The Laurel Fall 2021

THE

OF PHI KAPPA TAU VOL. 107 ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 2021

64TH NATIONAL CONVENTION

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

P. 4

P. 10

P. 22

BROTHERHOOD FIRST... PHI TAU ALWAYS!

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES

2020 AWARD WINNERS

For the first time in two years, Brothers reunited.

The bittersweet reunion – one that reflected the challenges of the past year, as well as the hope of better days to come – took place at Phi Kappa Tau’s founding site, Miami University.

The first ever hybrid in-person/virtual convention made history in more ways than one. We welcomed new leaders, mourned the loss of friends, and celebrated excellence in its many shapes.

Read on about the 64th National Convention of Phi Kappa Tau.

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good and loyal citizen. I shall try always to discharge the obligation to others which arises from the fact that I am a fraternity man.

Phi Kappa Tau, by admitting me to membership, has conferred upon me a mark of distinction in which I take just pride. I believe in the spirit of brotherhood for which it stands. I shall strive to attain its ideals, and by so doing to bring to it honor and credit. I shall be loyal to my college and my chapter and shall keep strong my ties to them that I may ever retain the spirit of youth. I shall be a good and loyal citizen. I shall try always to discharge the obligation to others which arises from the fact that I am a fraternity man.

Phi Kappa Tau, by admitting me to membership, has conferred upon me a mark of distinction in which I take just pride. I believe in the spirit of brotherhood for which it stands. I shall strive to attain its ideals, and by so doing to bring to it honor and credit. I shall be loyal to my college and my chapter and shall keep strong my ties to them that I may ever retain the spirit of youth. I shall be a good and loyal citizen. I shall try always to discharge the obligation to others which arises from the fact that I am a fraternity man.

17

THE 64TH NATIONAL CONVENTION Brothers gathered in Oxford, Ohio, to celebrate the 64th National Convention of Phi Kappa Tau.They bestowed awards, elected leaders, and enjoyed reuniting for the first time since 2019.

FEATURES 4 PERSPECTIVE: BROTHERHOOD FIRST… PHI TAU ALWAYS! From the 50th National President to you – read the remarks of newly elected National President Dale Holland, Kent State ’87.

7 UNDERGRADUATE OF DISTINCTION Dallas Jones, Nebraska Wesleyan ’17, has always been a high-achiever. Learn more about the 2021 William H. Shideler Award winner in this profile.

DEPARTMENTS

16 | By the Numbers 25 | Laurels 28 | Chapter Eternal 29 | Why I Give 30 | Sidelights

14 NEW OFFICERS The 64th National Convention body elected a new President, National Vice President, and two National Councilors. Get to know more about them!

On the front: Former National Presidents Mike Dovilla, Baldwin Wallace ’94, Greg Heilmeier, Bethany '86, and Charlie Ball, Miami ’82.

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PERSPECTIVES

MAILBOX THE LAUREL IS INTENDED TO START A CONVERSATION with brothers and friends.

Content is carefully selected to engage and excite our readers. It is our hope that stories you read start a conversation with those in your life. Any comments are appreciated. You can submit your feedback— positive or negative, we want it all—to phikapptau.org/ laurel.

DALE HOLLAND, KENT STATE ’87

BROTHERHOOD FIRST… PHI TAU ALWAYS!

~

SIDELIGHTS Phi Kappa Tau has launched a new monthly newsletter, Sidelights.

Releasing on the 15th of each month, Sidelights is a compilation of stories and updates for Phi Kappa Tau alumni and undergraduates to gain some insight into the ongoings to the Fraternity and Foundation.

If you are not receiving Sidelights and would like to sign up, visit phikappatau.org/ sidelights to be added to the mailing list.

[4] THE LAUREL || OCTOBER 2021

I

am truly honored and humbled to be elected as the 50th National President of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.

I promise to each one of you, my brothers, upon my sacred honor to perform my duties as the National President of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity to the best of my ability without fear or prejudice, and with a strict adherence to the ideals of our great Fraternity.

As I reflect on my Phi Tau journey, I immediately go back to Kent State University in Ohio. It was 1986, and I came across an ad in the Daily Kent Stater newspaper. It said, “Phi Kappa Tau – Taking the Campus by Storm.”

The ad also said that a national fraternity was starting up at Kent State and that campus leaders and individuals interested in starting a fraternity attend an information meeting that week in the Student Center.

At that time, I was in serious relationship with a Delta Gamma from Akron University, and I had attended several of her sorority functions

since we started dating in the fall of 1985. I was always greeted at her Delta Gamma events as a Gosh Damn Independent or GDI. I never really paid attention to the title, until later in our relationship. She was very dedicated to her sorority, and I really did not have a Greek connection at Kent State. Sure, I was in Air Force ROTC, and on the Dorm Council, but I didn’t have the same connection with Greek life as my girlfriend did.

So, when the opportunity presented itself to get in on the ground floor of a new fraternity it only made sense that I would attend that meeting of group that was, “Taking the Campus by Storm.” I figured if I were joining a fraternity, I could someday give my Delta Gamma girlfriend my fraternity pin. My Phi Kappa Tau journey began at an event with our Gamma Pi brothers at Youngstown State University at their house in the spring of 1987.

Who would have guessed in 1986, a rechartering member of the Beta Mu chapter of Phi Kappa Tau would be elected as the 50th National President of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity? Not I. But here I am, and I am excited to be elected as your National President. I will not let you down, my brothers.

The last 18 months have been difficult for each one of us, and especially so for the Phi

PERSPECTIVES

Kappa Tau Fraternity. The side effects will impact our undergraduate council members as we continue to exit the COVID-19 pandemic. But it is time for us to move on and move up. We have a 115-year legacy to maintain, and it is our job to not take the legacy for granted, but to rise, like a Phoenix, and soar! This is what we are going to do both at the undergraduate council level and at the graduate council level across the nation.

I ask you, my undergraduate brothers to not settle for mediocrity or the status quo on your campus. I am asking you to “Take your Campus

by Storm” and to strive to be the best fraternity on campus. The Executive Offices and your Success Mangers are there to help, but remember they cannot do everything – you need to take the reins and make your chapter better. The Good Lord helps those who help themselves. I ask you to please stop making excuses and to reinvigorate your chapter and your chapter brothers to maintain a higher standard. Again, we have a 115-year legacy that needs to continue to grow.

I ask my graduate council brothers to recommit yourselves to our cardinal principles and to reflect on our creed and your life experiences and during your time as an undergraduate member and following college. I invite you to reach out and support your Phi Tau chapter or a local chapter in your area, and to see how you can get involved. Some ideas for you to think about, why not sponsor an undergraduate member of that chapter, maybe pay their national dues for a year?

You could also contribute to that chapter’s CEG fund through our National Foundation, or volunteer to serve on the BOG for that chapter? The National Council is focused on alumni engage-

ment as well as focusing on regional and local Phi Tau events. Please send me your suggestions on how to get the alumni engaged.

As I announced in Oxford, Ohio during the National Convention, my goal is for Phi Kappa Tau to have over 100 active chapters by 2025, and to also have over 5,000 undergraduate brothers by the national convention in 2025. I need your help, our brothers need your help. Brotherhood First…Phi Tau Always.

Finally, I am committed to our ritual and our cardinal principles, and I will continue to do my best to assist our undergraduate and graduate council members during the next two years.

I ask each of you to remember your oath and the obligation “…To advance the best interests and welfare of this Fraternity.” Brotherhood First…

Phi Tau Always!

Fraternally,

Dale Holland National President

THE LAUREL OF PHI KAPPA TAU OCTOBER 2021 VOL. 107 ISSUE 2

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lilly Steger COPY EDITOR Logan Lukacs, Baldwin Wallace ‘10 CONTRIBUTORS Dale Holland, Kent State ‘97 Tim Hudson, Truman State ’97

UPCOMING EDITIONS Phi Kappa Tau publishes the Laurel three times a year. Each edition focuses on an aspect of the Phi Kappa Tau experience.

The schedule below identifies upcoming delivery dates.

December 2021; March 2022 ADDRESS CHANGES Visit phikappatau.org/update-info to update your current mailing information.

LAUREL ARCHIVES Past Laurel publications can be found online at phikappatau.org/laurel. Individuals can browse and view all past editions that are available.

P.S. If you were wondering about the Delta Gamma girlfriend from 1985, we got married in June 2018, and I was finally able to give her my Phi Kappa Tau pin during our Brotherhood reception in Oxford this year.

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EXPANDING OUR MISSION

CHARTERINGS

O

OMICRON Pennsylvania State University

The following associate chapters have been approved to charter.

Phi Kappa Tau will be returning to the following campuses:

APPROVED CHARTERS

EXPANSIONS

OMICRON Pennsylvania State University

ALPHA Miami University

PI University of Southern California

ETA Muhlenberg College

ALPHA GAMMA University of Delaware

BETA TAU Bowling Green State University

DELTA RHO Eastern Kentucky University

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If you know a young man attending school at one of these universities, recommend him to Phi Kappa Tau by visiting phikappatau.org/join.

UNDERGRADUATE OF DISTINCTION

DALLAS JONES, NEBRASKA WESLEYAN ’17 LINCOLN, NE SHIDELER WINNER Dallas Jones, Nebraska Wesleyan ’17, is the winner of the 2021 William H. Shideler Award.

The Fraternity’s highest undergraduate honor, the Shideler award is presented annually to the most outstanding graduating senior of Phi Kappa Tau. The award memorializes Honored Founder William H. Shideler, Miami ’06.

Jones has been an extremely active member since his initiation in 2017. He’s held positions as President, Vice President, and Social Chair. He has attended Presidents Academy, Regional Conferences, Leadership Academy, Convention, Conclave, and a Building Men of Character Retreat.

“I have given every ounce of effort I have to my chapter. Since associating my first semester on campus, I knew that Phi Kappa Tau was home. I wanted to get involved early and stay involved throughout the duration of my four years,” Jones said.

continued on next page

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UNDERGRADUATE OF DISTINCTION

His freshman year, Jones earned a 3.75 GPA to make it on the

more efficient, such as transparent financial records and

Dean’s List and raise the Upsilon chapter GPA. He organized

better reporting reimbursements.

three successful formals, hosted socials with every Greek chap-

When COVID hit, Jones’s goal was to keep the chapter finan-

ter on campus, and underwent a massive communication effort

cially viable and retain as many members as possible. Under his

to collect emergency information such as allergies and contact

leadership, the chapter was not only able to reimburse members

numbers. He was elected most outstanding freshman based on

upwards of $1,500 and maintain strong financial standing but

academic achievements, campus involvement, and commitment

retain 100% of initiated members. They were the only Greek

to the values of the fraternity.

chapter on campus to do so.

His sophomore year, Jones earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. He was

Senior year, Jones single-handedly planned and led a Building

elected Vice President where he assisted with chapter opera-

Men of Character Retreat. He also organized an entire month

tions, took the lead role within the executive committee during

dedicated to brotherhood. He wanted to raise morale before

recruitment, and added 25 new brothers. With his help, Upsilon

the end of the semester and worked within the budget to spend

was selected as a Founders Four chapter the next summer.

$3,000 on various events and programming throughout the

As a sophomore, Jones took a lead role in house updates

month of October.

such as new computers, chairs, vacuums, furniture, and other

His final year on campus, he was elected most outstanding senior.

improvement. He successfully launched a year-long capital

Jones continues to serve as an advisor for the new executive

campaign to raise $100,000 for landscape renovations.

board and help organize the chapter awards to give his brothers

Jones was elected most outstanding sophomore based on his

the credit they deserve.

academic achievements, campus involvement, and commitment

“I truly believe Phi Kappa Tau is a better chapter now than

to the values of the fraternity.

it was four years ago when I first associated. I have so many

Junior year, Jones earned a 3.95 GPA to make Dean’s List. He

meaningful memories and lessons learned that I will never forget.

was elected president and was heavily involved with program

I will always be grateful for the opportunities Phi Tau has given

development. He led a an executive retreat where elected

me and the deep trust my chapter has shown me over the

brothers grew as a team and prepared to make operations

years,” Jones said.

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ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION

ROBERT WOOD, MOUNT UNION ’66 SEATTLE, WA SENIOR ADVISOR – ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT Robert Wood is the winner of the inaugural Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.

Wood has extensive international and U.S. experience in Organizational Development, Training, and Strategic Planning. He has a strong track record of bringing awareness, understanding, and action to diversity and its impact on organizational productivity, advanced decision making, and the creation of respectful work environments.

From living in five countries on three continents and with work stretching from the U.S. to Libya to Singapore, Wood’s international perspective brings creativity and a fresh perspective.

Some of his major accomplishments include designing a process to improve safe practices in a multimillion-dollar oil plant reconstruction, leading AT&T to develop non-discrimination policies towards LGBTQ+ employees, and developing a vision and strategies for the Black Business Initiative of Cape Town, South Africa, to increase economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

The award was presented to Wood based on his life-long professional commitment to recognizing diversity, as well as his work assisting Phi Tau’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

CHARLIE BALL, MIAMI ’82

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES

T

he 64th National Convention, postponed from the event planned for last summer in Fort Worth, Texas, was unusual, but it’s far from the first time Phi Kappa Tau has cancelled or postponed a convention. In fact, it’s the tenth time we’ve done it.

A 1932 National Convention planned for Los Angeles was cancelled because of the Great Depression. The National Council, meeting at the newly constructed Central Office in Oxford, Ohio, called the Convention to order and immediately adjourned it for lack of quorum. Another National Convention was not held until 1934 when the Convention met at Purdue University. The National Council met as the Convention in 1935, with the country still in throes of the Great Depression.

A new constitution adopted at the 1936 National Convention at Penn State University changed the convention schedule from an annual event to every other year. After holding Conventions in 1938 and 1940, the 1942, 1944, and 1946 Conventions were cancelled because of World War II.

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The two-year convention cycle resumed with the 1947 Victory Convention and continued through 1953 when the 1955 convention was postponed for one year to allow us to celebrate the Fraternity’s Golden Jubilee in 1956. Conventions remained on schedule until the 1974 National Convention as postponed for a year because of a national fuel shortage and the Fraternity’s general financial distress. This postponement also put us on track to hold the 75th anniversary Diamond Jubilee Convention in 1981.

As recently at 1999, the scheduled 2001 National Convention was postponed until 2002 in order to get the Fraternity on track to celebrate the Centennial in 2006. A side benefit to postponing last summer’s convention will also put on schedule to celebrate a Quasquicentennial or 125th anniversary celebration in 2031.

COVID-19 is one in a series of world events that have altered Phi Kappa Tau’s Convention planning and it will probably not be the last. For more than 115 years, the fraternity has weathered many storms and will weather many more.

CHAPTER OF DISTINCTION

UPSILON CHAPTER UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA WESLEYAN / LINCOLN, NEBRASKA No strangers to bearing a mark of distinction, Upsilon chapter left Oxford, Ohio, with their eighth Roland Maxwell Award win in the bag. Upsilon boasts a 57-man chapter, 157% larger than the campus average. Their chapter GPA is a 3.56 and last year they recorded 2,400 service hours – 42 per man – and raised over $4,5000 for philanthropic causes. Upsilon fosters this successful environment by focusing on new-member education, recruiting members they believe reflect the values of Phi Kappa Tau, and pushing brothers to make the most of their collegiate experience.

“Every man of Upsilon finds their passions, their callings, and their purpose. Beyond the Borradaile challenge, the men of Upsilon are dedicated to improving themselves as individuals so they can learn, lead, and serve better than before,” Upsilon said. “Being a member of Phi Kappa Tau is to challenge one’s ideas, develop exceptional capabilities, and make positive commitments to themselves and those around them.”

CHAPTER INFORMATION

CAMPUS INFORMATION

CHARTERED: 1923

ESTABLISHED: 1887

CHAPTER MEMBERS: 57

STUDENT ENROLLMENT: 2,000

CHAPTER GPA: 3.5

AREAS OF STUDY: 50+

ALUMNI: 1,691

IFC FRATERNITIES: 3

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FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Upsilon chapter celebrating after their win in Oxford.

of Health & Safety Sam Kohmetscher, Nebraska Wesleyan ’19 (SK), and 2020 Chapter Secretary, Zach Schwindt, Nebraska Wesleyan ’17 (ZS).

A MAXWELL CHAPTER

A

t Convention, the Founders Four chapters must present to a panel of judges on why they deserve to take home the Roland Maxwell Outstanding Chapter Award. Upon completing their presentation, they answer a series of questions from the panel. These are the questions presented to and answered by 2021 Maxwell winner, Nebraska Wesleyan.

The Founders Four presentation was given by 2020 Chapter President Dallas Jones, Nebraska Wesleyan ’17 (DJ), current Chapter President Alex Fairchild-Flynn, Nebraska Wesleyan ’18 (AFF), Vice President

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• Panel: We know the last year required a lot of adaptation and a lot of creativity to survive on campus.

What did your chapter do differently, what did you learn, and what aspects of your adaptation do you want to continue in the future?

DJ: The phrase I like to use is “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” I think that really hit home last year. For us, the hardest part was the three months before the fall semester when the uncertainty was the worst. In May, June, and July we were working with the Board of Governors to see what we could do to keep our brothers safe. I also wanted to make sure we had continued brotherhood events. I thought by examining our operating

budget we did a good job of demonstrating how we can reinvest our limited dues towards something that everyone would benefit from. Going forward, I think we will be putting more money in a brotherhood fund for future events.

AFF: We really focused on the individual brother and their mental health, and taught guys how to lift their brothers up when thy needed it. That was crucial, in my opinion, to really focus on how to develop that brotherhood bond.

SK: I think the fact that we made recruitment a more individual experience was good. We made everyone feel important. I would try to find new associates and match them with chapter brothers, and we had the biggest class we’ve ever had. Going forward, I’m going to push for a more individualized recruitment and getting to know

everyone better. Making a personal connection during recruitment benefits the chapter long-term.

ZS: The biggest thing I took from it is that you can rely on your brothers.

We have a huge social support system at Upsilon, and we can also rely on our Board of Governors for help. The second thing is communication; communication is huge. We kept everyone in the loop, we let everyone know what was going on and we felt comfortable taking about what was happening.

• Panel: What are some practical ways you motivate your brothers?

You’re here representing an entire chapter, but there are many groups who say they struggle to get their chapter brothers engaged. How do you instill that enthusiasm in your group?

DJ: I was President last year and this was our biggest issue. The way I looked at it, you can’t motivate brothers where you are, you must motivate them where they are. For example, the guys who are in it because their friends are there, you need motivate them on that basis.

You have to say, “I need you to go to this event, can you do it for me?” The motivation there is not necessarily for the Borradaile Challenge, but because you’re doing it for friends.

• Panel: What are some things you learned about your chapter through the past year? What did you learn from your chapter?

ZS: What I learned from the chapter is that we are a brotherhood. We are a very tight knit group. It was great to see all those faces back on campus after a long summer. Adapting to changes is another big thing I learned. Making decisions is important to overcoming obstacles in the classroom, Fraternity, or on campus.

SK: I learned that the people I was surrounded with are going to be my brothers for life. We got so close last year. I also learned how to adapt to different learning styles. School is a lot harder online, learning how to stay motivated and get through class was a challenge.

AFF: The biggest thing I learned was how easy it is to stay connected through long periods of time, especially before class returned. I learned it’s crucial to reach out to people you don’t see every day and how easy that truly is, and how open people are to communication.

DJ: For me it was twofold. The first was that you must be prepared for anything – money, relationships, you can’t go through a situation without being prepared for the worst. Second, I learned how to rely on your support system.

Being a chapter president last year was so hard because only other presidents knew what you were going through. I leaned on my parents and my brothers, but also other IFC and Panhellenic chapter presidents for support because I knew they were going through the same things I was. I also reached out to people I met at Presidents Academy last and kept in touch with them as well.

• Panel: In the past, some chapters have slumped after winning the Maxwell. How will your chapter keep up its momentum if you win?

DJ: The last time we won this award it was an incredibly uplifting experience for the entire chapter. Even though Borradaile Challenge metrics aren’t something every member thinks about, it’s an uplifting for everyone to recognize the work that goes into it. Upsilon can come back and present year after year because of the culture that we built around us. For example, I’m a senior.

Zach is a senior. Alex is a junior and Sam is a sophomore. We incorporate younger members we see as future leaders into opportunities for growth.

At Leadership Academy, we always send an underclassman who is a rising star, and we try to bring as many people to Regional Conferences as we can. Last year we brought 12. We try to expand everyone in our chapter to leadership roles. We’re able to continue our success because of the system we built.

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FEATURE

THE NEW NATIONAL COUNCIL

P

hi Kappa Tau is pleased to introduce the newly elected members of the National Council.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT DALE HOLLAND, Kent State ’87 A 1987 initiate of Beta Mu at Kent State University, Dale was introduced to the Phi Tau Hall of Fame in 2006 for his distinguished career in the Air Force.

Dale is a retired Air Force Colonel with 25-years of Department of Defense experience. His last active-duty assignment was as the 89th Airlift Wing Vice Commander at Joint Base Andrews, MD. Dale served as a navigator on Air Force One from 2001-2007 supporting President George W. Bush and the First Family and was honored to serve President Bush and President Barack Obama as the Deputy Director of Operations at the White House Military Office.

He is currently the VP of Business Development at Satcom Direct and resides in Bonita Springs, FL. Dale has been married to his college sweetheart, Su Smith, for over two years. He has a son, Sid, and a daughter, Alaina.

NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT BARRY MASK, Auburn ’78 A 1978 initiate, Barry served as President, Recruitment Chairman, and President of the Auburn IFC as an undergraduate.

He was the first “Aubie the Tiger” mascot for the school. As an alumnus, he served on the chapter’s Board of Governors and Housing Corporation.

Barry had a career in governmental affairs, grassroots campaign organizing,

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and PAC fundraising. He served two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives before moving into marketing for financial institutions.

Barry has transferred his creative marketing and business development skills into recruitment tactics as National Recruitment Advisor. He served on the Phi Kappa Tau National Council from 2002-2008. He and his wife, Jill, live in the Auburn area.

consulting firm for the government.

He lives in Northern Virginia.

NATIONAL COUNCILOR RICKY BAILEY, Florida State ’03 As an undergraduate, Ricky was a Founding Father of the Beta Iota chapter at Florida State. Since graduation, he has served as a Chapter Advisor and Board of Governors Chair. Ricky helped establish the Undergraduate Advisory Board during the 59th National Convention in

Denver and has been a facilitator for Presidents Academy, Leadership Academy, and Regional Conferences. Ricky served as Domain Director before becoming a National Councilor.

Ricky already served two years on the National Council after his appointment by the Council due to a vacancy in 2018.

This convention, his role as Councilor was voted on by the body. Ricky is currently the Business Manager for the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. He lives in Nashville.

He previously worked at Florida State University, where he obtained both his BS and MBA. These gentlemen join the rest of the National Council: Buzz Green, Ole Miss ’66, Warren Mattox, Nebraska Wesleyan ’69, Ray Carlos, Cal State Fullerton ’01, Michael French, Kent State ’88, Michael Lummus, Belmont ’06, and Tim Hudson, Truman State ’97.

NATIONAL COUNCILOR JON HAYS, Old Dominion ’07 Jon Hays comes to the National Council with a diverse professional background.

He started his career by serving four years in the Marine Corps and later the Virginia Army National Guard and the West Virginia National Guard. After completing his military service, Jon initiated at the Gamma Tau chapter of Phi Tau. Jon attributes joining later than a typical member to his understanding of non-traditional students.

Upon graduation, Jon attended law school at West Virginia University. He currently operates out of his own law firm and runs Hays Enterprise LLC, a Ricky Bailey (left) and Jon Hays (right)

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BY THE NUMBERS

PKT 64 BY THE NUMBERS Phi Kappa Tau was proud to welcome brothers from across the country to Oxford, Ohio!

184 NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

136 IN PERSON

48 VIRTUAL

COMMUTE TO OXFORD

* * SHORTEST: GAMMA BETA, CINCINNATI LONGEST: ALPHA KAPPA, WASHINGTON STATE

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88 CHAPTERS REPRESENTED

75 NUMBER OF ALUMNI

LILLY STEGER

THE 64TH NATIONAL CONVENTION For the first time in two years, Phi Kappa Tau Brothers gathered once again.

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FEATURE

T

he 64th National Convention was held in Oxford, Ohio from July 23-25, 2021. It was the first time in Phi Tau history a hybrid virtual/in-person model was used to host Convention.

The shortened and virtual format was designed to accommodate lingering travel and health concerns.

The Convention floor opened Friday morning with welcome remarks from outgoing National President Bill Brasch, Louisville ’67. Brasch was elected in 2018 in Cleveland and extended his term as president by one-year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Convention was delayed until 2021.

Throughout Friday, delegates arrived from across the country. All in all, 184 participants representing 88 chapters attended the 64th National Convention.

The first day was spent on the floor with Bill Brash presiding and Jack Alvenus, St. John’s ’89, as the parliamentarian. Two major pieces of legislation passed on Friday; a motion to update the term “colony” to “associate chapter,” (to parallel the term “associate member”) and a resolution to make existing public rituals more accessible digitally, in addition to updating certain language within the ceremonies (as overseen by Dave Lapinski).

The ultimate excitement occurred Friday afternoon with the election of our new National Council. Four members were added to the Council, all nominated and voted on by the convention floor: National President Dale Holland, Kent State ’87, National

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Vice President Barry Mask, Auburn ’78, National Councilor Jon Hays, Old Dominion ’07, and National Council Ricky Bailey, Florida State ’03. Each of these men have extensive history with Phi Tau and professional histories that will aid them in their new roles (see more about the new National Councilors on pg. 14).

Saturday began with a sunrise memorial service hosted by Charlie Ball, Miami ’82, and Dave Lapinski, Penn State ’74, to commemorate the 1,160 brothers who were added to the chapter eternal since the last National Convention. Among those included, Warren Mattox, Nebraska Wesleyan ‘69, read the name of his chapter brother John M. Green, Nebraska Wesleyan ’60, former CEO, National President, and Foundation Executive Director, who entered the chapter eternal in 2020 and whose loss was felt at the first

Convention in decades where he was not present.

Convention business started with presentations from the Founders Four chapters. Each group gave a heartfelt presentation on the ways they excel, the challenges they’ve overcome, and, ultimately, why they are a Maxwell-winning chapter. More than simply regurgitating their data sets, the purpose of the Maxwell presentations is to explain what makes their chapter special.

They chapters presented in Greek letter order, making Epsilon the first.

Epsilon chapter at Mount Union is frequently one of Phi Kappa Tau’s highest-preforming chapters. The 42-man group is 120% above Mount Union’s average chapter size and they report a 3.3-chapter GPA. Last year, they logged 812 service hours averaging 19.3 per man. They raised over $2,300 in their philanthropic efforts

and continued their close partnership with Flying Horse Farms, their local SeriousFun camp.

Second was Upsilon chapter of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Like Epsilon, Upsilon comes from a small campus where the accomplishments of their chapter stand out. Upsilon boasts a 57-man chapter, 157% the average size on campus. They achieved 2,400 service hours averaging 42 per man last year. Their chapter GPA is a 3.56 and they raised over $4,500 in philanthropic efforts last year.

The third to go was Beta Lambda at Indiana University. Of all their excellent qualities, Beta Lambda’s

recruitment efforts are top tier. In 2020, they recruited 62 men and now have a 127-man group. Beta Lambda’s chapter GPA is a 3.46 and this past year they raised over $8,000 philanthropic dollars.

The final chapter was one of Phi Tau’s newest, presenting in their first Founders Four competition.

Founded in 2017, Zeta Xi remains the largest chartering in Phi Tau history with over 90 men. They recently received the highest distinction the University of South Carolina offers in their Greek evaluation programs.

Last year, Zeta Xi logged 1,724 service hours and raised $8,544 $2,047 of which was for SeriousFun Children’s Network. Their alumni engagement is excellent – last year they created 4 alumni publications and hosted 4 alumni events.

All four chapters are distinct, but after hours of deliberation among the judges panel, Bill Brasch presented Upsilon chapter with its eighth Roland Maxell Outstanding Chapter Trophy.

The convention floor concluded with the transition of the presidency from Bill Brasch to Dale Holland, Kent State ’87. Bill Brasch’s final words as National President were gracious: “When I got to college, I didn’t know a thing about fraternities. My parents didn’t go to college, I didn’t have any older siblings. I got to college and eventually I joined Phi Kappa Tau and, boy, did that open doors for me. I got elected president of our pledge class and a couple weeks later got elected on the student senate. All kinds of things happened because the fraternity supported me. It really changed my life.”

With Bill’s outgoing speech, the new National Council was sworn into their roles. They lifted their right hand and vowed to uphold the ideals of the Fraternity, abide by the cardinal principles, and always retain the spirit of youth – and, with that, Dale Holland, Kent State ’87, officially assumed the position of National President. He started his presidency with the following words:

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FEATURE

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Phi Kappa Tau, let us never forget our destination.

Today, I establish a goal of growth for our Fraternity. Continued and sustained growth and a road map that will take us to a goal of establishing and maintaining 100 chapters by 2025. This goal will also increase our undergraduate brothers to over 5,000 by 2025. But I need your help, I need everyone’s help.

It’s time to focus on a renewed effort on grassroot expansion campaigns. We will rise out of the ashes of this COVID-19 pandemic like a phoenix and return Phi Kappa Tau to the campuses we’ve departed, and establish new chapters across the country, but we can only do this with your hard work, your dedication, and your commitment.

I’m very blessed and very honored to be here.

Thank you, my brothers.

‘‘

‘‘

I’m sworn in as your 50th National President. 50th in 115 years. It’s fitting that we’re gathered here in Oxford tonight. Here on the campus of Miami University, four young men established our great Fraternity in March of 1906, and here we stand this afternoon to celebrate our bond of brotherhood.

You’re going to hear a lot about brotherhood in the next two years. Brotherhood first, Phi Tau always.

Our Fraternity has endured all the challenges of 115 years – challenges, world wars, this is the second global pandemic our Fraternity has survived. Conflicts around the world, Phi Kappa Tau continues. As you come out of this pandemic, one I hope and pray will end soon so we can get back to the order of brotherhood, it is now time for Phi Tau to come together and continue to serve our graduate and undergraduate brothers. As we continue our journey to the star of

With Dale Holland now carrying the torch, the floor of the 64th National Convention closed.

Saturday night transitioned into a reception outside Miami’s Marcum hotel in the courtyard, with food, drinks, and merriment. The celebrations were kicked off by a performance from the Phi Tau Warblers, and a special serenade to Dale’s wife, Sue. Dale then presented the William H. Shideler Award to Dallas Jones, Nebraska Wesleyan ’17.

Jones took the mic to speak on how his chapter has triumphed over the past year, to thank his brothers and parents, and on his immense pride on being a brother of Upsilon.

Following Jones’s speech, brothers formed a circle around the courtyard for the candlelight ceremony. Hosted by Charlie Ball, brothers renewed the spirit of brotherhood and finalized another successful convention.

Attendees left early Sunday morning to return home, reinvigorated from spending time together and looking forward to the 65th National Convention – Summer 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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AWARDS

MEN OF DISTINCTION 2020 AWARD WINNERS

P

hi Kappa Tau takes pride in recognizing those brothers who are truly distinguished and chapters that excel inside and outside the classroom. The following awards were presented to undergraduates, alumni, and volunteers at the 64th National Convention.

HAROLD E. ANGELO AWARD This award is presented to the most-improved chapter in the country.

Zeta Xi, South Carolina

Delta Tau chapter at Cal Poly-Pomona

ROLAND MAXWELL OUTSTANDING CHAPTER AWARD This trophy is presented to the most outstanding chapter in the country. The Roland Maxwell trophy is the highest honor a chapter can receive.

Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan

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TAYLOR A. BORRADAILE UNDERGRADUATE MEMORIAL AWARD This award is presented to an undergraduate recognized for outstanding contributions to the chapter’s overall success, leadership by example, and demonstration of a true understanding of brotherhood.

Sam Kohmetscher, Nebraska Wesleyan ’19

PAUL NEWMAN AWARD This award is presented to the chapter that raises the greatest dollar amount to benefit the SeriousFun Children’s Network Gamma, Ohio State

WILLIAM H. SHIDELER AWARD This award is presented to the most outstanding graduating senior of Phi Kappa Tau. It is the highest undergraduate award the fraternity bestows.

Dallas Jones, Nebraska Wesleyan ’17 DWIGHT I. DOUGLASS PRESIDENTS AWARD Alec Ballman, Kentucky ‘18 BEST NEW ASSOCIATE Alexander Eischeid, Nebraska Wesleyan ’20 JACK ANSON AWARD Kendall York, North Carolina State ’19 GREG HOLLEN AWARD James Lang, Kansas AM OUTSTANDING ADVISOR TO A CHAPTER Jonathan Humphries, Old Dominion ’14, advisor to Virginia Wesleyan OUTSTANDING ASSOCIATE CHAPTER ADVISOR AWARD Brian Kressing, Miami ’97, advisor to Kansas OUTSTANDING GREEK ADVISOR AWARD Jade Jones, advisor to UNC-Pembroke CLINTON D. BOYD VPAR AWARD Camden Lee, Belmont ’19

SONNY STRANGE RECRUITMENT AWARD Alpha Eta, Florida

LEADERSHIP IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AWARD Robert Wood, Mount Union ’66, and Michael Fryar, Centre ’12 PHI AWARD Brian Kresin, Kansas ’86 KEY AWARD Sam Medley, Transylvania ’94 THOMAS L. STENNIS II AWARD Jory Hamilton, Washington ’12, for the Pacific Northwest Domain

ROSS E. ROEDER BOARD OF GOVERNORS AWARD Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan Delta Rho, Eastern Kentucky GEORGE V. VOINOVICH EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Pi, Southern California FREDERICK R. FLETEMEYER PRIZE Alpha Gamma, Delaware

MONROE MOOSNICK SCHOLARSHIP TROPHY Nu, UC Berkeley RICHARD MASSOCK AWARD Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan BEST NEW ASSOCIATE CLASS Chi, North Carolina State OUTSTANDING HOUSING CORPORATION AWARD Kappa, Kentucky

JACK JAREO AWARD Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan

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AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AWARD Zeta Kappa, Kenyon ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCROLL Ohio, Ohio State, Centre, Mount Union, Illinois, Transylvania, Coe, Kentucky, Purdue, UC Berkeley, Penn State, Southern California, Nebraska Wesleyan, Bethany, North Carolina State, Colorado, Wisconsin, Delaware, Washington State, Washington, Georgia Tech, Colorado State, Cornell, Colgate, Akron, Mississippi State, Baldwin Wallace, Louisville, Idaho, Southern Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Indiana, Georgia, Maryland, Westminster, Southern Illinois, Cal State-Long Beach, Cal State-Chico, Michigan Tech, Bradley, East Central, Evansville, Tennessee, Muskingum, Eastern Kentucky, Rochester, Chapman, Arizona, Virginia Tech, Belmont, San Jose, North Texas, Kenyon, South Carolina, Arizona State, Boston COMMUNITY SERVICE SCROLL Purdue, Southern California, Nebraska Wesleyan, Idaho, Muskingum NORM W. BROWN PHILANTHROPY SCROLL Ohio State, Mount Union, Purdue, Southern California, Nebraska Wesleyan, North Carolina State, Delaware, Washington State, Colgate, Mississippi State, Louisville, Indiana, Georgia, Westminster, Michigan Tech, Cal Poly-Pomona, Chapman, Lynchburg, South Carolina PACESETTER RECRUITMENT AWARD Bethany, North Carolina State, Florida, Cornell, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Chapman, Belmont ORDER OF THE STAR Ohio State, Mount Union, Coe, Purdue, Southern California, Bethany, North Carolina State, Colorado, Washington State, Colgate, Idaho, Indiana, Westminster, Michigan Tech, Belmont

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FOUNDERS FOUR CHAPTERS Founder Four-designated chapters are those selected by the award committee to compete for the Roland Maxwell Trophy based on their performance in the previous calendar year.

Epsilon, Mount Union Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan Beta Lambda, Indiana Zeta Xi, South Carolina

LAURELS

LAURELS

[1961] Lyndell “Mark” Grubbs, Oklahoma State, the owner of Ranch Radio Group, was awarded the Texas Association of Broadcasters highest honor of Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year at their Convention in Austin.

Grubbs has owned the Ranch Radio Group since 1994 and takes pride in serving his community through promotion, programming, and marketing strategies.

[1971] Mitch Engel, Miami, Engel’s fourth novel, The Senator’s Suitcase, was awarded the silver medal for general fiction novels by The Reviews Choice Award for 2020. Earlier this year, Engel also published a non-fiction book titled Miracles by the Mountain.

PHOTO FROM GOPACK.COM

[1963] Hal Beals, Kentucky, retired in 2020 after 54 years in financial and banking development on the West Coast and later India. He’s enjoying life with 6 children and 10 grandchildren, and credits Phi Tau with presenting him his first leadership opportunities and the confidence to pursue a life he wanted to lead.

~ ELLIOT AVENT, NORTH CAROLINA STATE ’75, Avent is the American Baseball Coaches Association Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year after taking North Carolina State to the semi-finals of the College World Series. Avent is in his 25th year as North Carolina State’s head baseball coach. In February of 2020, he surpassed 1,1100 career wins – one of only 11 active coaches to achieve the distinction.

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LAURELS

[1986] Jack Zinn, Cornell, an Old Main Holding Trustee, was recently elected to the Westchester Jewish Council Board of Directors from his synagogue in Briarcliff Manor, NY, where he is a past President and an active Executive Committee and Board member. He is looking forward to his first WJC Board Meeting. Jack has served on the Alpha Tau Graduate Council and Housing Corporation for over 30 years, as well as serving as BOG Chairman for Alpha Tau.

~ TY JONES, DELAWARE ’89, gave the commencement address for University of Delaware’s class of 2020, whose original graduation was canceled due to Covid-19. The class of 2020 returned to campus a year later to celebrate. Jones is an actor and the award-winning artistic director of the Classical Theater of Harlem. A Delaware alumnus himself, Jones earned both his BA and MA at UD.

a combat tour Iraq. His name was displayed on car No. 42 to commemorate Adcock’s 5/24 birthday – when he would have turned 42.

[1998] Travis Robinson, Eastern Kentucky, (photo on opposite page) started his own State Farm Insurance Agency in Ross, Ohio.

Robinson was previously the Chief Operating Officer at Phi Kappa Tau, a position he held from 2014-2021.

[1991] Kevin Burkett, Eastern Kentucky, started a new job as Athletic Director of Somerset Independent Schools.

[2003] Andy Macak, Florida State, was promoted to Lt. Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Macack is a 2006 Shideler Award winner.

[1998] Shane Adcock, Longwood, (below and left) Captain Shane Adcock’s name was displayed Memorial Day weekend in a NASCAR memorial for fallen service members. Adcock lost his life in October 2006 during

[2004] J.J. Lewis, Central Michigan, was named modern governance Leader

by Diligent, a program dedicated to recognizing community leaders committed to driving positive organizational change.

[2007] Alex Koehler, Mount Union, started a new position as Regional Volunteer Services Office with the American Red Cross.

[2009] Ben Donlon, Louisville, is joining the University of Louisville Alumni Association Board.

Fellow Beta Beta chapter brother, Will Baumgardner, Louisville ’06, sits on the Executive Committee.

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[2012] Tristan Conroy, Centre, (below, middle) started a new role as Account Manager at ChapterSpot.

Conroy previously spent five years on Phi Tau’s staff, most recently as Director of Chapter Services.

[2013] Dexter Horne, Centre, was named co-director of the Kentucky chapter of the New Leaders Council. The New Leaders Council trains and promotes rising progressive leaders and has 50 chapters with nearly 9,000 alumni.

~ COLIN SULLIVAN, PURDUE ’14, Sullivan returned safely from a deployment as a KC-135 pilot to his wife and family.

~ (From left to right) Travis Robinson, Eastern Kentucky ’98, Tristan Conroy, Centre ’12, and Tristan Hilpert, Cal State-Fullerton ’03.

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CHAPTER ETERNAL

CHAPTER ETERNAL The following members were reported as deceased to the Executive Offices between March 11, 2021, and August 2, 2021.

MIAMI Robert Triplett, ’40 Theodore Black, ’49 Karl Heinz, ’97 OHIO Robert Cuthbert, ’47 Daniel Bishop, ‘51 Donald Colasurd, ‘51 Jerry Mix, ’59 Steven Latham, ’80 CENTRE Stanley Cooksey, ’49 MOUNT UNION David McFarland, ‘41 Robert Clunk, ’48 Ray Diehl, ’48 R. White, ‘62 ILLINOIS Gregory Green, ’72 MUHLENBERG John Keyser, ’53 Nicholas Diakon, ’69 KENTUCKY Harry Bolser, ’28 Robert Rohde, ’28 James Calvins, ‘31 Louis Toth, ’31 Emmett Chandler, ‘32 Thomas Childers, ’32 Wallace Briggs, ‘34 Charles Bennett, ’34 Perry Gardner, ’34 John Lucian, ’34 C. Franz, ‘35 Robert Cottrell, ‘36 Anderson House, ’36 Harry Stephenson, ’37 Arthur Bicknell, ’38 John Conrad, ’38 Byford Treanor, ’38 Donald Cole, ’39 James Lail, ’40 Don Moore, ’40 James Perry, ’40 John Doddridge, ‘41 Richard Eubanks, ’41 Earl Evans, ’41 Robert Thomas, ‘41

Goebel Wright, ’42 William Underwood, ’42 Louis Smith, ‘43 Porter Baxter, ’46 Joseph Fothergill, ’46 William Hammack, ’46 James Hodgetts, ’46 Charles Kuhling, ’46 George Lafrana, ’46 William Mardis, ’46 Earl Quiery, ’46 James Shackelford, ‘46 Bayard Starnes, ’46 William Williams, ’46 Russell Wilmhoff, ’46 Harold Estill, ’47 Emmet Holbrook, ’47 Lloyd Kasey, ’47 Harold Lockwood, ’47 Paul Sears, ’47 Charles Shockey, ’47 John Vigle, ’47 William Whitford, ’47 Kenneth Ashby, ’48 Alan Leibson, ’48 Edward Self, ’48 Charles Thornton, ’48 William Harper, ’49 Kenneth McKeehan, ’49 James Bondurant, ’50 Charles Cosenza, ’50 Jay Vandertoll, ’50 George Burton, ‘51 Frederick Calhoun ‘51 Walter Holbrook, ‘51 Douglas Williams, ‘51 David Feld, ’52 James Moore, ‘52 Cecil Neff, ’52 Henry Jaggers, ‘53 Alton Arney, ’54 Joseph Bondurant, ’54 Saturnino Ateca, ‘55 John Ball, ’56 Ronald Boorman, ’56 William Bubenzer, ‘55 Donald Deaton, ’56 Dennis Dutschke, ’56 Willard Rubarts, ’56 Joseph Tobin, ’56 Grady Lee, ’57 Colin Lewis, ’57 Daniel Baugh, ‘61 Jerry Goode, ‘61

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William Hardy, ‘61 Walter Lake, ’61 Eugene McGehee, ‘61 Steven Callaway, ’64 Michael Fulkerson, ’70 David Honaker, ’70 Dan Beverly, ’71 John Womack, ’71 Dennis Maze, ’72 Steven Weixler, ’73 Thomas Boland, ’75 Kevin Goemmer, ’75 Stephen Mobley, ’75 Bobby Hacker, ’76 Kevin Hatfield, ’85

FLORIDA Richard Lidinsky, ’73 Jorge Fernandez, ’90

PURDUE Jerry Jana ‘60

IOWA STATE Robert Riedesel, ‘53 Thomas Weldon, ’72

FRANKLIN & MARSHALL Robert Zima, ’50 PENN STATE Michael Desimone, ’81 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Gino Fragnol, ’48 Albert Batista, ’63

WILLIAM & MARY Robert Rose, ’40 PENNSYLVANIA Kenneth Anderson, ’40 AUBURN James Jones, ‘56 Thomas Edwards, ‘62 Robert Kent, ’64 Philip Jackson, ‘66

LAFAYETTE David Weigle, ’59 CORNELL Robert Bernhard, ’59 Paul DuCuennois, ‘65 Phillip Zukowski, AM

FLORIDA STATE Michael Mazzarella, ’95 OKLAHOMA STATE William Crawford, ‘66 INDIANA James Butler, ’76 GEORGIA Carl Smith, ’47 Thomas Gowan, ’66 MARYLAND Gordon Ward, ’51 Rodney Frederick, ’62 BOWLING GREEN Charles Goodman, ‘51 John Doll, ’69 WESTMINSTER Keith Dryburgh, ’98 CAL STATE CHICO Mitchell Redden, ’85

RENSSELAER Steven Montambault, ’79

COLGATE Harold Ballentine, ’50 Philip Jackson, ’59

MICHIGAN TECH Ross Roeder, ’58 John Addison, ’61 Robert Vesser, ’92

NEBRASKA WESLEYAN Roger Barry, ’53 Robert Johnson, ’68

TEXAS – EL PASO William Watts, ’53 Mark Cope ’71

EAST CAROLINA Stephen Curry, ’77 Ted Powder, ’79

BETHANY Joseph Kurey, ’59

LOUISVILLE Douglas Lipsey, ’47 James Deddens, ’49 James Knoop, ‘53 Michael Power, ’90

RIT Raymond Jay, ’67 Eugene Toth, ’78

COLORADO Allen Pritchard, ’40 William Haase, ’48 MICHIGAN STATE Robert Cook, ’48 DELAWARE Geoffrey Oldham, ’88

KANSAS STATE Dale Reed, ‘66 Allan Carter, ’71

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI Hollis Gray, ’59 Billie McCutchen, ’60 James Payne, ‘66 Howard Mathis, ’69 NEW MEXICO STATE Gerald Wickstrom, ’57 David Soules, ’75 KANSAS John Worrall, 51

TEXAS STATE Jack Mondin, ’68 Jeffrey Stone, ’68 EVANSVILLE Larry Phelps, ’71 OLE MISS William Glover, ’98 LYNCHBURG Sean Williams, ’19

WHY I GIVE

G

ary Clark is extraordinarily generous. The Beta chapter alumnus has been giving to the Ohio University Foundation for 59 consecutive years and was recently honored by the University for breaking a record for his uninterrupted giving.

He has been giving to Phi Tau just as long.

Gary initiated into Beta chapter in 1957. At the time, he explains, approximately 40% of the chapter were military veterans, making them a bit older and more mature than the rest of campus.

“Phi Tau dominated the Greek scene at OU during that era and produced countless successful graduates recognized as leaders in their careers,” Gary says. They won Greek championships on campus and were especially well known for winning the Mother’s Weekend singing competitions and for their pin-mate serenades.

As a trained singer himself, Gary was active in the Phi Tau and OU choral groups. “Those undergraduate years were memorable, forma-

tive, and personally rewarding, and I’m thankful for the experience and the lasting friendships fostered by our brotherhood,” Gary said.

“Regarding philanthropy, there are so many worthy causes and such great need, it is impossible to support all of them. I realized that early on and decided to give back to those who have touched me personally first,” Gary said. “My highest giving priorities have always been my church, my Fraternity, and my university.”

“I am 83, retired and comfortable but not wealthy,” he said. “I have always felt that to make the biggest impact, I need to exercise discipline and commitment to support the highest priorities each year. I am not going to endow a building, but I started with a little and have increased to my current giving levels. I truly believe the recipient institution benefits more by having many donors giving consistently over a long period of time as opposed to giving a lot once or twice.”

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SIDELIGHTS

SIDELIGHTS LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

MOVING FORWARD

A

s you have seen throughout this issue of The Laurel, the Fraternity successfully completed an unconventional 64th National Convention at the birthplace of our organization.

Fitting, that it was held during the 115th anniversary year of our founding. Fitting, too, that this location was chosen to be the first gathering point of the Fraternity after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The summer of 2020 we were supposed to have held our Convention in Ft. Worth, Texas. So many things changed from those original plans, and so many plans may continue to change as we begin a Fall 2021 semester with the possibility of a virus surge and campuses/municipalities and states once again imposing protocols that limit interactions/operations. That said, as we transition from our most recent academic year and move into 2021-2022 – I can tell you with confidence that our Fraternity will continue to move forward.

This Convention gave us an opportunity to share in-person fellowship once again in a safe way. For some, it was their first time in any large group gathering. For some, it was their first flight since the start of the pandemic. For others, it was a long car ride (12+ hours in a few cases) one-way to Oxford. For the first time in

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our history — we made it possible for virtual delegates to join us and be a part of this special gathering. We elected new leaders who will guide us forward with resolve. We debated legislative items important to the organization. We celebrated accomplishments and heard from our very best with the Maxwell Founders Four chapters and our Shideler winner. We mourned those we have lost. For all, it was a long-awaited gathering with brothers and friends that buoyed “the spirit of brotherhood” for our Fraternity. In the end, we closed a shortened gathering with our traditional candlelight ceremony.

Sure, things were different. Modified. Adapted. That is what our organization, and its members, have done these past 18+ months. And that is what we will continue to do to keep this brotherhood vibrant across the country. Thank you to each participant – in-person and virtual – for helping to “keep strong your ties.”

Be Well,

WM. TIM HUDSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

DIRECTORY

SHOP PHI TAU!

NATIONAL PRESIDENT Dale Holland Kent State ’87 dholland@phikappatau.org NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Barry Mask Auburn ’78 bmask@phikappatau.org FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN Buzz Green Ole Miss ’66 bgreen@phikappatau.org FOUNDATION VICE CHAIRMAN Warren Mattox Nebraska Wesleyan ’69 wmattox@phikappatau.org CEO Tim Hudson Truman State ’97 thudson@phikappatau.org

VISIT PHIKAPPATAUGEAR.COM FOR ALL OF YOUR MERCH NEEDS!

EDITOR Lilly Steger lsteger@phikappatau.org

Additional contact information for the Executive Office staff, Fraternity National Council, Foundation Board of Trustees, National Advisors, Domain Directors, and Educational Deans can be found at phikappatau.org/contact.

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PHI KAPPA TAU FOUNDATION Ewing T. Boles Executive Offices 5221 Morning Sun Road Oxford, OH 45056

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID OXFORD, OH PERMIT # 13

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SUPPORT YOUR BROTHERS! The Laurel helps provide you with stories that share the highlights of the Fraternity experience today. We hope you have seen examples from this issue that compel you to support our brothers into the future.

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