is push came from Undergraduate National Councilors Patrick Keal, Kentucky ’04, and Efrem Bycer, Cornell ’06. Th e advisory board does not have a vote on the National Council, rather its job is to advise the Council, but will allow more undergraduates
to get involved at the national level—six brothers were elected at Convention and a few more will be appointed in 2011. Members will serve a two-year commitment. Th e following brothers were elected and took the oath of offi ce to the inaugural Undergraduate Advisory Board to the National Council at the Brotherhood Banquet on July 17:
Steven Binzel, • Case Western ’08 Mike Disotell, • Westminster ’08 Philip Frandina, • RIT ’08
Jason Lustig, • Cornell ’08 Matt Marone,• Florida State ’08 Trey Pippin, • Louisville ’09
At the group’s first meeting with the National Council on July 18, Pippin was elected president of the board. Th e Undergraduate Advisory Board met Sept. 24-26 in Cincinnati with the National Council and Foundation Board of Trustees. Th e advisory board will meet with the same group in February 2011. ΦΚΤ
Phi Kappa Tau Elects InauguralUndergraduate Advisory Board
19
Learning. Leading. Serving.
“I decided to run for the Undergraduate Advisory Board because I saw a unique opportunity to be a part of expanding
undergraduate involvement on a national level. I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this important role. Th e confi dence that has been placed on me is humbling, and I’m sure our eff orts will help usher in new representation for undergraduates.”
TREY PIPPIN
“I feel like it’s important to get involved at the national level because in many ways, it is the last step one can take to fulfi ll the true spirit of
brotherhood. Also, in many ways, it is symbolic of a fi nal destination for the journey we all began when we became associated with Phi Kappa Tau. With a panoramic view, it is much easier to appreciate everything Phi Tau contributes to one’s life.”
“Many brothers of the Fraternity never get to experience the national organization. It’s a real shame that these people
don’t get to realize that they are a part of something that is so much bigger than them. You walk onto the Convention fl oor, you pause, and you realize your jaw dropped and your mouth is open: Wow, this is an incredible thing I am a part of. ”
“Th e national level is where a lot of policy decisions are made that aff ect the day-to-day operations of the chapters. I want to get involved
in that process and give my input for how these regulatory changes and choices will have an eff ect on the vitality and viability of our chapters. We’ve been picked to be the voice of the undergraduates. We need to make sure that they know we’re here and we want to know what their concerns are.”
“Th e national level gives young men the chance to be much stronger leaders than at a local level. Once I started attending
national and even regional events, I soon realized that Phi Kappa Tau brings the greatest minds from the entire country and gathers them as one Fraternity. It was then when I realized how great Phi Kappa Tau truly is, and everything that the Fraternity has stood for for over 100 years.”
“Having made a positive impact in my own chapter, I felt the need to help the National Fraternity in a similar manner. I plan on helping to identify
ways in which the Fraternity can provide solutions to specifi c problems individual chapters may be encountering. I believe the strength of Phi Kappa Tau begins with the strength of each chapter and the brothers who form it.”
STEVEN BINZEL MIKE DISOTELL
JASON LUSTIGPHILIP FRANDINA MATT MARONE
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
For the fi rst time in Phi Kappa Tau’s history, Delta Tau chapter at Cal Poly-Pomona received the Fraternity’s Maxwell Trophy during the 59th National Convention Brotherhood Banquet on July 17. Th e Maxwell Trophy is Phi Kappa Tau’s highest honor awarded to a chapter.
During the 2009-10 academic year, Delta Tau chapter most exemplifi ed the Fraternity’s values in all aspects of operation and programming. Th e chapter attained Maxwell-level achievement in 13 of the 14 criteria of the Borradaile Challenge.
Out of the last 25 years, Delta Tau chapter has won the top greek award on Cal Poly’s campus 16 times, including in 2010. In the last year, the group averaged more than 30 hours of community service per member, raised more than $6,000 for philanthropy and had the second highest GPA within the school’s IFC.
Over the course of the year, the men volunteered at local schools, the L.A. Marathon, an MS Walk, local food and toy drives, and Hole in the Wall Camps.
Th e men of Delta Tau chapter are also dedicated to serving their school. Th e majority of the leadership positions within Cal Poly’s IFC, Greek Council, orientation board and Associated Student Government are held by Delta Tau chapter members. In recommendation letters,
numerous school offi cials expressed their gratitude for the group’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the university.
In addition to their commitment to scholarship, leadership and service, the men of Delta Tau are equally dedicated to fostering brotherhood.
“With all they’ve accomplished, they’ve worked as a team, as a family, and as a true brotherhood,” said Chapter Advisor Brian Smith, Cal Poly-Pomona ’91.
National President-Elect Greg Heilmeier, Bethany ’86, presented the
Maxwell Trophy to the group. Th e award memorializes Roland Maxwell, Southern California ’22, National President from 1934 to 1959, former president of the North-American Interfraternity Conference and winner of the NIC Gold Medal for distinguished service.
Past Chapter President Joe Manalastas, Cal Poly-Pomona ’08, Chapter President Dan Moussavi, Cal Poly-Pomona ’08, and VPAR Bryan Burns, Cal Poly-Pomona ’08, presented Delta Tau’s Maxwell application to the awards committee July 15. All three have been friends since third grade and became associate and initiate members together.
“Our chapter’s biggest strength has always been trying to better ourselves each year,” said Manalastas. “But the key to our success is a strong brotherhood and supportive alumni base.”
Delta Tau chapter is well-known for consistently bringing the most members to national events. Th is Convention was no exception. More than 30 undergraduates and alumni were in attendance for the Maxwell presentations and Brotherhood Banquet.
Each Delta Tau member’s memory of the Brotherhood Banquet is a little bit diff erent, but everyone remembers Heilmeier’s exact words, and the point at which the celebrating began. Past Chapter President Jeremy Botica, Cal Poly-Pomona ’06, tells it like this:
“It took longer than I thought to
announce the winner, but as President Heilmeier stated that the Maxwell winner had met 13 out of the 14 metrics, I knew we were at a 50-percent chance of winning. And then he said it: ‘… and for the fi rst time in Phi Tau history, the Maxwell Trophy goes to a chapter from the state of Calif—’ We all erupted with excitement.”
otica credited the chapter’s values for keeping the group on the right path year after year.
“We don’t worry about how others are doing or what others are saying about us, we just remember our brotherhood and do as many events, outings and philanthropies as we can get our hands on,” he said. “And we do it because we get to do it together.”
After Convention, Smith sent an e-mail to his chapter brothers to describe the experience to those who could not attend. An excerpt follows:
“From the moment that it was announced that Delta Tau had won the 2010 Maxwell Award, I truly began to believe that anything is possible. Th at even when someone tells you something is not possible, with perseverance, dedication, leadership and balance, you can make the impossible become possible. Th at a group of men with a common goal and a strong brotherhood can fi nd the right balance of fraternity, school, work, family, leadership and service to reach any goal that it sets out to achieve.” ΦΚΤ
Maxwell trophy
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
National President-Elect Greg Heilmeier presents the Maxwell trophy to past Chapter President Joe Manalastas.
Delta Tau undergraduates and alumni celebrate their Maxwell Trophy win.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
Greg Hollen, Maryland ’75, and Dave Lapinski, Penn State ’74, were named Palm Award winners at the 59th National Convention in Denver, Colo. Th e Palm Award is one of the Fraternity’s most prominent awards. It is presented to alumni, after a nomination and vote of the National Council, who show outstanding service to the national organization.
Both Hollen and Lapinski have impressive résumés with Phi Kappa Tau. During his tenure with the Fraternity, Hollen has served on the Foundation, National Council and countless committees. He held the positions of National Vice President and National President, has established an endowed scholarship with the Foundation, and regularly attends Phi Tau events. Hollen even has an award named after him—the Greg Hollen Colony President Award.
Lapinski’s track record is equally impressive. He served on the National Council, as a Domain Director, national housing advisor, and BOG chairman and chapter advisor of his own chapter. Lapinski, too, is a loyal Foundation supporter and makes it a priority to attend national, regional and local Fraternity events.
Both recipients said they were humbled to receive the Palm Award.
“Th e Palm Award is an honor that no brother can really ever think he ‘deserves,’ rather it’s something one could hope to receive someday,” Lapinski said.
Often times, alumni choose to serve the national organization because their undergraduate experience was life-changing. For Hollen it was no diff erent, and he said he was hooked on working with the Fraternity as a national entity after his fi rst Convention in 1977.
“My fi rst job out of college was to work on the Headquarters staff , and that deepened my love for the organization and my determination that I should help it grow stronger and greater,” he said. I realized that by surrounding yourself with brothers, you always have someone
looking out for your business and personal development.”
Lapinski believes that getting involved at the national level helps you fully understand what the Fraternity is all about.
“No matter how good a brother’s undergraduate experience may be or how outstanding his chapter is, you cannot truly grasp the signifi cance and meaning of what Phi Kappa Tau is called to be until you experience it on a national level,” he said. “Th e diversity and breath of our brotherhood is both impressive and, in its own way, challenging. Th e young men who follow us need the mentoring and guidance just as much, and perhaps even more today, as we did at their age, and it is our duty to provide it to them.” ΦΚΤ
Brian Browne, Case Western ’06, was named the 2010 William H. Shideler Award recipient as the Fraternity’s most outstanding senior. First presented in 1938 and now awarded annually, the honor memorializes Founder Shideler, Miami ’06, and is the Fraternity’s highest individual undergraduate award.
Browne served Alpha Delta chapter in a number of roles. From his initial responsibilities as secretary, philanthropy chairman and vice president, he held the position of membership orientation officer during his last semester at Case.
“My Phi Tau experience was one of the most rewarding and developmental experiences of my undergraduate career,” Browne said. “Th rough Phi Tau, I was able to make lifelong friends, grow as a person, develop as a leader, and learn how one committed group of men can enhance and improve the community around them.”
An avid participant in national, regional and local Fraternity programs, Browne was part of the chapter’s Maxwell presentation team at Phi Kappa Tau’s Leadership Academy 2007, where the group won the Maxwell Trophy as the Fraternity’s most outstanding chapter nationwide.
On campus, Browne took academics seriously and graduated with a 3.91 GPA with degrees in economics and political science. He made the dean’s list seven times during his undergraduate career and
is a two-time Phi Kappa Tau Foundation scholarship recipient.
Browne said he was honored just to apply for the award, but never expected to be the recipient.
“Finding out I had won the Shideler Award was pretty surreal. I couldn’t believe it. Even accepting the award at Convention and holding it in my hands, I can still hardly believe it. It’s defi nitely a very humbling and exciting opportunity.”
After being presented with the Shideler Award, Browne spoke to Convention attendees about not settling for “good enough.”
“Th e mission of Phi Kappa Tau is to champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character,” Browne said. “Leadership isn’t ‘good enough’ when you’re a Phi Tau, it must also be ethical. Character isn’t ‘good enough’ when you’re a Phi Tau, it must also be exemplary. We aren’t striving for these things, we are championing a lifelong commitment to them, and by no stretch of the imagination is this one an easy calling to meet. Joining Phi Tau isn’t like joining another group or fi nding a new group of friends. Joining Phi Tau is committing to adopt a philosophy on life and committing to being a man of character. It is swearing off and never accepting ‘good enough.’ ” ΦΚΤ
palm award
Shideler award
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
National President Bill Macak presents the Palm Award to Greg Hollen.
Dave Lapinski poses with his Palm Award.Vice President-Elect and past Shideler Award winner Steve Nelson presents the Shideler Award to Brian Browne.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
The Phi Kappa Tau Awards Committee announced the recipients of the 2009-10 awards during the Fraternity’s 59th National Convention in Denver, Colo. Chairman Les Fugate, Centre ’99, oversaw the presentation ceremonies, which were held during the Hole in the Wall Luncheon and Recognition Banquet on July 15 and Brotherhood Banquet on July 17.
AcademicExcellencePresented to those chapters and colonies that exhibit an outstanding record of academic achievement. Th e chapter or colony must be 0.1 above the all men’s average GPA.
Delta, Centre; Epsilon, Mount Union; Eta, Muhlenberg; Kappa, Kentucky; Mu, Lawrence; Alpha Delta, Case Western; Alpha Eta, Florida; Alpha Pi, Washington; Alpha Tau, Cornell; Alpha Upsilon, Colgate; Alpha Phi, Akron; Beta Th eta, Kansas; Beta Iota, Florida State; Beta Lambda, Indiana; Beta Omicron, Maryland; Beta Chi, Southern Illinois; Gamma Tau, Old Dominion; Delta Th eta, Georgetown; Epsilon Gamma, College of New Jersey; Epsilon Nu, Clemson; Epsilon Sigma, Chapman; Zeta Alpha, Belmont
Administrative ExcellencePresented to those chapters and colonies that exhibit an outstanding record of compliance with administrative reporting. Th e chapter or colony must fi le 100 percent of required reports, 90 percent on time.
Delta, Centre; Th eta, Transylvania; Beta Epsilon, Southern Mississippi; Beta Kappa, Oklahoma State; Beta Lambda, Indiana; Beta Chi, Southern Illinois; Beta Psi, Cal State-Long Beach; Gamma Alpha, Michigan Tech; Gamma Beta, Cincinnati; Gamma Nu, RIT; Gamma Xi, East Central Oklahoma; Delta Th eta, Georgetown; Zeta Alpha, Belmont
Borradaile Alumnus AwardPresented to up to three alumni for outstanding achievement in their fi eld of endeavor.
Cliff Shields, Mount Union ’41
BorradaileUndergraduate AwardPresented to the undergraduate who, by his actions, has shown leadership and a true understanding of brotherhood.
David Rodocker, Oklahoma State ’08
Harold E.Angelo AwardPresented to the chapter that has shown the greatest improvement compared to its record the previous year.
Epsilon Rho, Indiana U of Pennsylvania
Jack L. Anson AwardPresented to a non-member for outstanding lifelong contribution to interfraternal spirit.
Th ad Doyle, Kappa Alpha Order
Jack L. Anson Undergraduate AwardPresented to an undergraduate for outstanding interfraternal service.
Andrew Lopez, Cal State-Fullerton ’08
Board ofGovernors AwardPresented to up to three BOGs for outstanding contribution to their chapters.
Gamma Omicron, Cal State-Fullerton
Clinton D. Boyd Vice President of AlumniRelations AwardPresented to the undergraduate who
implements the best alumni relations program.
Dan Moussavi, Cal Poly-Pomona ’08
Dr. Edgar EwingBrandon AwardPresented to a chapter advisor who has shown outstanding service to the Fraternity.
Roy Clunk, Mount Union ’75
CommunityService AwardPresented to the chapters and colonies that accumulate the most hours per man, as well as the most cumulative chapter hours. Th ere are scrolls for the two runners up for each category. All chapters and colonies that average 20 or more hours per man are awarded Maxwell status and a scroll. All chapters and colonies that average between 10 and 20 hours per man are awarded Order of the Star status and a scroll.
Epsilon, Mount Union; Alpha Tau, Cornell; Beta Lambda, Indiana; Beta Phi, Westminster; Beta Chi, Southern Illinois; Beta Omega, Cal State-Chico; Gamma Beta, Cincinnati; Delta Th eta,
Georgetown; Delta Tau, Cal Poly-Pomona; Epsilon Beta, West Virginia Tech; Epsilon Gamma, College of New Jersey; Epsilon Delta, Virginia Wesleyan; Epsilon Epsilon colony, William Paterson; Zeta Alpha, Belmont
Dwight I. Douglass Presi-dent’s AwardPresented to up to three chapter presidents who demonstrate general administrative excellence.
Matthew Long, Baldwin-Wallace ’08Jesse Green, Oklahoma State ’07
Frederick R.Fletemeyer PrizePresented to the Fraternity’s most out-standing colony.
Epsilon Epsilon colony, William Paterson
Greg Hollen Colony President AwardPresented to the colony president who demonstrates general administrative excellence.
Saron Woodworth, Charleston AM
Awards
JACK JAREO AWARDPresented to Alpha Tau chapter at Cornell by National President Bill Macak, Florida State ’73 (Scott Conroe, Cornell ’01, accepted the award)
DR. EDGAR EWING BRANDON AWARDPresented to Roy Clunk, Mount Union ’75, by Macak and Bob Leatherman, Akron ’60 (also pictured is Clunk’s wife, Lynne)
GREG HOLLEN COLONY PRESIDENT AWARD Presented to Saron Woodworth, Charleston AM, by Macak and Greg Hollen, Maryland ’75
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
Jack Jareo AwardPresented in recognition of the most outstanding alumni-produced newsletters and alumni programming.
Alpha Tau, CornellGamma Omicron, Cal State-Fullerton
William D. JenkinsInterfraternityExcellence AwardPresented to a non-member undergraduate for their outstanding contribution to the greek community.
Adam Hood, Alpha Tau Omega (nominated by Epsilon chapter at Mount Union)
Key AwardPresented to an alumnus for outstanding service to a chapter other than one’s own.
Dr. David Smith, Louisville ’76
Richard Massock AwardPresented to the chapter with the most outstanding chapter-produced newsletters and alumni programming.
Delta, Centre
Honorable Mention
Gamma Tau, Old Dominion
RolandMaxwell plaquesPresented to those chapters that meet Maxwell expectations within the Borradaile Challenge.
Epsilon, Mount Union; Alpha Delta, Case Western; Beta Beta, Louisville; Beta Kappa, Oklahoma State; Beta Lambda, Indiana; Beta Chi, Southern Illinois; Delta Th eta, Georgetown
Roland Maxwell ScrollsPresented to those chapters that meet Maxwell expectations within the Borradaile Challenge and are selected to present for the Roland Maxwell Trophy as the Founders Four.
Roland Maxwell TrophyPresented to the most outstanding chapter in the Fraternity.
Delta Tau, Cal Poly-Pomona
Monroe Moosnick Scholarship TrophyPresented to the chapter that has the highest cumulative GPA.
Alpha Tau, Cornell—3.4 GPADelta, Centre—3.25 GPAAlpha Delta, Case Western—3.22 GPA
Paul Newman AwardPresented to the chapter that raises the highest dollar amount to benefi t the Hole in the Wall Camps.
Gamma Omicron, Cal State-Fullerton—$6,500
Order of the Star ChaptersPresented to those chapters that meet Order of the Star expectations within the Borradaile Challenge.
Th eta, Transylvania; Kappa, Kentucky; Alpha Lambda, Auburn; Alpha Omega, Baldwin-Wallace; Beta Phi, Westminster; Beta Omega, Cal State-Chico; Gamma Alpha,
Michigan Tech; Gamma Beta, Cincinnati; Gamma Lambda, Central Michigan; Gamma Nu, RIT; Gamma Omicron, Cal State-Fullerton; Delta Delta, Bryant; Delta Nu, Wright State; Epsilon Rho, Indiana U of Pennsylvania
Outstanding Advisor to a Chapter AwardPresented to the most outstanding chapter advisor who has served in the role for a minimum of two years.
Matthew Della Mora, Cal State-Fullerton ’03
Outstanding Advisor to a Colony AwardPresented to the most outstanding colony advisor.
Sean Hopkins, William Paterson ’89
Outstanding Greek Advisor AwardPresented to a greek advisor in recognition of their tremendous contribution to our Fraternity and their respective greek community.
Jennifer Adams, advisor to Delta Tau chapter at Cal Poly-Pomona
Palm AwardPresented to alumni who show outstanding service to the national organization.
Greg Hollen, Maryland ’75Dave Lapinski, Penn State ’74
Phi AwardPresented to an alumnus who shows outstanding service to his own chapter.
Nicky Francis, East Carolina ’77
Philanthropy/Hole in the Wall Camp CertificatesPresented to those chapters that raise funds to assist both local philanthropic causes and the Hole in the Wall Camps, Phi Kappa Tau’s national philanthropy. Th e following is in order of amount donated ($2,000 minimum).
Omicron, Penn State ($54,294); Alpha Phi, Akron ($19,842.87); Gamma Omicron, Cal State-Fullerton ($16,300); Delta, Centre ($16,110); Beta Chi, South-ern Illinois ($11,020); Kappa,
Kentucky ($8,445); Epsilon, Mount Union ($8,080); Delta Tau, Cal Poly-Pomona ($6,310); Beta Beta, Louisville ($6,255); Alpha Upsilon, Colgate ($5,890); Beta Lambda, Indiana ($4,390); Delta Nu, Wright State ($4,300); Eta, Muhlenberg ($4,250); Alpha Tau, Cornell ($4,133.77); Epsilon Kappa, Rutgers ($4,075); Alpha Delta, Case Western ($3,827); Beta Kappa, Oklahoma State ($3,614); Alpha Pi, Washing-ton ($3,550); Beta Phi, Westminster ($3,222.73); Delta Delta, Bryant ($3,115); Zeta Alpha, Belmont ($2,556.59); Epsilon Rho, Indiana U of Pennsylvania ($2,406); Zeta Beta, Saginaw Valley State ($2,390); Gamma Nu, RIT ($2,280); Epsilon Nu, Clemson ($2,270); Beta Omega, Cal State-Chico ($2,215); Delta Beta, Evansville ($2,215)
Recruitment Pacesetter AwardPresented to those chapters that set the pace for the largest recruitment classes in the country.
Sonny Strange Recruitment awardPresented to the chapter with the highest recruitment and retention rate.
Beta Iota, Florida State
William H. Shideler AwardPresented to the most outstanding graduating senior in Phi Kappa Tau, this is the Fraternity’s highest undergraduate honor.
Brian Browne, Case Western ’06
Thomas L. Stennis II AwardPresented to the Domain Director with the most outstanding domain program.
David Ozag, East Carolina ’05
FREDERICK R. FLETEMEYER PRIZEPresented to Epsilon Epsilon colony at William Paterson by Macak and Expansion Coordinator Mike CasaSanta, Tennessee ’03 (Giovanni White, William Paterson AM, accepted the award)
PAUL NEWMAN AWARDPresented to Gamma Omicron chapter at Cal State-Fullerton by National Service Advisor Matt Parker, Evansville ’93 (Jesus Ornelas, Cal State-Fullerton ’08, accepted the award)
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
Leadership AcademyRecapRecap
L e a d e r s h i p A c a d e m y 2 0 1 0 was
a fi rst in many regards: it was held away from Miami University at
Camp Rock Eagle in Eatonton, Ga., it was hosted as a smaller event
to better serve participants, and it was held as an annual program,
instead of biennial. Nearly 30 undergraduates and eight leadership
coaches attended the event, which will now be held every summer,
targeting recent initiates and up-and-coming leaders.
Under the direction of Leadership Academy Dean Wes Fugate,
Centre ’99, members participated in curriculum
designed to highlight members’ strengths as a
way of developing values-based leadership skills.
“Leadership Academy has been a great program
for more than two decades and has maintained a
consistent focus on values and principles,” Fugate
said. “Over time, however, the needs of today’s
students and the organization have changed.
Th us, Phi Kappa Tau spent time with some of
the great minds within our Fraternity and from
the interfraternal community to redevelop an
Academy that sets the Fraternity at the forefront
of leadership development.”
Participants used results from an assessment
called “StrengthsQuest” to learn their personal
strengths, how to own their talents, and how to
work with others using their assets, both in and
out of their chapter.
Members in attendance appreciated the
changes to the program and felt that it better
helped them tackle the issues they face in their
chapters.
“After attending my second Leadership Acad-
emy, I feel the change to a smaller, more inti-
mate location really [helped] the brothers to get
a grasp as to how they can change their chap-
ter and avoid the challenges other chapters may be facing,” said
Sam Donets, Southern Illinois ’08, a graduate of both Leadership
Academy 2009 and 2010.
Highlights of Academy included the Association of Hole in the
Wall Camps dinner, where attendees learned more about the camps
and participated in a pudding-eating competition; the Brother-to-
Brother session, where participants talked to each other about what
they learned at Academy and how they plan to enact it within their
chapter, and an opportunity to develop a vision
statement for the future of their chapter and con-
crete goals for enacting that vision.
One benefi t of the event’s location was the
camp’s challenge course. Participants joined to-
gether to complete diff erent exercises and, in
turn, developed tight bonds.
“Th e challenge course was a great addition
because it allowed the men to develop a bond
faster than in past Academies,” said Jeff Steller,
Kentucky ’06, a leadership coach at this year’s
Academy.
At the end of the last night, participants be-
gan the traditional Candlelight Ceremony, only
to fi nd that there was an addition—a Founder’s
Walk. Th e four brothers representing founders
led the entire group along a path with only the
light from brothers’ candles to guide them. Th e
ceremony then continued outside with all the
brothers circled together.
The Commitment to Character Ceremony,
or Leadership Academy’s “graduation cer-
emony,” was held on the last day of the event.
Participants committed to the Fraternity’s
cardinal principals and being men of charac-
ter. ΦΚΤ
B y M a r t y D u n n i n g , K e n t u c k y ’ 0 7
Volunteers & Staff Members
D e a nWes Fugate, Centre ’99
L e a d L e a d e r s h i p C o a c h e sDon Stansberry, Ohio ’87Jennifer Jones-Hall
L e a d e r s h i p C o a c h e sJeff Brown, Bradley ’95Th ad DoyleSarah RochfordJeff Steller, Kentucky ’06Casey StevensCody Ward, Georgia ’09
S t a f fMarty Dunning, Kentucky ’07Alex Koehler, Mount Union ’07Cindy Morgan
THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
25
W hen I was presented the opportunity to attend Phi Kap-
pa Tau’s 2010 Leadership Academy, I knew I could not
pass it up. I knew that attending Academy would not only help me
become a more prominent leader with my chapter, Alpha at Mi-
ami, but it would also allow me to develop important leadership and
managerial skills to be used in the future.
I had no expectations and no idea what I was in for. I knew:
Th at I would be going somewhere in Georgia for three nights 1.
and four days.
Th ere were going to be men from other chapters around the coun-2.
try looking to strengthen their leadership skills, as well.
But, that was all I knew. What I didn’t know was the impact these
four days would have on me as a leader.
When we arrived at Rock Eagle Camp in Eatonton, Ga., we
checked in, unpacked and started Academy with some simple ice-
breakers. Th ese few icebreakers really set the tone for the rest of our
experience.
During my time at the Academy, I was asked to think about my vi-
sion for my chapter and decide on a mission statement. I learned how to
manage certain situations, as well as step up and take the lead in certain
circumstances. We broke into small groups for more intimate conversa-
tions about our personal and fraternal goals. We walked in the woods
and did a ropes course and team-building exercises. We had very honest
and real conversations with fellow brothers about problems we face, as
well as successes we’ve experienced.
It was amazing to hear so many diff erent people talk about how they
ended up where they are today and why. Refl ecting back on my experi-
ence, I feel that I learned more from my fellow brothers than anyone
else. Hearing personal stories about a struggle or success really gave me
huge respect for the brothers with which I was experiencing Academy.
A simple question seemed to turn into a deep, intimate and positive
conversation about whatever the topic was on hand.
Whenever I step out of my comfort zone, I always try to remain as
open-minded as possible. I make sure I give everything and everyone a
fair chance and tell myself that every experience has a purpose.
I believe that keeping this open-mindedness allowed me to have a
positive Academy experience. It goes back to that old cliché: You are
going to get out of the experience what you personally put into it. At
Academy, I participated as much as possible and always gave my hon-
est opinion. I walked away from the experience with an appreciation
for other people’s life stories and a great respect for the brothers who
walked through Leadership Academy with me.
I didn’t know what to expect going in, and I think that made all
the difference. ΦΚΤ
My Leadership Academy Experience B y M i k e y K r u s z y n s k i , M i a m i ’1 0
Brothers participate in the ropes course.
Brothers study and talk about values.
Participants have open conversation during the Brother-to-Brother session.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
AKRON Roland H Swartzlander ’42 John W Reece ’53
BETHANY Albert K Barth ’47 Richard J Meess ’48
CASE WESTERN David L McDanels ’54 Norman H Gaber ’55 Richard W Noel Jr ’56
COE Neal D Elkin ’52
COLORADO James F Norling ’47 James Nakama ’88
COLORADO STATE F Bing Johnson ’54 Roger L Serpan ’58
CONNECTICUT Eugene W Martin ’62
CORNELL Walter D Jennings ’39 Robert P Zabel ’39
FLORIDA Walter F Price ’44
FRANKLIN & MARSHALL Lester R Gery ’36
IDAHO STATE James A Huff ’54
ILLINOIS Raymond D Kanzleiter ’72
KANSAS Richard H Wilson Sr ’04
KANSAS STATE Robert Rychel ’29 Benjamin L Webb Jr ’70
KENT STATE Larry M Dubravetz ’65
KENTUCKY Donald L Staib ’70
LAWRENCE Brian R Wood ’99
LOUISVILLE Marshall W Sprigg Jr ’55
MIAMI Robert E Netzley ’42 Donald L Petersen ’45 William M Howard ’51 Graham B Campbell ’54
MICHIGAN Hillary J Everson ’35 Richard S Rhodes II ’67
MICHIGAN STATE Max H Smith ’34
John W Missall Jr ’41 Donald Moses ’44
MUHLENBERG Bruce E Satterlee ’66
NEBRASKA WESLEYAN Richard Collister ’45 Oscar L Wisbey ’47
NEW MEXICO Robert C Colgan ’48 Clinton D Parker ’52
NEW MEXICO STATE Edgar R Garrett ’50 Charles A Steinmann ’55
NORTHERN MICHIGAN Arnold C Hungerford ’61
OHIO STATE William A Copley ’46 Leonard W Novick ’51
OHIO John C Cornell ’41 William H Beck ’44 Daniel Clark ’66 Christopher Gilks ’87
OHIO WESLEYAN Paul A Callender ’48
OLE MISS Peter B Lauer ’69
OREGON STATE Richard B Atherton ’56
PENN STATE Frederick N Wescott ’51 Richard A Puhala ’58 Gerald J Paddock ’71
PURDUE Robert F Davis ’48
RENSSELAER Gordon R Couchot ’54
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Edward C Cray ’25 Walter E Slike ’37 Robert L Crosby ’45
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Edwin C Vantrease ’54
ST. CLOUD Allen S Cooper ’69
TEXAS-AUSTIN George A McAlmon Jr ’47 Harry A Nass Jr ’52
TEXAS STATE-SAN MARCOS Brian L Slade ’76 Mackey Houser ’82
TRANSYLVANIA Embrey B Howson ’47
CHAPTER ETERNALT H E F O L L 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
O F F I C E S B E T W E E N M A Y 5 A N D O C T 6 , 2 0 1 0 .
WALTER JENNINGS, Cornell ’39, died March
4, 2010, at age 90. A World War II Army veteran,
Jennings earned the Bronze Star, three Battle
Crosses and the New York State Conspicuous
Service Cross while serving. Post-war, he worked
with the Hartford Insurance Co. for 32 years.
Jennings was a scout master and a member of the
American Legion, Elks, and First Presbyterian
Church of Glen Falls.
JOHN CORNELL, Ohio ’41, died May 13,
2010, at age 87. During World War II, Cornell
served as an armored infantry commander with
the 7th Armored Division. He was awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross, three Bronze Stars
and the Purple Heart. Cornell was a lifetime
member of the Disabled American Veterans. Prior
to retirement, he worked for Proctor & Gamble.
ROBERT NETZLEY, Miami ’42, died July 28,
2010, at age 87. An Ohio state representative for
40 years, Netzley’s tenure was the longest of any
member of the Ohio House. Th e Republican was
fi rst elected in 1960, after serving in the Navy during
World War II. In 2006, Netzley was inducted into
the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
NEAL ELKIN, Coe ’52, died June 22, 2010, at
age 77. He served in the Trieste United States
Troops, commanded by the Army, and later worked
for the Federal Reserve Bank and Harris Bank in
various cities. Once retired, Jennings volunteered at
Cantigny Big Red One War Museum.
BING JOHNSON, Colorado State ’54, died
Aug. 8, 2010, at age 75. After receiving a bachlor’s
in bacteriology, Johnson went to the University
of Colorado School of Medicine at Denver. He
interned at the University of Mississippi Medical
Center, where he received the Outstanding Intern
Award, and went on to complete his residency at
Colorado General Hospital in general radiology.
He was named chief resident after one year into
the program. A couple years later, Johnson rejoined
the University of Colorado School of Medicine
as chief of the division of radiation oncology and
associate professor of radiology. After retiring in
1986, Johnson started a radiation oncology practice
at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo.,
where he served until his death.
PETER LAUER, Ole Miss ’69, died Feb. 24, 2010,
at age 62. A graduate of the Kellogg Graduate
School of Management at Northwestern University,
Lauer began his career with the American Medical
Association in 1977 and continued with the
organization in several key executive positions.
In 2003, he joined the Society of Interventional
Radiology as executive director. Lauer was a
member of the American Association of Medical
Society Executives and American Society of
Association Executives.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
On Sept. 3, Brian Wood, Lawrence ’99, was
driving to a family home in Washington state
when a Chevy Blazer veered into his lane. With his
pregnant wife, Erin, in the passenger seat, Wood had
only seconds to react, hitting the brakes and steering
his Subaru Outback so that he took the full impact
of the crash.
Police said that this action saved his wife and
unborn child, and many in the media have called
it “Th e Ultimate Sacrifi ce.” Looking back on
Wood’s life and achievements, it’s easy to see that
this decision was not diffi cult, as his entire life was
defi ned by a striking depth of character.
Wood’s father, Ed Wood, described a man who
was, from a young age, “ethically centered” and
able to do the right thing, even when it came to
“tough decisions.” Singing played an important
role in Wood’s life, and he took voice lessons in
high school. One day, he witnessed his vocal coach
sexually molesting a fellow student. He confronted
his teacher and went to the police when the abuse
continued. Where others might have remained
silent out of fear or embarrassment, Wood did the
right, yet the most diffi cult, thing.
Wood was perseverant, too. He became an Eagle
Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts
program, before graduating high school, a feat he
achieved after leading a group of 25 men and boys
for a number of days to make a campsite handicap
accessible.
Wood showed the same confi dence when joining
Phi Kappa Tau at Lawrence University. Mu chapter’s
member orientation offi cer at the time remembered
bidding Wood several times. Like many people,
Wood was uncertain about the whole “fraternity
thing,” and only joined after he knew he could take
the bonds of brotherhood seriously. His Phi Tau
brothers described Wood as a man who always fi lled
the room with good spirit and an imposing fi gure,
something that served him well when he played the
titular role in “Sweeny Todd.”
Erin said her husband had “fond memories” of
his undergraduate time in Mu chapter and that each
Th ursday, he would make pizza for the house. Th e
bonds of brotherhood did not break at graduation;
he continued to keep in contact with many of his
brothers.
Wood’s passion drove him to the video gaming
industry, a notoriously competitive fi eld. On
numerous occasions he could have given up and
taken a job that may not have been as fulfi lling, but
Erin described him as “always pushing himself,”
never willing to “rest on his laurels.” And, he certainly
reaped the benefi ts of his hard work: He earned a
pivotal role in the development of the “Company of
Heroes” franchise, as well as working on the games
“Axis and Allies” and “Kohan II: Kings of War.”
In addition to “living the dream” as a video-game
developer, Wood was intensely focused on improving
himself and others. Mentorship was very important
to him, and Wood felt a deep sense of satisfaction
from cultivating talent inside of and away from his
team at work. Although he learned a great deal from
his former bosses and mentors, Erin notes that he
“learned an equal amount from his adversaries.”
Wood was held in very high regard in the
gaming industry, which led to an unprecedented
show of support from the community when fellow
developers and enthusiasts learned of his passing. So
much so, in fact, that Erin wrote an open letter to the
community thanking everyone for their well wishes
during “the most diffi cult, dark days of [her] life.”
It is always a tragedy when someone is cut down
in the prime of their life, and there is an undeniable
senselessness to Wood’s car crash. Th e driver of the
Blazer was changing her sweater at the time, and
the passenger had taken the wheel but lost control.
Drugs were found littering the fl oor of the Blazer.
Th e driver and passenger will most likely face charges
of vehicular assault.
Anger is an obvious reaction to what happened that
night, but Wood’s family doesn’t have room for that.
Th e only thing they can do is try to come to grips with
the profound loss of someone who was overjoyed at
the prospect of being a father. Erin is doing everything
she can to preserve the story of what her husband did
for his daughter, Sierra Grace, who was born Oct. 28.
On a personal note: As a fellow graduate of
Mu chapter, it has been very hard. Our chapter is
very tight-knit, and we all feel like we have lost a
member of our extended family. Wood’s impact on
everything he touched was undeniable. He will be
deeply missed.
In both life and death, Wood exemplifi ed all
the things that we, as men of Phi Tau, hold dear:
character of the highest degree and sacrifi ce for
others. In all cases, he led by example.
A memorial has been established to help
Erin and Sierra. Find out more at www.
brianwoodmemorialtrust.com. ΦΚΤ
A TRUE MAN OF CHARACTERM U C H A P T E R A L U M N U S S E L F L E S S L Y E N T E R S C H A P T E R E T E R N A L
By Heath Gordon, Lawrence ’05
Wood and his parents, Ed and Janice, on Wood’swedding day.
Wood, his wife, Erin, and their dog, Trogdor, in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
A R E V I E W O F C H 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 W W W . 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 .
ALPHA DELTA CHAPTER
at Case Western hosted a 10th
anniversary celebration of the
chapter’s re-chartering. Th e
weekend also commemorated the
85th anniversary of the chapter’s
original charter signing in 1925.
ALPHA TAU CHAPTER
at Cornell celebrated its 80-
year anniversary with nearly 60
undergraduates and alumni on
campus and at the chapter house.
BETA BETA CHAPTER at Louisville teamed up with
the University of Louisville
men’s soccer team to host its
second annual philanthropy
benefi ting Kick for Nick, a non-
profi t organization that gathers
and distributes soccer balls to
Iraqi children. Th e two groups
collected nearly 500 balls, up
from 200 in 2009.
BETA THETA CHAPTER
at Kansas held a car demolition
fundraiser for the Hole in the
Wall Gang Camp in Ashford,
Conn. Participants paid $1-5
to take a swing at the car. Th e
group raised nearly $600.
BETA CHI CHAPTER at
Southern Illinois hosted a tailgate
before the Southern Illinois-
University of Illinois football
game in September. More than
45 undergraduates, alumni and
friends participated in the event.
BETA OMEGA CHAPTER at
Cal State-Chico held a fundraiser
for the National Sept. 11
Memorial at ground zero in New
York City. A local fi re captain,
pastor and university police
offi cers were invited to speak at
the event.
EPSILON DELTA CHAPTER
at Virginia Wesleyan volunteered
at the Jerry Lewis Labor Day
Telethon for the Muscular
Dystrophy Association in
memory of Jamie Labbe, Virginia
Wesleyan AM, a founding
Five Phi Taus met while volunteering at Double H Camp—a Hole in the Wall Camp in New York—over the summer. [From left to right] Tim Weaver (camper), Matt Parker, Evansville ’93, Phil Ruane, Maryland ’06, John Zamojski, Case Western ’05, and Alex Benninger (camper). Dick Michael, Michigan Tech ’70, and Mike Disotell, Westminster ’08, not pictured.
At a Louisville football pre-game tailgate, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Louisville ’61, and Retired U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky Dave Huber, Louisville ’62, mingled with Fraternity undergraduates and showed their Phi Tau pride. [From left to right] Huber, Evan Shepherd, Louisville AM, Trey Pippin, Louisville ’09, and McConnell.
OUR CHAPTERS
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
father of the chapter who died
from complications of muscular
dystrophy. Th e group participates
every year.
EPSILON MU CHAPTER
at UNC-Pembroke hosted
“Climbing for Victory,” a 48-
hour event where brothers
alternated shifts sitting at the
school’s university center to raise
awareness and funds for Victory
Junction, a Hole in the Wall
Camp in Randleman, N.C.
EPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER
at Chapman hosted a seminar
on healthy relationships in
conjunction with Chapman
C.A.R.E.S, a student group
dedicated to creating a rape-free
environment for students. Nearly
200 students attended the seminar,
Dating 101: Sexpectations, which
focused on how to spot signs of
an unhealthy relationship, how to
talk to partners about emotional
and physical needs, and where to
get help. After the presentation,
students explored the history of
Phi Kappa Tau and learned about
the Hole in the Wall Camps.
Phi Kappa Tau’s volunteers are critical to the suc-cess of the Fraternity. To ensure that Phi Kappa Tau continues to grow and prosper, the Fraterni-ty must continue to expand its volunteer corp. Phi Kappa Tau offers several volunteer opportunities for its members to get re-engaged with the Fra-ternity and live out the mission of a LIFELONG commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character.
GET INVOLVED! DOMAIN DIRECTORS The following domains are currently in need of directors:
Big Apple (New York City Area) Bluegrass East (Kentucky Area) Buckeye South (Southeast Ohio Area) Cornhusker (Nebraska Area) Deep South (Mississippi Area)Great Lakes North (Northern Michigan Area)
Great Plains (Kansas Area) Hawkeye (Iowa Area) Hoosier (Indiana Area) Lone Star (Texas Area) Ohio Valley (Southwest Ohio Area)Patriot (New England Area) Rio Grande (Arizona Area) Rocky Mountain (Colorado Area) Tar Heel (North Carolina Area) Upstate (Northern New York Area)
BOARD OF GOVERNORS VOLUNTEERS The following chapter volunteer positions come available regularly:
If you are interested in one of these volunteer positions, please contact Coordinator of Volunteer Development Tyler Wash, Georgetown ’06, at [email protected].
STAY INVOLVED!VOLUNTEER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM The Volunteer Certifi cation Program was devel-oped to provide the necessary training for Phi Kappa Tau volunteers. Each certifi cation program includes three online modules and a survey that, once complete and reviewed by the Executive Of-fi ces, certifi es a volunteer in their position.
Participate in the program at www.phikappatau.org, “Programs,” “Volunteer Certifi cation Program.”
For more information about volunteering, including volunteer job descriptions, visit www.phikappatau.org/volunteer.
Joe Manalastas, Cal Poly-Pomona ’08, participated in the inaugural Camp Challenge Ride at The Painted Turtle, a Hole in the Wall Camp in California. The cycling event, in 18-mile, 36-mile and 62-mile ride options, was a fundraiser for the camp.
Get involved! Stay involved!
Zeta Alpha chapter at Belmont volunteered with Extreme Makeover Home Edition, rebuilding a school that was destroyed in the Nashville fl oods. Also, Past Chapter President Tim Harms, Belmont ’06, led Belmont’s Students in Free Enterprise team to fi rst place in the U.S. competition and third place in the world competition. SIFE is an international non-profi t organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.orgLearning. Leading. Serving.
LAURELS
• 1940 •
PAUL NEWMAN, Ohio ’43, was posthumously inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for his work to improve the lives of all Ohioans.
CHARLES YENTSCH, Louisville ’49, received the 2010 Jerlov Award from the Oceanography Society for his work on phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms, which ultimately gave rise to the fi eld of ocean color remote sensing. He was also recognized for founding new oceanographic institutions, nurturing future leaders in the fi eld and providing a vibrant research environment for the study of bio-optics.
• 1950 •
JIM FOUSS, Miami ’58, was inducted into the Sidney City Schools Hall of Honor. He serves as the president of Fouss Market Research, a lecturer in the business management department of Washington College and community leader in Chestertown, Md.
DARRALL IMHOFF, UC Berkeley ’58, and the late Pete Newell, UC Berkeley ’58, were part of the 2010 class inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Th e entire 1960 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team, which Newell coached and Imhoff played on, was included for its gold-medal success in Rome.
• 1960 •
DAVID SYMPSON, Kentucky ’60, was elected the 107th president general of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution at the society’s 120th Annual Congress in Cleveland.
JIM RUTLEDGE, Louisville ’62, was inducted into the Atherton High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame. He is the master distiller and president at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ky.
Jeremy Christ, Southern Mississippi ’93, participated in the 21st annual Fleur de Lis Regatta in Louisville, Ky. The two-day sailing event raised more than $17,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Christ was part of the crew on “Room 4 Crew” [foreground].
Eta chapter at Muhlenberg hosted the fourth annual Mules and Friends Golf Outing. More than 80 golfers attended the event that has raised thousands of dollars for charity since its inception. Next year’s event will be held June 3, 2011. Contact Brad Fischer at bafi [email protected] for more information.
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 C C O M P L I S H M E N T S .V I S I T W W W . 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 .
Phi Taus in the Dallas-Fort Worth area volunteered with the East Dallas Community Organization (EDCO)—Distinguished Foundation Trustee Jerry Carlton, Ohio ’58, serves as the organization’s president—to build a playground in a nearby community. [From left to right] Carlton, Travis Doyle, Oklahoma State ’97, Roger Toney, Muhlenberg ’63, and Dick Hodges, Oklahoma State ’61.
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THE LAUREL | www.phikappatau.org Learning. Leading. Serving.
DR. ROBERT STAMPS, Coe ’67, was elected an honorary member of the Florida State Horticultural Society. Stamps, who works as a professor of environmental horticulture at the University of Florida/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, was recognized for his meritorious service to the society and advancement of horticulture in Florida.
• 1970 • SCOTT ADAMS, Washington State ’73, was recognized as the Appraisal Institute’s May “Volunteer of Distinction” for Region 1. Th e Appraisal Institute
is the nation’s largest organization of real estate appraisers, and Adams was praised for his commitment to the institute, his profession and his community.
• 1980 •
MARK LOGRIPPO, St. John’s ’88, participated in the sixth annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of
NYC) RBC Race for the Kids that raises funds and awareness for the organization’s mentoring program. LoGrippo’s team raised $18,000 for BBBS of NYC.
T.G. SHUCK, Georgetown ’88, received a Regional Emmy award in the 46th annual Ohio Valley competition for the Anchor-Weather-Composite category. He is chief meteorologist at WKYT-TV 27 in Lexington.
BILL SIMONITSCH, Florida State ’89, was promoted to partner at K&L Gates LLP, a global law fi rm. He was also appointed Southeast Regional Governor for the National Asian Pacifi c American Bar Association.
• 1990 •
NICK PEZZAROSSI, Louisville ’95, was named a human resources specialist for the National Institute of Heath in Bethesda, Md.
• 2000 •
ALLAN NACAPUY, Western Michigan ’00, entered the Chiquita Banana Sticker Design Contest for graphic designers and artists. His design was one of the 18 winners that will be featured on Chiquita bananas nationwide this November.
Alumni members from Nu chapter at UC Berkeley reunited for a golf outing at Woodbridge Country Club in Woodbridge, Calif. [From left to right] Dan Hernandez ’63, Bob Albright ’60, Nick Sokol ’62 and Elliott Adams ’61.
Charles Whittington, Florida State ’03, [left] served as a summer legal intern at Grant, Fridkin, Pearson, Athan & Crown, P.A., Attorneys at Law in Naples, Fla., where David Budd, Ohio ’56, is a shareholder. Whittington was later offered and accepted a position at the fi rm.
Alpha Phi chapter at Akron hosted its fourth annual Hole in the Wall Classic Charity Golf Scramble for Flying Horse Farms, a provisional member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. The event attracted 157 golfers to Sable Creek Golf Course in Hartville, Ohio, and raised $17,000 for the camp before camp founders matched the fundraising total at 50 percent, making the contribution $25,500.
Staff Sergeants Steve Clark, Georgetown ’84, and Mike Lona, Louisville ’95, of the Kentucky Army National Guard recently completed a year-long deployment with Task Force Aviation, Kosovo Forces 12, in support of NATO peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. Clark is a fi refi ghter and paramedic with Frankfort Fire/EMS and Lona works with the U.S. Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort.
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