CHAPTER OF DISTINCTION
GAMMA ALPHA CHAPTER MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY In the city of Houghton, Michigan—located near the northern-
Distinction. Founded in March of 1959, the current chapter
most point of the Upper Peninsula—the average yearly snowfall
is now made up of 33 men—led by President Tyler Brown,
is 218.5 inches. Even in some magical world where that was
Michigan Tech ’18, and Vice President Dairion Hartshorn,
spread over the course of the entire year, it’s still over a half
Michigan Tech ’20. Gamma Alpha also has a slew of notable
inch of snow a day. Housing not only a staggering amount of
alumni and award winners:
snow each year, Houghton is also home to Michigan Techno-
Shideler Award winner: Paul William Cramer ’87
logical University. At this small, public research university, snow
Phi Award winners: Theodore Reiss ’58, John G. Vine ’71,
is a chance to have some fun and an opportunity to show off
Martin Schendel ’81, Joesph B. Kirkish PhD ’58, and
creativity and craft. The MTU Annual Winter Carnival started
Terry Kinzel ’68
in 1922, and has become known for its breathtaking snow stat-
Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Trustees: Richard (Dick) F. Michael
ues, which students and organizations create throughout the
’70, past chairman, and Jim Bacon ’59
campus. Taking first place in the 2022 Monthlong Snow Statue competition and first place in the Winter Carnival Overall
This chapter has a long and standing foundation of success,
competition is Phi Tau’s own Gamma Alpha chapter. With this
which it continues today. With the second highest Chapter Educa-
first place finish, the men of the Gamma Alpha chapter have
tional Grant (CEG) account balance, it is clear that the men from
sculpted a dynasty akin to the Tim Duncan era San Antonio
Michigan Tech have a lasting tie to their chapter and this fraternity.
Spurs—taking home the trophy five of the last six years.
A job very well done to all the men of the Gamma Alpha chapter,
The Gamma Alpha chapter is far from just snow-sculpting experts, these men also comprise our spring 2022 Chapter of
[6] THE LAUREL || MAY 2022
and here’s to many more Winter Carnival trophies to come.
