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Food & Fellowship

Food brings us together in so many ways, and is at the core of our social experience as a fraternity. Be it at a tailgate, backyard barbecue, or just meeting up with the guys at the student union for lunch – often our best memories are shared around good food and fellowship.

In this issue, we’ll learn more about an undergraduate cooking prodigy, a seasoned local guide, and our beloved brother Paul Newman who would be celebrating his 100th birthday this year.

We challenge you to think of food as beyond what’s just on your plate, and moreso think of it as a secret ingredient in fraternity.

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.

30 YEARS OF FUN - PAUL NEWMAN AT 100

The legacy of Paul Newman, Ohio ’43, goes beyond Hollywood—on his 100th birthday, we celebrate his impact on philanthropy, food, and the lives of countless children. From founding Newman’s Own, which has donated over $600 million to charity, to creating the SeriousFun Children’s Network, he turned success into service. As Phi Kappa Tau marks 30 years of partnership with SeriousFun, we honor a brother whose vision continues to inspire leadership, generosity, and, above all, serious fun.

FEATURES

6 UNDERGRADUATE CHEF READY FOR PRIME TIME

Cornell junior and Phi Kappa Tau president Arnav Kamulkar, Cornell ’24, isn’t just leading his fraternity—he’s making waves in the culinary world as a competitor on Next Level Chef. From cooking for his brothers to battling industry veterans on national TV, his journey proves that food isn’t just about flavor—it’s about community, passion, and resilience.

10 LOCAL GUIDE, SOCIAL MEDIA STAR, PHI TAU

Anas Saba, Belmont ’17, founder of Nashville Hidden Gems, turned his passion for local food into a thriving platform that spotlights mom-and-pop restaurants and under-theradar culinary gems. What began as food tours with his Phi Kappa Tau brothers at Belmont University has grown into a full-time career in content creation, storytelling, and communitydriven dining experiences.

12 KAPPA GETS CAMP READY

Over the past two years, Phi Kappa Tau’s Kappa Chapter at the University of Kentucky has ignited a movement, leading the charge in Phi Tau’s national recommitment to hands-on volunteering with SeriousFun Children’s Network. What started as a simple decision to show up at camp has transformed their chapter, inspiring a surge of in-person engagement that’s redefining fraternity philanthropy nationwide.

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/ laurelfeedback

SIDELIGHTS

Sidelights is the official newsletter of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and Foundation. 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 of the Fraternity and Foundation.

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

TAKING IT

SERIOUSLY

Asthe final year of my term as your President comes closer to its end, I have continued to travel paths through our brotherhood. In the past six months alone, I have been blessed to go as far northwest as Sacramento, California, as far southeast as Athens, Georgia, and many cities, schools and chapters in between. I was fortunate to walk the halls, kitchens, basements and meeting rooms of our brothers, seeing and feeling their joy.

I walked with brothers up to the edge of Chapter Eternal as we honored the life of our brother, Mr. Bill, and gathered in a circle to express tears and heartfelt words. On another path, I felt the dark cover of death casting its shadow on one of our brothers as he sought to manage his heart’s sorrow in the passing of the love of his life. I witnessed brothers showing up to share their hearts, time, and brotherhood with our grieving brother.

My journey has included several paths through chapter reunions, where in each the air was lit by the fires of energy and optimism

beaming from brothers of all ages. I was fortunate to be in the presence of young student brothers reminding all of us what we felt when we roamed campuses with three beloved letters on our shirts. I witnessed older brothers still very much involved in helping their chapters as volunteers in a BOG, Housing Corp., Grad Council, and otherwise, striving to do what they could to help develop men of distinction and keep strong their ties to their chapters. One could step back to see the combined kaleidoscope of men exuding a combined energy as if from one bright star above in the zenith of our fraternity.

I also was blessed to participate in the association ceremony of several groups of men wanting to create new chapters of Phi Taus. In one situation, I was blessed to participate in the combined initiation ceremonies of two schools — several dozen young brothers-to-be from two different chapters, all coming together at the same place one day as a symbolical and physical representation of who we are: men coming together from different parts of the country to form one brotherhood.

I was sad to journey through a path lined with the sad markings of a brother’s illness, where he and all of us were receiving time’s not-so-gentle reminder that no person is above its tick-tocking. Equally unfortunate, I traveled some difficult paths where I witnessed and

encountered boulders of objection, challenge, frustration, and brothers’ outright refusal to participate with brothers. And then traveled down other difficult paths where brothers were faced with the reality of having to face consequences of their conduct, having to do so in the midst and perception of their brothers, and through those experiences all of us finding ourselves delving deeper into what it truly means to be a brother, accountable to ourselves and to our brothers.

I was fortunate to walk a path of history, as I explored the words of brothers who entered chapter eternal decades ago. Words reflected in old National Council minutes, old rituals, old copies of our Laurel, and old documents of governance and formation where I was encouraged by the fraternal spirit of our brothers of long ago as they espoused their hearts’ commitment to the development of our brotherhood spirit and how that commitment translated to a compelling force in their decisions.

In the midst of all these travels through cities, events, memories and experiences, I came upon a phrase that reached out and struck me like lightning. I was learning about the life of a remarkable man in our country’s history where a phrase was used, “it never seemed he took love seriously.” I stopped to think about the number of times along the Harvard red and old gold paths I traveled have I witnessed or felt the “taking of love seriously.” The faces and actions of the hundreds of brothers I have been blessed to be in the presence of; the sounds and tones of hundreds of voices I have listened to; the dozens upon dozens of words sent to me in emails and texts; and the thousands of thoughts I have thought about in the many hours sleepless nights — thoughts about challenges on my plate as President; thoughts about my brothers and our brotherhood. I pondered about how many times have I seen love taken “seriously.” Or, alternatively at least from what I could perceive, where did it seem to me that love was not being taken as

seriously as it could be?

Each one of us has been invited to gather in July in one grand brotherhood event we call “Convention.” We have invited each other in advance of this great event to propose legislation if any of Council (national, resident, or graduate) feels it is necessary to make our brotherhood stronger and/or more efficient. We have invited and encouraged each other to apply for nomination for national office for those who feel led to participate in national leadership. We have invited each other to just come and share time and break bread with each other as the brothers that we are; to voice our thoughts and, perhaps, our dreams; to give abrazos to each other as brothers.

In the lead up to this reunion, and once we arrive and walk through the paths of our “sessions” and gatherings, I’ll be looking to enjoy the extent to which each of us, including me, are taking love “seriously” — I mean, really, seriously. In the context of this grand reunion what could that even look like? I don’t mean just a love for the mythical, grand experience we call “fraternity,” but rather a real, indisputable love by each man, for each man, as the base, primary force which drives everything we do with each other.

I hope our reunion this Convention is remembered and cherished for this one unique factor — that no person at the Convention would wonder whether we “ever took love seriously.” Believing in the spirit of brotherhood, I look forward to being with you. Until then, I invite you to look overhead for the star, as it still shines on us from our zenith to guide us on our red and gold path.

In the spirit of brotherhood,

MIKE MCCRUM NATIONAL PRESIDENT

THE LAUREL OF PHI KAPPA TAU SPRING 2025 VOL. 111 ISSUE 1

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Matt Arnold, Southern Illinois ’24

Matt DeWolf

Craig Krygowski, Southern Illinois ’17

Mike McCrum, Texas State ’75

CONTRIBUTORS

Charlie Ball, Miami ‘82

Logan Lukacs, Baldwin Wallace ’10

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.

Food for Thought: A RECIPE FOR OUR SUCCESS

Phi Kappa Tau has recently achieved remarkable growth, with the average chapter size increasing to 52 members—the highest in years. This surge is attributed to successful recruitment efforts across various chapters, such as Alpha Lambda at Auburn, which welcomed a 50-man associate class with a 100% initiation rate, and Lambda at Purdue, which expanded from under 10 members to 78 in one semester. The Fraternity's undergraduate base now stands at 4,145 members. Additionally, new chapters have been re-established at institutions like Cal State Fullerton and Texas A&M, each starting with 37 associates, bolstering the organization’s overall expansion. So you may be wondering, what’s the recipe for our success?

LARGEST CHAPTER 4 123 0 CHAPTERS CLOSED IN 2024

52 AVERAGE CHAPTER SIZE

(PREVIOUSLY 43)

CHAPTERS OPENED IN 2024

ACCORDING TO BENCHMARKED PEER DATA

350 UNDERGRADUATES WHO’VE ATTENDED A NATIONAL PROGRAM IN 2025!

123 CHAPTER VISITS BY EXECUTIVE OFFICES STAFF

Phi Kappa Tau's Secret Recruitment Sauce

(Serves as many as you can go out and recruit!)

INGREDIENTS

• One dedicated recruitment chairman or committee to dedicate the time to planning.

• Setting goals with your chapter that will ultimately grow your chapter and not just keep the same amount of men around.

• A generous serving of alumni support, from mentoring to finances – in invaluable resource!

• A dash of technology to manage the process using the Phi Kappa Growth System.

• Knowledge of the resources you have on hand from local support and the executive offices such as your Recruitment Advisor on your Board of Governors and your Growth Consultant.

• Free food is always a plus.

• A PLAN!!!

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Do NOT just depend on formal recruitment to get the job done. Your secret ingredient will come from recruiting 365 days a year.

• Build recruitment events around what your chapter already likes to do like sports or meals!

• Don’t forget about your chapter’s unique flavor and find recruits that will help grow your group long term. Quantity AND Quality!

$366,410

Need help with this recipe? Contact your chapter’s growth consultant at phikappatau.org/connect.

LARGEST GIFT GIVEN, JAMES B. BACON

$250k

600+ IN SUPPORT FROM PHI KAPPA TAU FOUNDATION

REGISTERED VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTING OUR CHAPTERS ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

Arvav Kamulkar

A PassionCulinary Fueled Brotherhoodby

For many college students, life is a careful balancing act—juggling academics, extracurriculars, and personal growth. For chapter president Arnav Kamulkar, Cornell ’24, that balancing act also includes professional cooking at the highest levels. As a competitor on Season 4 of Next Level Chef, a hospitality student, and a fraternity leader, Kamulkar's journey is one that intertwines food, community, and ambition.

Kamulkar’s love for food started early. Raised in a family that cherished cooking and exploring new cuisines, he was naturally drawn to the culinary arts. “Food has always been part of my life,” Kamulkar reflects. “My mom loved to cook, my family loved to travel, and wherever we traveled, we ate. So, it was always around me.”

However, it wasn’t until COVID-19 that he began to see food as more than just a personal passion. Like many during the pandemic, Kamulkar found himself at a crossroads, reevaluating his future and what he truly wanted to pursue.

“I realized that hospitality, being able to serve other people and give people experiences and improve their lives, was definitely my calling,” he says. “And my way of doing that has always been feeding people.”

Kamulkar’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was invited to compete on Next Level Chef, one of Gordon Ramsay’s latest cooking reality shows

on Fox. On the show, chefs are paired with professional chefs Gordon Ramsey, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais. The competition that tests chefs in three distinct kitchen environments—one state-ofthe-art, one standard, and one that isn’t too different than what you’d find in a chapter house. Kamulkar’s season was focused on popular chefs from social media, home cooks, and professional chefs. In many ways, Kamulkar fits into all three categories although at this point in his career he was placed in the home cook category.

“A lot of people ask me, ‘What encouraged you to apply?’ But honestly, I just got reached out to,” Kamulkar says, recalling how a casting agent discovered him via LinkedIn. The application process was grueling: an 80-page application, multiple rounds of interviews, background checks, and references, all over the span of several months.

When he was finally selected, it felt surreal.

“My first real private chef booking was two Phi Tau alumni who came back to support me. They booked a dinner for ten... They spent money not just for the meal, but to give me an opportunity.”

“I've been watching all of Gordon Ramsay’s shows since I was a kid. That’s how I procrastinated in class— watching Kitchen Nightmares, Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, everything. And suddenly, I was part of that world.”

Being one of the youngest contestants on the show, at just 19 years old, Kamulkar faced stiff competition from industry veterans. But he took it in stride, seeing it as a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.

“I was spending every second of it learning from the chefs around me, as well as Gordon Ramsay, Ayesha Arrington, and Richard Blais—people I grew up watching, looking up to, and reading their recipes and cookbooks. It was surreal.”

While competing on a national stage was a huge milestone, Kamulkar’s culinary roots remain deeply tied to his fraternity. As the president of Phi Kappa Tau’s Alpha Upsilon chapter, he believes food is an essential part of the brotherhood experience.

“Good food is the core of fraternity life,” he explains. “I always think about how often we can get seniors, who live far off campus, to walk 30 minutes in Ithaca weather to the house just to hang out. And the answer is always mealtimes.”

Kamulkar describes the dining room as a space where bonds are formed.

“My favorite times to be at the house are right around 12:45 when our chef, MTC, starts lunch service, and again at 5:00 when he puts out dinner. Even if I’m not eating, I love sitting in the dining room and just listening to the ridiculous conversations we have. That’s what a brotherhood is—it’s about connecting with people, sharing stories, and just being present.”

Food is also Kamulkar’s way of giving back to the Fraternity.

“I try to cook for the Brotherhood as much as I can,” he says. One of his most memorable contributions was cooking a grand meal for the chapter’s bid dinner, a special event for welcoming new members.

“Instead of taking them out to a restaurant, I wanted to cook for them. So with MTC, we cooked for 40 brothers and 20 potential new members. We made risotto, chicken piccata, crostinis with caprese salad, olive tapenade, and two whole trays of tiramisu.”

The reaction was priceless.

“Bringing out the food and seeing people go wild over it—it was amazing. For some of them, it was their first time trying dishes like that. And that’s what makes it fun.”

Kamulkar’s experience in high-pressure kitchens has also shaped his leadership style as chapter president. Managing a fraternity’s executive board, he says, is not unlike managing a restaurant kitchen.

“Being a chef has taught me how to handle a lot of different personalities, opinions, and schedules. Tensions can run high, especially around prelim or finals season. My job is to make sure that everyone stays on task and keeps pushing forward.”

At the same time, his fraternity experience has reinforced his belief in following his passion for food, despite the industry’s challenges.

“I always knew I wanted to be in food and beverage, but it’s not a super lucrative industry. When I told people I wanted to go into this, I’d see their reactions—like, ‘Really?’ But my brothers at Phi Tau gave me the best advice: It’s better to be broke and happy than rich and miserable. And if you’re good at something, people will pay for it.”

Kamulkar credits much of his success to the unwav-

ering support of his fraternity brothers.

“My first real private chef booking? It was two Phi Tau alumni who came back just to support me. They booked a dinner for ten, and we made surf and turf—steak and lobster. They spent money not just for the meal, but to give me an opportunity.”

His fraternity brothers have been his sous-chefs, his meal-prep customers, and his biggest promoters.

“When I started a mealprep business, my first trial run? All brothers in the house. Most of my customers moving forward? All brothers, or their friends and partners. Every step of the way, they’ve been my support system.”

“Good food is the core of fraternity life... That's what a brotherhood is–it's about connecting with people, sharing stories, and just being present."

Even when it comes to Next Level Chef, Kamulkar doesn’t have to advertise himself.

“I don’t really enjoy marketing or talking about myself—it feels weird to bring up the show. But my brothers? They shamelessly tell the whole world for me. They’re always reposting, liking, commenting, getting the word out. That’s what a brotherhood is.”

With so many achievements already under his belt, the future is

bright for Kamulkar. But for now, he remains focused on what matters most—honing his craft and building meaningful connections through food.

As for advice to fellow college students who may not be chefs but want to cook for themselves, Kamulkar keeps it simple.

“Every college student should know how to make three things: A good ramen—not instant ramen, but real ramen. A solid soup, because when it’s freezing, nothing is better. And good grilled shrimp tacos—you just can’t go wrong.”

Whether he’s cooking in high-pressure TV competitions, running a fraternity chapter, or serving up breakfast for his brothers who stayed up too late “studying”, Kamulkar is proof that food is more than just nourishment. It’s a means of connection, a tool for leadership, and above all, a passion worth pursuing.

And if there’s one thing that remains certain, it’s this: Wherever Arnav Kamulkar goes, food and Phi Tau will always follow.

“The food tour started actually because of Phi Tau. Three of my closest friends, who were brothers, lived near my favorite taco truck, and I made it my mission to take them there. Then word got around, and I started taking more and more brothers.”

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP Anas Saba

A Hidden Gem in the South

In the heart of Nashville’s vibrant food scene, Anas Saba, Belmont ’17, has carved out a space that goes beyond simple restaurant recommendations. As the founder of Nashville Hidden Gems, a platform dedicated to highlighting mom-and-pop eateries and lesser-known culinary hotspots, Saba has brought attention to the cultural and culinary diversity of the city. His journey, however, did not start in the digital realm. It began with a deep appreciation for local food, a strong connection to his community, and an experience with the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity that would shape his approach to business and connection.

Saba’s approach to exploring food is rooted in authenticity. “I personally really like just going at a slower pace and trying to experience the city the way a local would,” he shares. This philosophy has guided him as he built Nashville Hidden Gems, where he showcases restaurants that serve their communities daily rather than catering exclusively to tourists. “I want to know what the spots are that are feeding locals day in and day out,” he says.

This mindset has allowed him to challenge culinary stereotypes and broaden people’s understanding of different cuisines. “It’s so easy to put a certain type of cuisine in a box. But a lot of that is shaped by how food gets adapted to an American palate,” he explains. Through his platform, he aims to present the full depth and breadth of these cuisines by letting the people behind the food tell their own stories. Surprisingly, the Nashville Hidden Gems Instagram account started as an extension of Saba’s food tours, which he launched before the social media page even existed. “The food tour started actually because of Phi Tau,” Saba reflects. “Three of my closest friends, who were brothers, lived near my favorite taco truck,

and I made it my mission to take them there. Then word got around, and I started taking more and more brothers.”

He estimates that over one semester, he introduced about 40 fraternity brothers and associates to the South Nashville area’s diverse food scene. That experience planted the seed for what would eventually become a full-fledged business. “I was basically doing a food tour before I even called it that,” he recalls.

Realizing the potential of curating these experiences, Saba turned to the Airbnb Experiences platform, where he began offering guided food tours. “It wasn’t making me a ton of money, but it was making me some, and I loved it,” he says. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a screeching halt. “When everything went [upside down], I decided to use the page to highlight mom-and-pop restaurants.”

What started as a way to support struggling businesses quickly gained traction, growing to 20,000 followers. Recognizing the shift in the creator economy, Saba decided to transition into content creation full-time. “I don’t think people talk enough about how

“Food is sacred to me. I grew up in a home where food was a way to bring people together."

much the pandemic transformed the creator economy. I saw people leaving their stable jobs to do this full-time, so I thought, why not try?”

Today, Saba’s revenue comes primarily from brand deals and food tours. “80% of my income last year was from brand deals, and 20% came from the tours,” he explains. While this model has allowed him to sustain his business, he’s actively working to diversify revenue streams. “I don’t like being in a position where I’m dependent on brands reaching out to me. So, I’m looking into creating educational content for restaurant owners on how to run their own social media.”

Saba believes that many small business owners struggle with digital marketing because of a lack of confidence and knowledge. “A lot of restaurants outsource social media to agencies that don’t really understand their brand. I want to give them the tools to do it themselves in a way that is affordable and effective.”

His time in Phi Kappa Tau played a significant role in his journey. Serving as Vice President of Alumni Relations, Saba was responsible for planning events, an experience that proved invaluable when he later transitioned to organizing food tours and corporate experiences. “I planned a formal, which was way more work than any event I’ve done since. That gave me the confidence that I could put together something people would enjoy and run it well.”

The fraternity also gave him a built-in audience for his early explorations. “I think there was a bit of lore around me taking people to these spots,” he laughs. “When I was an associate,

brothers would say, ‘Hey, I heard you know all the best places. Let’s go!’”

The impact of those experiences didn’t hit him until he realized how many of his fraternity brothers had never explored the South Nashville food scene. “I had juniors and seniors telling me, ‘I never even knew about this place.’ That’s when it clicked for me—there was a real need to showcase these restaurants.”

For those looking to break into content creation, Saba emphasizes the importance of treating it like a business. “You have to think about the value you’re providing. What problem are you solving? Who is your audience?” he advises.

While brand deals can be lucrative, he warns against relying solely on them. “It’s hard to get predictable, stable income that way. You need multiple revenue streams.”

His biggest piece of advice? Stay true to your voice. “I don’t want to be one of those sensationalized food influencers. Food is sacred to me. I grew up in a home where food was a way to bring people together. That’s why I tell stories instead of just doing cheese pulls for the gram.”

As he looks ahead, Saba is focused on growing the business in a sustainable way. “I want to create educational tools for restaurant owners so they can take ownership of their online presence. My goal is to empower them to reach a point where they don’t even need social media anymore because they have a steady stream of customers.”

Despite the unpredictability of the creator economy, Saba remains confident in his mission. “I just want to keep highlighting these incredible restaurants and the people behind them. That’s what Nashville Hidden Gems has always been about.”

From his days taking fraternity brothers to his favorite taco truck to building a thriving content platform, Saba’s journey is a testament to the power of food, community, and authentic storytelling. Through Nashville Hidden Gems, he’s not just sharing meals—he’s creating connections and preserving the rich cultural tapestry of his city.

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP Paul Newman

Paul Newman at 100: A Legacy of Purpose and Philanthropy

This year marks what would have been the 100th birthday of one of Phi Kappa Tau’s most celebrated members, Paul Newman. A man of remarkable talent, charisma, and boundless generosity, Newman left a legacy that extends far beyond the silver screen. In addition, this year also commemorates the 30th anniversary of Phi Kappa Tau’s partnership with the SeriousFun Children’s Network, an organization that embodies Newman’s philanthropic spirit. While we have often honored Newman’s achievements, this milestone offers a special opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of his vision, both in entertainment and philanthropy.

More Than a Movie Star

For many of our undergraduate members, Paul Newman is best known as the voice of Doc Hudson in Cars, but for older generations, he was a Hollywood legend—a performer who brought depth and authenticity to every role he played. Whether as Fast Eddie Felson in The Hustler, Butch Cassidy, or a relentless lawyer in The Verdict, Newman had an ability to captivate audiences with his talent and charisma. His career spanned five decades, earning him ten Academy Award nominations and one win for The Color of Money.

Yet, while he loved acting, Newman always viewed his profession as just one piece of his larger purpose. His passion for food, philanthropy, and service ultimately defined his greatest legacy.

A Recipe for Good: The Birth of Newman’s Own

Food is a universal language. It brings people together, evokes memories, and carries a sense of comfort. Paul Newman understood this deeply. In the early 1980s, what began as a simple kitchen experiment—bottling his homemade salad dressing to give as holiday gifts— quickly evolved into a business with a purpose.

Newman’s Own was officially launched in 1982 with a revolutionary business model: donate 100% of profits to charitable causes. The first product, his now-iconic salad dressing, took off immediately.

Consumers connected not only with its high quality and all-natural ingredients but also with the idea that their purchase was helping others. Newman’s commitment to excellence and authenticity resonated in every jar and bottle sold.

Today, Newman’s Own has expanded into a full-fledged food empire, offering everything from pasta sauce to frozen pizza, lemonade to popcorn. Over the past four decades, the brand has generated more than $600 million for charitable organizations worldwide.

Even more remarkable is how the brand’s mission continues to impact everyday consumers. The simple act of picking up a Newman’s Own product at the grocery store means supporting a cause, turning an everyday purchase into an act of giving. This commitment to blending business with philanthropy set a precedent that inspired future celebrity-driven charitable enterprises, proving that commerce and compassion can coexist.

A Serious Commitment to Fun: The Creation of SeriousFun Children’s Network Newman’s philanthropy didn’t stop at food. In 1988, he sought to create a space where children facing serious illnesses could simply be kids. His idea was bold: a camp where fun, adventure, and laughter would replace the constant medical concerns that these children faced daily.

The first camp, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, became a haven of joy. With a focus on medically safe yet incredibly fun experiences, it allowed children who often felt different due to their conditions to feel a sense of belonging. Newman’s

“Paul's passion for service wasn't just a personal endeavor–it was deeply rooted in his identity as a member of Phi Kappa Tau."

guiding principle was simple: “I wanted to acknowledge luck: the luck I’ve had, and the luck others haven’t.”

His vision grew into what is now the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global initiative with over 30 camps and programs serving more than 1.4 million children and families. These camps provide a crucial respite, free of charge, offering kids with life-threatening illnesses a chance to play, explore, and simply experience childhood as it should be.

30 Years of Brotherhood and Philanthropy:

Phi Kappa Tau and SeriousFun

Although his time in Phi Kappa Tau was brief as an undergraduate before leaving Ohio University for military service, the values of leadership and service that are inherent to our fraternity are a consistent theme in Newman’s life. It’s only fitting that, for the past three decades, Phi Kappa Tau has stood proudly alongside SeriousFun Children’s Network as its national philanthropic partner.

Over the years, Phi Kappa Tau members have contributed thousands of volunteer hours and raised millions of dollars to support Newman’s vision. Whether through organizing fundraising events, serving as camp counselors, or spreading awareness on campus, our brothers have embraced the cause wholeheartedly.

For many undergraduates, a summer at a SeriousFun camp is a life-changing experience. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of Newman’s dream— to see children, who have faced unthinkable challenges, laughing, playing, and just being kids. That experience embodies what it means to be a Phi Kappa Tau: to lead, to serve, and to leave the world a better place than we found it.

SERIOUSFUN FACTS

$30,000

The amount Phi Kappa Tau donated to SeriousFun as a one time gift in honor of 30 years of philanthropic support in honor of our partnership.

1,000%

The increase of Phi Kappa Tau volunteers at camp from 2023-2024.

$100,000

The average annual contribution from Phi Kappa Tau undergradaute chapters to camps.

100%

The amount of Phi Kappa Tau SeriousFun volunteers who recommend volunteering again.

(Left to right) Representatives from Phi Kappa Tau at the Night of SeriousFun Gala in New York City, NY. Thousands of dollars of aid have been distributed through the newly renamed Bill Jenkins SeriousFun Stipend.

A BROTHERHOOD OF SERVICE AND IMPACT WITH SERIOUSFUN CHILDREN’S NETWORK

At the University of Kentucky, the men of Kappa Chapter are redefining fraternity philanthropy. Their engagement with SeriousFun Children’s Network is not just about raising money— it’s about showing up, hands-on, for children who need support.

Discovering the Call to Serve

For Michael Wheeler, Kentucky ’22 and Ryan Sullivan, Kentucky ’22, the journey into SeriousFun began with a question: What does our philanthropy really do? In their freshman year, they explored Phi Kappa Tau’s national partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network, an organization founded by actor and Phi Kappa Tau member Paul Newman, Ohio ’43 that provides life-changing camp experiences for children with serious illnesses. Their curiosity quickly turned into action.

“I remember Ryan saying, ‘What if we actually went to one of these camps?’” Wheeler recalls. “I had nothing going on that summer, so I thought, why not?”

They signed up as counselors for a week at a gastrointestinal and transplant camp, diving headfirst into an experience that would leave a permanent mark. Neither had ever attended summer camp as kids, so their first glimpse into camp life was as volunteers, witnessing the magic of an environment where children with serious medical conditions could simply be kids.

“That first week showed me the power of what we were doing,” Wheeler says. “Seeing a camper open up, find confidence, and realize they belong—it’s something I can’t even describe.”

Sullivan adds, “After that, we knew we had to get more of our brothers involved. It wasn’t enough just to know we were sending money. We needed to show up.”

Little did brothers and Wheeler and Sullivan know, undergraduate involvement at camps had hit an all-time low postcovid. The initial summer that Ryan and Michael volunteered at camp, they were some of the only Phi Kappa Tau undergraduate men to have an in-person experience at a SeriousFun Camp.

These low numbers inspired the “Every Camp in the Country” initiative in April of 2024 which resulted in a 1000% increase in undergraduate camp involvement in the Summer of 2024.

This organizational culture shift was felt at a national level but started locally for Kappa – who holds the record for 2024 of most volunteers at Serious Fun for overnight sessions.

Before Wheeler and Sullivan’s summer at camp, Kappa Chapter’s involvement with SeriousFun was largely financial. But their enthusiasm ignited a shift. Returning to campus, they began advocating for volunteerism, telling their stories, and encouraging others to experience camp firsthand.

“At first, guys were hesitant,” Wheeler admits. “There was this idea that it was a huge time commitment, or that we’d be doing medical work. But once we explained that our role was just to be a friend, a role model—it started clicking.”

In Fall 2023, they recruited more members to attend weekend family camps. By spring, the movement had gained momentum. As new volunteers returned, their stories further fueled interest, creating a ripple effect. “Word of mouth was everything,” Ryan Sullivan says. “One experience turned into four, then eight. Now, we’re at the point where we have so many guys wanting to go that we may have to limit spots.”

Beyond individual experiences, their involvement reshaped chapter engagement. “Before, philanthropy events struggled with turnout,” says Jayden McBride, the chapter’s philanthropy chair. “But now that guys have been to camp and seen the impact, they show up. We regularly get 85-98% chapter attendance at our events. It’s no longer just about raising money—it’s about our connection to something real.”

The impact of Kappa Chapter’s volunteerism extends beyond their fraternity. Recognizing the need for consistent camp volunteers, they established the SeriousFun Volunteers Club at the University of Kentucky. This organization invites

students outside of Phi Kappa Tau—across Greek life and beyond—to get involved.

“It’s about more than just our chapter,” says Sullivan. “We’re looking at the bigger picture. If we can build a network of volunteers across campus, that’s what’s really going to make a difference long-term.”

Transforming Recruitment and Reputation

Kappa Chapter’s commitment to SeriousFun has also given them a unique advantage in recruitment. In a campus environment with 22 fraternities, standing out is crucial.

“Our philanthropy is no longer just a bullet point,” Wheeler says. “It’s something tangible, something that guys see as a real opportunity. When we talk about camp during recruitment, parents love it. Even guys who aren’t sure at first start getting excited when they hear about what we do.”

While the benefits to the chapter are clear, the heart of their work remains the campers. Each member has a story about a child who left an unforgettable impression.

Wheeler recalls a young boy in Ryan Sullivan’s cabin who struggled to finish meals due to medical restrictions. “Every day, he watched other kids dance after dinner while he had to use his feeding tube. On the last day, he finally finished a meal. He got to dance for the first time. You could see how proud he was. That was the moment I knew I had to come back.”

RJ Temple, Kentucky ’22, remembers an arts and crafts session with a camper and her sibling. “We spent an hour painting and bedazzling everything in sight. When they left, their mom pulled me aside and said, ‘I’ve never seen my kid have so much fun doing something like this.’ That stuck with me.”

Looking Ahead

With their momentum growing, Kappa Chapter has no plans to slow down. Their focus now is expanding their reach, sending volunteers to more SeriousFun camps across the country. While Flying Horse Farms in Ohio has become their home base, members are exploring opportunities at The Painted Turtle in California and Victory Junction in North Carolina.

“We want to be a national presence,” says Sullivan. “Phi Tau has chapters all over the country. If we can set the example, maybe we can inspire other chapters to follow suit.”

Phi Kappa Tau members at Flying Horse Farms in Mt. Gilead, OH.

UNDERGRAD FOOD FACTS!

We polled our followers, and here’s what they had to say about food and Phi Kappa Tau!

Top Tailgate Food

Campus Spotlights

Our chapters have made an incredible impact on their communities in the past several months. Here's a selection of some of the great work our men are doing! Want to stay up to date with all of our chapters? Be sure to follow us on social media @phikappatau across all platforms!

1 ZETA XI

Self dubbed the “Phi Tau Hotdog Capital”, the Zeta Xi chapter has found a way to get their name out there using the power of one of America’s most loved foods. “We are the only tent, within the lot, that has a grill.” said Joseph, a current active member. “We give hotdogs out for free every game and theres always a line at our tent for them.” When asked what they enjoy most about being the go-to glizzy distributors on game-day, he said, “We get tons of traffic to our tent and its really fun interacting with all the people who stop by. We made a lot of connections from people coming to our tent and we've built a name for ourselves on campus by serving hotdogs.”

Brothers at Westminster braved the wintry weather and helped deliver food to homeless shelters.

Brothers in Boulder raised over $1,000 and collected over 1,000 servings of food that they donated to a local homeless shelter for Thanksgiving!

EPSILON UPSILON

Brothers from the chapter partnered with Fit and Food (@fitandfoodconnection) to help deliver meals to those in need within the St.Louis community.

For more Chapter Snapshots, follow @PhiKappaTau on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin.

2 DELTA THETA

The chapter held an alumni brunch and had a great turnout.

3 BETA PHI

4 PSI

Face to Face: In-Person

Programs Bigger Than Ever!

96% felt more connected to Phi Tau after attending an in-person program

Phi Kappa Tau is committed to fostering leadership, brotherhood, and personal growth among its members. In early 2025, two key in-person programs—the Zenith Officer Institute and Regional Conferences—served as dynamic platforms to develop, educate, and inspire the fraternity’s undergraduate leaders and members. Through hands-on experiences, insightful discussions, and meaningful networking, these events strengthened the fraternity’s mission and impact on a national level.

and intimate discussions. This format enabled participants to engage in more personalized and effective learning experiences. Attendees gained actionable strategies and tools to bring back to their chapters, enhancing operations, recruitment, and internal dynamics.

80% of all chapters were represented across all programs

From January 9-12, the third annual Zenith Officer Institute was held at the Hilton Rosemont O’Hare in Chicago, IL. This premier leadership summit welcomed 193 attendees, including chapter Presidents, Treasurers, Membership Orientation Officers, and Recruitment Chairmen. The event provided a structured yet engaging environment for undergraduates to refine their leadership skills, learn from seasoned professionals, and build deeper connections within Phi Kappa Tau.

For the first time, officer tracks were divided into smaller cohorts, allowing for tailored guidance

The Phi Kappa Tau Foundation played a critical role in making Zenith a reality by minimizing financial barriers. In addition to providing generous funding to the Fraternity’s educational programming, many undergraduates benefited from travel assistance, ensuring broader participation. The return of “Badges of Honor and Credit”, small stickers that attendees could add to their name tags to acknowledge alumni support, not only reinforced financial accessibility but also cultivated a culture of philanthropy.

The impact of Zenith extended beyond leadership training. Brothers were moved by inspiring keynote speakers, including Guillermo Flores, Southern Illinois ’08, founder of Fraternity Social Media, who emphasized the importance of storytelling and digital engagement to strengthen fraternity visibility. Additionally, Michael Wheeler,

Kentucky ’22, celebrated a remarkable 1,000% increase in SeriousFun camp volunteerism, motivating brothers to embrace service as a core tenet of their Phi Tau experience.

Beyond structured sessions, attendees described the event as a powerful brotherhood experience. For many, Zenith was their first national Phi Tau event (151 of the 193 participants). Post-event assessments revealed that 96% of attendees felt more connected to the fraternity after Zenith, highlighting the summit’s effectiveness in deepening fraternal bonds.

Reflecting on the experience, one attendee shared:

“I was impacted by the sense of brotherhood that I saw here, considering that I’ve never been with this many brothers all in one area.”

Another participant emphasized key takeaways:

“Leading by example, using facilitation, and bringing brothers up through the membership process so they can become quality brothers.”

data indicated that for 159 out of 226 attendees, it was their first national fraternity event. This underscores the essential role these gatherings play in broadening members’ experiences and strengthening their commitment to Phi Tau.

The conferences fostered valuable discussions, covering topics such as leadership, professional development, and fraternity updates. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of their roles and how to navigate challenges within their chapters.

The success of Zenith reinforced Phi Kappa Tau’s commitment to developing men of character into Men of Distinction.

Following Zenith, Phi Kappa Tau launched 10 Regional Conferences across the country, reaching a total of 226 attendees. These day-long conferences were designed to provide localized support, professional development, and networking opportunities for new members and chapter leaders.

Held at campuses such as the University of Alabama, Texas State University, and Baldwin Wallace University, these events emphasized engagement and accessibility. Their drivein format encouraged participation, and financial assistance through Chapter Educational Grants (CEG) further supported undergraduate attendance.

Much like Zenith, the Regional Conferences provided an introduction to Phi Kappa Tau on a national level. Post-event

Reflections from attendees captured the essence of these experiences:

“Having a position doesn’t make you a leader; your actions are what make you a leader.”

“Phi Tau is a very connected and big brotherhood that genuinely wants to see you succeed.”

“Do not worry about failing—focus on learning. The more you learn now, the better you will be set up for in the future.”

Through these messages, it is clear that the Regional Conferences empowered members to take ownership of their leadership journeys and apply key learnings to their home chapters.

As Phi Kappa Tau continues to build upon the momentum of Zenith Officer Institute and Regional Conferences, the fraternity is cultivating a new generation of leaders. With over 350 undergraduates participating across both programs, these events have significantly contributed to chapter growth, operational excellence, and the reinforcement of Phi Kappa Tau’s values.

By investing in leadership development and fostering strong fraternal bonds, Phi Kappa Tau is ensuring that its members are equipped with the tools, inspiration, and connections needed to thrive—not just in their fraternity, but in their personal and professional lives.

In 2025, these programs reaffirmed what it means to be a Phi Tau man.

(Top to bottom) Bluegrass Regional Conference at the University of Louisville; Heartland Regional Conference at the University of Kansas.

NEW RECORD SET FOR FIFTH ANNUAL FOUNDERS DAY OF GIVING

NEARLY $300,000 RAISED IN THE “LEAD THE WAY” CAMPAIGN

Phi Kappa Tau members, parents and friends all helped to “Lead the Way” with gifts of all sizes to help celebrate the Fraternity’s 119th birthday and to support undergraduate members. The majority of gifts benefitted the Brotherhood Fund which provides direct support to educational initiatives of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Gifts also supported chapter-based housing projects and Chapter Educational Grant Funds. Several hundred donors made leadership gifts of more than $1000, setting the pace for the most successful Day of Giving since it began five years ago. This year’s total is almost a ten-fold increase over the first Day of Giving totals.

MCCRUM FAMILY MAKES MAJOR GIFT IN LEAD-UP TO FOUNDERS DAY

National President Mike McCrum, Texas State ’75, and his wife, Ana, have created the Foundation’s newest endowed fund with a gift of $25,000. The new “McCrum Family Brotherhood Fund” will support annual educational programming of the national fraternity. An important and required element of the fund is that each recipient program must emphasize and teach the “moral and ethical principles of brotherhood, fellowship and mutual support”. In establishing the fund, McCrum emphasized that “This is not a gift. We consider it an investment in the future of our Fraternity.” Throughout his presidency, McCrum has emphasized the importance of brotherhood as the fundamental principle of Phi Kappa Tau.

“The message of support and encouragement conveyed by this great new fund from the McCrums cannot be understated”

says Foundation CEO Craig Rogers. “Mike and his family set the example of how to “Lead the Way” on the eve of our 5th annual Founders Day of Giving.”

BICHIMER FAMILY CREATES MEMORIAL FUND TO HONOR PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT RAYMOND A. BICHIMER

When past national president Raymond A. Bichimer (Ohio State ’53) entered Chapter Eternal in 2017, his wife Nancy and son Mike, Miami ’81, made memorial contributions to the Foundation to form the basis of the Raymond A. Bichimer Memorial Fund. Recently, both Mike, now a member of the Foundations Board of Trustees and his mother, Nancy have made major additional gifts to the fund to create a permanent endowment of $350,000.

The Bichimer Fund is the largest fund in the Foundation restricted exclusively for the support of educational programs such as the Zenith Officer Institute and the Leadership Academy. As chair of the Foundation’s finance committee and facilitator of the Treasurer’s track at Zenith, Mike came to understand that the Foundation’s greatest need was to have a reliable stream of income specifically dedicated to provide funding for the National Fraternity’s educational and leadership programming. “This fund is a giant step forward in establishing a sustainable source of income for the Fraternity’s vital programs” stated Foundation CEO Craig Rogers.

The Raymond A. Bichimer Memorial Fund will be a permanent legacy to Ray Bichimer who served as National President from 1983 until 1985 and was for many years as president of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation. Bichimer, a successful Columbus, Ohio attorney and Florida real estate investor and developer was a close advisor and confidant to Ewing Boles and played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the Foundation.

LAURELS

’67,

[1985]

Dr. Allyn Shaw, Michigan State, has been recognized as a Diamond Honoree from the ACPA Foundation. The honor recognizes, “those that care about students – and the re search, scholarship, and programs that promote student development and success”.

[1986]

David Ricks, Purdue, has been appointed to the Purdue University Board of Trustees. Ricks is the CEO of Eli Lilly & Company in Indianapolis. His son Michael has also recently joined Lambda Chapter.

Nick Jiannas, William & Mary, has joined Kress Commercial as VP of Kress Dealer Sales and Operation.

Kress is known for their robotic lawn mower and other automated gardening gadgets.

[1993]

Dan McGrew, Florida State, is now a Senior Advisor in Education at TSG Advisors. TSG, or “The Southern Group”, is a lobbying firm based in Florida.

GARY WASHBURN, OKLAHOMA STATE

was honored as the namesake of a Honaka’a high and intermediate school’s music building in Hawaii. Brother Washburn has served as the music director for over 50 years.

ELECTION SPOTLIGHT

This Past November saw several Phi Taus earn a seat in political office.

John Barrasso III, Rensselaer '71, was reelected to the US Senate from Wyoming

Trent Kelly, Ole Miss ’87, reelected to US House of Representatives from Mississippi

Bill Soules, New Mexico State ’75, reelected to the New Mexico State Senate

Matt Nunn, Eastern Kentucky ’04, elected to first term in the Kentucky Senate

Former National President Mike Dovilla, Ed.D., Baldwin Wallace ’94, was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives after having served previously in the Ohio House from 2010 to 2016

If you know of any other Phi Taus currently holding office, let us know at communications@phikappatau.org.

[1996]

Executive Vice President at BWF and Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Trustee

Jeff Hilperts, Spring Hill, was invited to share his fundraising expertise to the entire fraternity/sorority community at a recent workshop hosted by the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence.

[1998]

Jeff Staats, Baldwin Wallace, is a leader in marketing world and in 2024 he founded Marketing QB, a “community for solo marketers, young pros, and anyone looking to sharpen their marketing chops.” He has crafted multiple online courses in marketing through LinkedIn Learning.

[2004]

Brett Adcock, Florida, was named one of TIME magazine’s AI 100 for his influential work in Artificial Intelligence as the CEO of Figure AI.

[2008]

Guillermo Flores, Southern Illinois, was awarded with the AFLV “Change Making Experience” award for his work with Fraternity Social Media, an educational and social community dedicated to spreading

ADCOCK STAATS

the positive values of fraternities across digital platforms.

[2014]

Garret McAlister, Illinois Springfield, as-sumed the role of Assistant Director of Prevention and Masculine Engagement at Northwestern University.

[2014]

Garrett Lippie, William Paterson ’14, recently showcased his drumming talents performing with as a part of the drumline in the Philadelphia Eagles Superbowl Parade.

[2023]

Jackon Robbins, Louisville, was honored with the Congressional Award for Youth. The honor recognizes exceptional achievements in community service, personal development, physical fitness and educational excellence.

[2024]

Foundation CEO Craig Rogers, Miami, was initiated into Phi Kappa Tau surrounded by the Foundation Board of Trustees and the Fraternity National Council in Atlanta Georgia this past October.

Former Executive Offices Staff Member CHRIS GARBER, OHIO ’93, has published a revised and updated version of his nonfiction tome “The Big 50: Cincinnati Reds: The Men and Moments that Made the Cincinnati Reds. ~

If you’d like to submit a story to be included in The Laurel you can do so at phikappatau.org/submit-news

LIPPIE

MIAMI

CHAPTER ETERNAL

Listed below are the brothers who were reported to have entered the Chapter Eternal from September 5, 2024 to April 20, 2025.

Lawrence Hawkins ’50

Dick Buhler ’47

Allan Bartels ’53

Richard Frate ’52

Paul Ashbrook ’48

Joe Glass, Jr. ’54

Thomas Lambre ’50

OHIO

James Myers ’63

Nick Iacobucci ’54

Paul Miller ’44

Bruce Peter ’53

Jack Brannen ’69

OHIO STATE

Ken Wahl ’53

James Bushee ’57

MOUNT UNION

William Pinschmidt, Jr. ’48

Kenneth Fisher ’68

Robert Hackley, Jr. ’57

MUHLENBERG

Ed Davis, Jr. ’57

TRANSYLVANIA

John Lockhart ’81

Bill Hill ’65

David Welsh ’65

COE

Forrest Cobb ’51

John Reid ’61

Robert Gage ’58

KENTUCKY

Danny Mattingly ’65

PURDUE

Allen Nichols ’41

Philip Gramelspacher ’74

Gerald Liedl ’53

LAWRENCE

Philip Alley, PhD ’50

Jay Williams ’58

Richard Devine ’56

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Rob Schneider ’83

FRANKLIN & MARSHALL

Harold Maguire ’48

John Holt ’56

Robert Elmer ’49

PENN STATE

James Gaunt ’63

Patrick Heims ’50

Timothy Clougherty ’84

Ron Henry ’81

SOUTHERN

CALIFORNIA

Michael John ’75

CYNTHIA “CINDY” KELTNER

We would like to pay special tribute to Cindy Keltner, wife of former Nation-

al President Rick Kelter, Sacramento State ’76. A loving partner, Cindy was a frequent attendee at Phi Kappa Tau National Events. Rick would often say that Cindy was “the best Phi Tau that Alpha Phi ever initiated.”

RENSSELAER

George Campbell ’45

MICHIGAN

Edwin Marin ’62

NEBRASKA WESLEYAN

Jay Dunlap ’49

Jim Kruse ’64

BETHANY

Neil Rabinowitz ’64

NORTH

CAROLINA STATE

Brian Robinson ’92

William Kluttz, Jr ’77

John Fragakis ’67

Prescott Brownell ’66

COLORADO

Ed McWilliams ’66

DELAWARE

Butch Read ’69

OREGON STATE

Roger Gray ’66

FLORIDA

Mark Harrison ’73

Bob Andrews ’56

Reed Rollins ’49

Frederick Swing ’54

Bob Zarzour ’64

WILLIAM & MARY

John Gette ’60

Philip Vankirk ’61

David Belew ’50

WASHINGTON STATE

Phil Merchant ’78

AUBURN

Norman Ricks ’50

Johnny Boyd ’83

Don Thornburgh, Sr ’55

Jack Halbrooks ’50

Mike Booker ’66

Danny Boyd ’76

OHIO WESLEYAN

Carl Kandel ’54

Carlton Brose ’50

IOWA STATE

Jerry Weldon, Jr ’69

Russ Allen ’44

GEORGIA TECH

Maynard Young, Jr ’55

Ronald Glockner ’62

Bud Williams, Jr., PhD ’51

Bolling Stanley, Jr ’58

COLORADO STATE

Dean Woodward ’61

CORNELL

Hallock Swift ’54

Bernard Walpole ’55

Joseph Laubenstein ’72

Warren Jones ’61

Bob Gilbert ’79

Harry Hutton, Jr. ’50

COLGATE

Kevin Bove ’54

Donald Lucker, MD ’50

Stewart Jack, Jr. ’55

AKRON

Charles Sear, Jr ’63

Richard McCarty ’65

Ronald Schleede ’61

Daniel Norris, Jr ’64

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Earl Brand, Jr. ’70

Jim Joiner ’77

Henry Moore ’71

Pat Presley ’70

Thomas Baker ’76

John Johnson ’64

BALDWIN WALLACE

Jack Gaughan ’57

Merle Koppenhafer ’49

Dave Long ’66

LOUISVILLE

Douglas Hodge ’73

Michael Butler ’60

Michael Slaven ’69

Ron McKinney ’65

Austin Wilder ’78

Gil Betz ’65

Rusty Oiler ’61

Dave Evers ’89

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Michael Stroud ’76

NEW MEXICO STATE

Norm Marley ’54

KANSAS

Gene DalPorto ’85

Terry Harvey, USAR (Ret.) ’67

FLORIDA STATE

Jim Ketzle ’60

William Stanley, Jr. ’59

OKLAHOMA STATE

James Rahe ’59

Tony Mumma ’75

Tom Gilley ’56

Howard Guild, II ’66

INDIANA

John Hora ’52

Curt Rossow ’62

Glenn Moore ’62

KENT STATE

Drew Gentner ’21

Thomas McCall ’52

GEORGIA

Henry Murrow ’69

Eric Coats ’91

MARYLAND

Franklin Gurd ’63

UCLA

Roger Bell, PhD ’54

BOWLING GREEN

John Wells, III ’60

Harold Wilson, USA (Ret.) ’62

Robert Lawless ’56

Greg Foster Yurjevic ’69

Bill Jenkins ’57

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Jeffrey Tortorello ’69

John Whiteside ’69

Jim Kozer ’62

CAL STATE CHICO

George Moore ’73

MICHIGAN TECH

Frank Bruttomesso ’67

John Ylitalo ’68

Steve Anderson ’79

Mike Boho ’58

NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Clifford Laho ’61

U OF THE PACIFIC

Ted Olson ’61

CONNECTICUT

Michael Palmieri ’65

EAST CAROLINA

Edwin Foushee, Jr. ’75

BRADLEY

Terry Woith ’67

Uwe Scheel ’66

EAST CENTRAL OK

Dale Young, II ’88

CAL STATE-FULLERTON

Frank Mastromatteo ’68

Art Bryden ’68

Nilesh Solanki ’92

YOUNGSTOWN

John Leskovyansky, Jr. ’70

Gregory Pastore ’69

TEXAS STATE

Fred Sweeney ’68

IOWA WESLEYAN

Ronald Parker ’68

EVANSVILLE

Jerry Franklin ’73

Thomas Morehead ’87

OLE MISS

Walt Shinault ’79

FORMER NATIONAL COUNCILOR JOHN JOHNSON ENTERS CHAPTER ETERNAL

John Johnson, Mississippi State ’64, died unexpectedly on January 28, 2025 at his home in Madison, Mississippi at the age of 80. He was initiated into Alpha Chi Chapter at Mississippi State on April 10, 1964 and remained loyal to the Fraternity for the rest of his life. He served as Deep South Domain Director and was elected to a 6-year term on the Fraternity's National Council at the Keystone, Colorado Convention in 1977. He was given the Fraternity's Palm Award in 2015, our highest alumni award, presented for meritorious service.

A loyal supporter of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation, he was a member of the Boles Society and Heritage Society. He had also supported Alpha Chi Chapter’s recent housing campaign through the Foundation. He had been a loyal attender of Phi Kappa Tau chapter events and National Conventions. He was making plans to attend this summer’s National Convention in Orlando at the time of his death.

John was an Army veteran who served in Vietnam and for many years in the Army Reserve. He earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees at Mississippi State and a law degree from the Mississippi College School of Law. He was a long-time member of American Mensa and attended their conventions for over 40 years.

He is survived by his partner of 30 years, Tom Allen, extended family and many Phi Tau brothers and friends.

TENNESSEE

Rusty Callison, III ’82

WRIGHT STATE

Dave Klass ’88

RIDER

Joseph Smith ’88

WEST VIRGINIA TECH

J.K. Tyree ’03

SHEPHERD

Jeremy Warman ’04

FRIEND OF PHI KAPPA TAU

Cindy Keltner

FROM THE CEO

InLEADERSHIP MESSAGE

A TASTE OF BROTHERHOOD AND A TOAST TO WHAT’S AHEAD

this special edition of The Laurel, we explored an often-overlooked yet powerful force behind the Phi Kappa Tau experience: food. More than sustenance, food is a unifier, a shared language of comfort, celebration, and connection. This issue brings to life stories where food and fellowship intertwine with our brotherhood—from the inspiring rise of Cornell chapter president Arnav Kamulkar, who cooked his way onto national television, to Belmont alumnus Anas Saba, who built a thriving business rooted in community and cuisine.

We also took time to honor a legendary brother, Paul Newman, whose 100th birthday coincides with the 30th anniversary of Phi Kappa Tau’s partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network. His legacy lives on through the hundreds of brothers who continue his vision of transforming lives through service. At the University of Kentucky, our Kappa Chapter is setting a new bar for service, shifting from transactional fundraising to transformational volunteerism. Life changing and brotherhood inspiring!

This issue reminds us that whether through a shared meal or a shared mission, brotherhood is built in the day-to-day moments that connect us. That connection is the foundation for something even greater.

As we look ahead, I invite you to join us this July 23–26 for our 66th National Convention at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. There, we will celebrate our shared achievements, elect our next generation of leaders, and continue to write the next chapter of our story—together. With programming for undergraduates and alumni, the Convention promises meaningful engagement, fraternal celebration, and opportunities to deepen your bond with Phi Kappa Tau.

I’m proud of the momentum we’re building—from record undergraduate growth and dynamic educational programming to a new strategic plan offering growth in alumni engagement and transformative service and philanthropy. But I’m most proud of how our brotherhood continues to show up: for each other, for our communities, and for our future.

Here’s to the bonds forged over meals, memories, and moments that remind us why we joined Phi Kappa Tau in the first place.

In Phi,

MATT ARNOLD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY

The Laurel - Spring 2025