Hispanic Heritage Month

Nuestro Credo

Phi Kappa Tau, al admitirme como miembro, me ha conferido una marca de distinción de la que me enorgullezco. Creo en el espíritu de hermandad que representa. Me esforzaré por alcanzar sus ideales y, al hacerlo, le traeré honor y crédito. Seré leal a mi universidad y a mi capilla y mantendré estrechos vínculos con ellas para poder conservar siempre el espíritu de la juventud. Seré un ciudadano bueno y leal. Siempre trataré de cumplir con mi obligación con los demás que nace del hecho de ser un hombre de fraternidad.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th-October 15th. The observation began in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

 September 15th is also significant because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico also celebrates its Independence Day on September 16th and Chile on September 18th.

Our Hispanic and Latinx Brothers are an integral part of this Fraternity. We had our Creed translated as a tool for Brothers to be able to express our values in Spanish.

Learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month here: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

National Suicide Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Awareness Month.

Many of us have personally felt the grief of suicide. Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people and is especially prevalent in young men.

There are many ways you can help your friends and community. View these resources from the Suicide Prevention Resources Center on how you can best help during Suicide Awareness Month.

[Suicide Awareness Month – Ideas for Action]

We each have a role to play in looking out for our brothers’ safety and well-being. You can help your brothers by educating yourself and creating spaces that encourage people to get the help they need.

Please consider these additional resources:

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a nationwide network of crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in distress. Call anytime, 24/7, for assistance.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Visit the Suicide Prevention Resources Center (SPRC)

The SPRC is an organization dedicated to advancing suicide prevention. They work in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. With the SPRC, you can find resources for yourself, your brothers, and anyone else who may need them.

https://www.sprc.org/

The JED Foundation

Much like SPRC, the Jed Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to assisting those struggling with mental health. Founded by two parents who lost their son, Jed, to suicide, the Jed Foundation focuses particularly on young people and can help you find help or learn how to help others.

https://jedfoundation.org/

Counseling

We can erase the stigma of counseling. See what resources your university can offer you in the way of mental health assistance. Visit your health center or check out their website for more info. If your school does not offer mental health services, you can search for a licensed counselor near you or consider an online option like betterhelp.

Community

Mental health impacts us all in intimate ways. Create an environment within your community and chapter where it’s safe to talk about mental health and your struggles. Although this is not a substitute for professional assistance, you can help your brothers with your openness and support.

Finally, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact 911 immediately.

Brotherhood and Faith

This year, Rosh HaShanah begins at sunset on Sept 6th and Yom Kippur begins at sunset on the 15th

By Billy Bloomberg, William Paterson ’17  

On Rosh HaShanah the Jewish people say “Shanah tovah um’tukah” which means “May you have a good and sweet new year.” Often shortened to “Shanah Tovah,” tovah does not mean new – it means good, we wish each other a good year. One cannot have a good year without putting forth the effort to make a change and rise to the challenges that face us. On Rosh HaShanah, Jews gather to mark the start of a period of reflection in the 10 days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.

On Yom Kippur, Jews greet each other with “G’mar chatima tovah” “May you be inscribed (or sealed) for good [in the Book of Life],” and “tzom kal,” which is used to wish others an “easy fast.” This period of reflection formally ends on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement where Jews all around the world dedicate themselves wholly to reconciliation with others, themselves, and God – committing ourselves to make change.

When thinking about going Greek I knew that whatever organization I would join had to align with my morals. Fall recruitment falls around the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at William Paterson showed me how they could align with the type of person I wanted to be. My new member education program started right after the High Holidays ended. I spent a large portion of this time learning about who I am as a person, and who I am as a member of something larger than myself.

As I continue to reflect on these High Holidays, now after my time as an undergrad has come to an end, I am thankful for the opportunities that came from joining Phi Tau. From being Greek Senate President, to the friends in other organizations, to the brother who bought me a beer in the airport during a layover, I reflect on the opportunities that were enhanced because of brotherhood. As Hillel President, my chapter was always ready to co-sponsor an event. At club council meetings, the Greeks all sat together showing how we are more than just the letters on our chest and knowing that for whatever I was involved in on campus, there was a guaranteed support group.

This High Holidays I spend in a new home, home of all Phi Taus, with a new opportunity in Oxford, Ohio. I reflect that without brotherhood, I would not be where I am.

Wishing all brothers, a Shanah tovah um’tukah for this Rosh HaShanah. G’mar chatima tovah and tzom kal on this Yom Kippur.

Anti Hazing Resources

It’s on all of us to stop hazing in all its forms. As you return to campus, greet old friends, and welcome new ones, you need to be on the alert for hazing and how to stop it. Here are some resources if you see hazing on your campus.

In addition to these resources, Phi Tau has a direct line to stop hazing. If you see something, contact us immediately.

From hazingprevention.org:

 What do you do if you or someone you know has been hazed or is involved in hazing?

If someone is injured or doing something illegal, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait, this action could save someone’s life. Read Lianne Kowiak’s story.

If it’s not an emergency, most colleges and universities have multiple ways to report hazing. Each school is different, but these may include:

• The Student Affairs Office (a.k.a. Dean of Students, Student Life, etc.).

• Campus Security or University Police.

• College President’s Office

• Student Health.

Other ways to report hazing

• Contact local law enforcement. Hazing is a crime in many states. Even in states that do not have a specific law prohibiting hazing, many components of hazing (assault, etc.) are crimes.

• Call the anti-hazing hotline or use the form below for anonymous reporting.

Anyone concerned about hazing can report it by calling the Anti-Hazing Hotline:
(888) 668-4293 OR (888) NOT-HAZE

You can also simply Report Hazing via our online form. You may choose to remain anonymous, but it is important you clearly identify the organization and school about which you are concerned. If it involves a fraternity or sorority chapter, please provide the name of the national organization. The more details you can provide regarding the conduct the better it can be investigated.

About the Anti-Hazing Hotline

The Anti-Hazing Hotline accepts anonymous hazing reports from anyone. The hotline was established in 2007 by a consortium of national fraternities and sororities. It is currently sponsored by 47 national and international Greek organizations.

The Hotline provides an anonymous telephone line for anyone to report a suspected or recent hazing incident to one number 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) that accepts calls 24 hours a day. The Hotline connects to a dedicated voice mailbox at Manley Burke, LPA. The calls are automatically saved as audio files, which are transmitted by e-mail to the headquarters of the fraternity or sorority named in the report.

This is true whether or not the reports are about one of the sponsors or another organization. In some instances, reports are about athletic teams, bands, or clubs. When those calls are received, the institution where the organization is located is contacted.

In addition to the toll-free telephone number, reports may be made directly on this page. Just as with the phone calls, all messages are directed to Manley Burke, LPA. The reports are then forwarded to the national organization named in the report. To report known or suspected hazing, click here. Please clearly identify the organization and university that you are reporting.

Distinguished Chi Alumnus Alan Ayers Profiled by University

Alan Ayers, North Carolina State ’71, is driven to make life better – especially in his community.

The NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) recently featured Ayers as an accomplished alumnus and researcher. Ayers spoke on the importance of being a part of your community, using science to improve lives, his love for NC State – and gave Phi Tau a shout-out in the process.

Ayers obtained both his B.S. in zoology in 1974 and his Ph.D. in plant pathology in 1985 from NC State and has worked closely with NC State over his 30-year career as a regulatory scientist in the agrochemical industry. Recently, Ayers has given his time to support N.C. Plant Sciences Initiatives, which “is making lives better through innovative, interdisciplinary research that’s helping to solve some of the most complex issues facing agriculture and the world today.” He also helped develop a regulatory science course at NC State and is involved in the ZERO by 40 project – an initiative to end malaria globally by 2040.

You can read the full feature here. In the following excerpt, Dr. Ayers mentions the role Phi Tau had in his collegiate career.

From CALS:

You spent a lot of time working and studying at NC State. What are some of your happier memories here? 

There are too many to list. We won a National Basketball championship in ‘74, and we had some great football teams led by Lou Holtz. I was a part of that era, and it was almost a fairytale life. One thing I specifically did was join a social fraternity: Phi Kappa Tau. I did that during my undergrad years. I met a lot of people from all over the country and was exposed to guys who liked to have fun. We had a blast, but we were good students. We worked hard and played hard. A ton of them are still my friends today. We’ve played golf and watched football games. We’d complain about NC State sports when we’d lose and celebrate when we win. It was a key component of me being happy at NC State. It was a family away from home. 

Go Far!

Want to share a story with us? Submit news here.

Foundation Announces Four New Trustees

The Phi Kappa Tau Foundation is pleased to welcome four new Trustees to the board. See below to learn more about these distinguished Phi Taus:

Michael R. Bichimer, Miami ’81

Michael Bichimer is a CPA and longtime Vice President of Finance at Ohio Health. Michael is now retired, he was with Ohio Health for twenty years.

As an alumnus, he’s served on the Board of Governors for Alpha chapter.

He lives outside Chicago.

Adam Goetz, Clemson ’95

Adam Geotz has served as a Financial Advisor at Mass Mutual for nearly twenty years. Prior to beginning his financial career, he worked as Director of Chapter Services at Phi Tau. As of 2020, Geotz is a Managing Partner at Burstin & Goetz.

He is based in Pittsburg.

John “Jack” Alvenus, St. John’s ’89

Jack Alvenus is a Senior Consultant at IQ Solutions, an Accenture Company. An active alumnus, Alevenus has served as a Domain Director and long-time Convention Parliamentarian.

He is based in Detroit.

Doug C. Adams, Miami ’81

Doug Adams is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking at PNC Bank, a position he’s held for 13 years. Prior to PNC, Doug held positions at Huntington National Bank and U.S. Bank. Doug was a Leadership Consultant at Phi Tau for two years and an Old Main Holdings volunteer.

He is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Phi Tau Returns to Miami and Muhlenberg!

We are very excited to announce a return to Miami University and Muhlenberg College this year!

Miami University, home of Alpha Chapter, in Oxford, Ohio

Muhlenberg College, home of Eta Chapter, in Allentown, Pennslyvania

We look forward to developing a new generation of Men of Distinction at our Alpha and Eta chapters! If you know of a young man attending Miami University or Muhlenberg College, please refer him to Phi Kappa Tau here. If you have any direct questions regarding the project please reach out to Director of Chapter Service Brandon Lewis (blewis@phikappatau.org).

Click here to fill out the Alumni Interest Form for the Miami University Expansion.

Click here to fill out the Alumni Interest Form for the Muhlenberg College Expansion.

We are also still looking for Recruiters to join the expansion team! Recruiters are responsible for the selection of undergraduates at new and returning chapters, as well as preliminary coaching and goal setting with chapter leadership. Recruiters are critical to the expansion process and retain close ties to the chapter by integrating themselves within the campus community. If you know of or you are a recent graduate, you can find out more information here.

Phi Tau Welcomes Billy Bloomberg to Staff

Phi Kappa Tau is excited to welcome Billy Bloomberg, William Paterson ’17, to the role of Alumni Engagement Coordinator. The Alumni Engagement Coordinator will work to develop effective alumni engagement by working closely with Domain Directors to create graduate councils and the Success Management Team to support the Board of Governors.

A graduate of William Paterson, Billy completed his BA in Sociology – Work Community Engagement in 2020 and continues to work towards his MA in Applied Sociology.

Billy comes to us with experience as a teacher and youth director at Barnet Temple Jewish Journey Project, where he wrote curriculum, mentored students, and taught 3rd-6th grade. As a youth director, he oversaw all youth programming and youth group executive board. He’s also worked as a Counselor and Logistics Director at URJ Greene Family Camp, and as well as a Program Staff Member at URJ Mitzvah Corps New Jersey.

Billy served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the William Paterson Hillel and President of the QPUNJ Greek Senate. Within the Epsilon Epsilon chapter, Billy served as New Member Educator, Risk Management Chairman, Chaplin, and Philanthropy and Community Service Chairman.

Welcome to the team, Billy, we’re excited to have you!

The New National Council

Phi 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, Rush 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, 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.

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.

Ricky Bailey (left) and Jon Hays (right)

Upon graduation, Jon attended law school at West Virginia University. He currently operates out of his law firm and runs Hays Enterprise LLC, a 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 to a vacancy in 2018. At 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.

Upsilon Wins the 2021 Maxwell Award

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 focuses 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 bettering 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.”