75 Years of Beta Epsilon

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Beta Epsilon chapter house.

Beta Epsilon at Southern Mississippi rang in its 75th anniversary with a truly astounding weekend! The event on Saturday, October 28th was bursting at the seams with generosity, fellowship, and comradery. Over 150 brothers, family members, and friends gathered together to celebrate Beta Epsilon’s past, present, and future. Around 10:00am on Saturday, brothers began to congregate for an open house at the Beta Epsilon chapter house. At noon, those gathered were treated to an astonishing assortment of homemade seafood by restauranteurs and alumni, Tim Taranto, Southern Mississippi '88, and Todd Rosetti, Southern Mississippi '91. Following the feast, Steve Nelson, Southern Mississippi '73, began the process of thanking the staggering list of donors who not only helped make this event possible, but also contributed immensely to the future of Beta Epsilon; this included presenting plaques to the Board of Governors and 75th Planning Committee. A complete list of donors recognized during this event will be presented below.  

Enjoying the amazing food provided.

The event continued on as time was set aside for all participants to get a personalized photo in front of the newly established coat of arms on the Beta Epsilon house. These photos will be compiled into a giant composite composed of alumni from this event and any others that take place throughout the coming year. The brothers then came together for a group photo, followed by an open social event. This celebration also saw a groundbreaking to commemorate the memorial bus stop the chapter is donating to the university. This stop will forever cements Beta Epsilon’s relationship with the university by providing shelter and seating for all Greek life students as they commute to class.  

However, this celebration is far from over. It will continue monthly for a year across a 500-mile radius with alumni gatherings in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee—culminating in July with a Phi Kappa Tau statewide rush party between Delta Gamma at Ole Miss, Alpha Chi at Mississippi State, and Beta Epsilon at the state capitol in Jackson, MS. 

Congratulations to our Beta Epsilon chapter and all the brothers who’ve ensured their success over the past 75 years. Read below for a complete list of donors who made this a memorable event: 

Recognizing brothers during the event.

Former National President, Steve Nelson, Southern Mississippi '73, for acting as 75th Master of ceremonies; designing the 75th logo, shirts, poster and pin; and providing all banners, flags, commemorative signage and yard signs.  

Rick Osswald, Jr., Southern Mississippi '72, for years of research, updating the alumni base, and leading the financial donor campaign.  

Rick Villarreal, Southern Mississippi '76, for chapter house renovations and upgrades. Including TV purchases, and purchases of 80 permanent banquet chairs and 12 tables. 

Alan Coats, Southern Mississippi '77, for being a CEG donor, reducing chapter debt ($30,000), and creating annual academic chapter scholarships which were handed out during the event.  

Doug Williams, Southern Mississippi '76, and Susan Williams for completely refurnishing and redecorating chapter house. 

Rodney Blackwell, Southern Mississippi '70, for the purchase and delivery of an exterior storage container. 

Ron Russell, Southern Mississippi '68, for renovating chapter kitchen—including cabinets, hardware, counter tops, and flooring.  

Jim Day, Southern Mississippi '71, for purchasing new ritual equipment for the chapter.  

Bridgett Farris for designing decorations, flowers, place settings, centerpieces, and a custom cake with 75th logo.  

Tim Farris, Southern Mississippi '86, for providing catering services, equipment, tables, food warmers, USM background decor in support of food service. 

Scholarship FAQ Guide

Read below for all the information needed to apply for 2024-2025 foundation Scholarships.

When, and how long are scholarship applications available? 

Scholarship applications will be open Friday, December 1st through Friday, March 1st. We hope this provides ample time for gathering materials and submitting applications.  

What do I need to apply for scholarships? 

FASFA ID Number, if you have one. If not, just designate the section N/A.  
Student ID Number 
Academic Information: Major(s)/Minor(s), Academic Records, and GPA.  
School Information: Financial Aid Office Address 
Supporting Documents: Resume, Course Schedule, and Two Letter of Recommendations.  

When will I find out if I’ve received a scholarship?  

Scholarship recipients will be notified roughly around May 15th.  

Who decides the recipients of the scholarships? 

Our scholarship recipients are selected by a volunteer led scholarship committee. These volunteers take all factors into account when making their selections, providing equal opportunities to all candidates.   

Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation? 

Anyone who is in a position to speak to your character; ideally not family members or undergraduate chapter brothers. For example: alumni, professors, former employers, supervisors from volunteer positions, etc.  

How many scholarships can I apply for? 

When submitting your application, you’ll have the opportunity to select all the scholarships you wish to apply for. There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which you can apply. Some do have specific requirements, so be sure to read over those carefully. For those submitting to the Paul A. Elfers Omega Scholarship, there is a separate essay that is required.  

For any additional questions, contact ahaller@phikappatau.org.

Meet Our New Director of Learning and Talent Development

Brittany Ankeny, M. Ed.

Phi Kappa Tau has found its new Director of Learning and Talent Development! Coming to us from the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity with over ten years of experience in the Greek community, we are proud to announce Brittany Ankeny as the newest member of our team. A member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, Brittany's career began with her organization as a Leadership Consultant following the completion of her undergraduate degree. As her time with ASA came to an end, Brittany went on to work for the North-America Interfraternity Conference before beginning her Master’s of Education at the University of North Texas.  

As a newly minted Master of Education, Brittany took on the role of Assistant Director of Education for Delta Sigma Phi. It was there that she spent the last five and a half years building out their strategic framework and programming. In 2020, she was promoted to Director of Experience and Training Programs and remained in that role until joining us at Phi Tau. In her new role, Brittany plans to continue programming educational events and resources for undergraduates—based on current trends—to enhance their experience. On taking the role of Director of Learning and Talent Development at Phi Tau, Brittany stated, “I’m excited about the opportunity for growth at Phi Tau and being able to create long-lasting experiences for our undergraduate brothers.” 

On her hiring, CEO Matt Arnold expressed, “Brittany joining our team is key to our organizational growth as we provide our members best-in-class programming on the national and chapter level. Her experience, knowledge, and skills enable us to fast track our strategic plan initiatives and deliver a stronger experience for Phi Kappa Tau.”

Brittany has previously volunteered as an NPC Area Advisor and Regional Facilitator for ASA, and holds certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Program Design; and Conflict and Dispute Resolution. She and her husband are the proud parents of two wonderful dogs.   

Phi Kappa Tau Flourishes: A Remarkable Growth Update

Epsilon Nu chartering.

It's with immense pride and excitement that we share the growth and achievements from within our fraternity over the past few months. Dedication and commitment to excellence have propelled us to new heights, and we couldn't be more thrilled about the future of Phi Kappa Tau. To date, our Fraternity has grown year-over-year by 25%—an astounding metric for our organization and industry. Part of this semester’s success is due to the implementation of the Phi Tau Growth System, which helped 68% of our chapters that used it to reach or exceed their goals. There were notable achievements all over the country, but unfortunately, we cannot share each individual one, so we will highlight some of the most thrilling developments from our chapters.  

Men of Delta Gamma.

Phi Tau men were recruiting with an unmatched veracity this Fall. Judging by the metric of sheer numbers alone, our top three performers were: Delta Gamma at Ole Miss, Delta Kappa at Tennessee, and Beta Beta at Louisville. Delta Gamma welcomed a staggering 110 associates, boasting 188 total members; Beta Beta added 40 associates, now with 116 members in tow; and Delta Kappa recruited 51 associates, resulting in 161 active members. 

However, we know that Phi Kappa Tau stretches to campuses—big and small—all over the country, and our men from those smaller institutions certainly pulled their weight. There’s nothing more rewarding than setting a goal and meeting it. That is, unless you set a goal and vastly exceed it! Zeta Zeta at Illinois—Springfield, Zeta Gamma at San Jose, and Beta Gamma at Idaho all surpassed their respective recruitment goals by over 150%. Phi at Bethany and Epsilon at Mount Union have demonstrated a transformative revitalization, with 52% and 50% of their chapters being new members, respectively. Phi has seen its numbers surge from 14 to 29 members, while Epsilon has grown from 18 to an impressive 36 members.  

Let's extend a loud HOORAH to some of our newest groups; Epsilon Nu at Clemson, Gamma Eta at East Carolina, and Delta Nu at Wright State demonstrated their commitment to building a lasting legacy by achieving remarkable success in their inaugural year. Epsilon Nu surpassed their goal with 99 members reported, Gamma Eta achieved 62 members, and Delta Nu reached 18 members—all exceeding their respective targets. 

Beta Nu men.

As it stands, we've added 1,253 associates, bringing our average chapter size from 44 to 49 members. Additionally, four new associate chapters have been established at Beta Nu at San Diego, Alpha Xi at WVU, Beta Tau at Bowling Green, and Dayton There are now promising interest groups at Texas Tech and Texas A&M, as well as expansion projects at Arizona and St. Louis planned for the Spring. This has been one of the most exciting and impactful semesters in the history of Phi Kappa Tau, and we cannot wait to keep the momentum going for many years to come!  

The dedication of our undergraduate brothers, alumni, volunteers, and staff cannot be understated. Here's to the continued success and prosperity of our fraternity! 

Celebrating a Century of Brotherhood

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Appalachian landscape, Phi Chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity at Bethany College recently celebrated a momentous occasion—100 years of brotherhood and fellowship. This historic event, held at the enchanting Oglebay Resort, marked a milestone that most of our chapters have yet to accomplish. 

Phi Class of ’81.

The jam-packed celebration weekend kicked off on Friday night with a luau party hosted by the undergraduate brothers of Phi Chapter—featuring specially monogramed Hawaiian shirts and a delicious spread for all to enjoy. Saturday morning started off with a business meeting, the results of which will have a transformative impact on Phi Chapter. In collaboration with Bethany College, The Phi Chapter unveiled a groundbreaking agreement for the Phi Second Century fund. This fund aims to facilitate direct donations to the college, specifically benefiting the brothers of Phi Chapter and the Phi Chapter house. The initiative kicked off with generous donations of $10,000 each from both the college and the Phi Graduate Council. A third anonymous donor added another $10,000, propelling the fund to an impressive launch amount of $30,000. The ambitious target for the fund is set at $100,000 within its inaugural year. 

Plaque installment at Bethany’s Old Main corridor.

Saturday Afternoon, the bind between Phi Chapter and Bethany College continued to grow stronger, as the Harvard Red and Old Gold Club contributed to the celebration by funding the installation of a commemorative plaque in Bethany's historic Old Main corridor. This plaque honors the founding of Phi Chapter by the men of the local Rechabite Club in 1923. Bethany College President, Jamie Caridi, offered remarks and assisted in the unveiling. The event was capped off with remarks from Chris Berry, Bethany '83, who delved into the rich history of Phi Chapter, reflecting on a century of growth and accomplishment. 

Further enriching the centennial celebration, the Harvard Red and Old Gold Club continued their altruistic weekend by establishing two new educational funds. These funds are designed to endow the attendance of a member of the most recent associate member class to the Annual Leadership Academy. To honor distinguished figures, the new funds were named after past HROG president John Faber, Bethany '74, and current HROG president Mike Holzworth, Bethany '96. 

Brotherhood Banquet group photo.

Concluding the weekend with a bang, the Brotherhood Banquet on Saturday night featured the attendance of four National Presidents, including current President Mike McCrum, Texas State ’75, who gave remarks and handed out a number of awards. One of which is our fraternity’s highest honor, the Palm Award, given to past National President and Centennial Chairman, Greg Heilmeier, Bethany ’86, for his service to our National Organization and Phi chapter. Of his award, Heilmeier stated, “I was completely taken aback. Nobody ever expects to receive the Palm, because the truth is that you do all the work out of love for the brotherhood—never expecting or needing to be recognized for it.” The event continued on with more recognitions, the full list of which will be posted below, but culminated in a touching gesture from Tom Abrams, Bethany '76. Abrams announced a $10,000 donation to the Resident Council, a gift warmly accepted by Resident Council president, Christian Funari, Bethany '20. 

Four National Presidents gathered together. Pictured left to right: Greg Heilmeier, Bethany ’86; Mike Dovilla, Baldwin Wallace ’94; Mike McCrum, Texas State ’75; Charlie Ball, Miami ’82.

As Phi Chapter reflects on a century of brotherhood, the centennial celebration at Bethany College stands as a testament to the enduring bonds forged over generations. It not only commemorates the past but also paves the way for a promising future, anchored in the spirit of fellowship. Read below for a complete list of awards and recognitions from the Phi Centennial Celebration: 

Key Award: Greg Waite, Bethany '99, honored for his outstanding service to Delta Lambda at Muskingum. 

Phi Award: Sam Duvall, Bethany '12, recognized for his dedicated service as treasurer and secretary of Phi Graduate Council. 

Phi Award (posthumously): Todd Jones, Bethany '81, acknowledged for pro bono photo support at numerous alumni events. The award was accepted by his widow, Diane Jurasko Jones. 

Hall of Fame Inductees: 

Shawn Brown, PhD, Bethany '94 

George Manahan, Bethany '80 

Phi Men of Distinction Inaugural Honorees: 

Don Dallas, Bethany '29 

Richard Meess, Bethany '48 

Albert R. “Jay” Buckelew Jr., Bethany ‘78 

Thomas C. Skena, Bethany ‘81 

The event also saw the presentation of nearly fifty 25-year pins, 50-Year Pins to Tom Hile, Bethany ‘71, and Bob Carter, Bethany ‘73, and a 75-Year Pin to Ken Lawrence, Bethany ‘46, a WWII veteran and Phi’s oldest living graduate. 

Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Fall Updates

The Phi Kappa Tau Foundation has been on quite a hot streak as of late, and the diligent work of the Foundation staff, trustees, and donors continues to build upon the support they can provide to our Fraternity. This streak includes a historic approval of funds for our Fraternity; a huge step in the effort to provide transparency in Foundation operations; a monumental bequest from a Nu chapter brother and his wife; and the launch of our most ambitious campaign to date, which continues to grow in numbers and excitement each day.

Zenith 2023 attendees. This year’s Zenith 2024 attendees will have the added benefit of the Foundation’s grant in support of their event.

As you may now know, the weekend of October 13th marked a significant moment in the Foundation’s journey, as the Trustees convened for their Fall meeting and unanimously approved a grant of $310,000 to the National Fraternity. This grant will not only go toward educational programs like Zenith Officer Institute, Leadership Academy, and Regional Conference, but also support the new Mental Health Awareness Initiatives being developed. The impact this grant will have on our undergraduate brotherhood cannot be understated, and the opportunities it provides to our Fraternity will build upon the tools already in place.  

As we continue to build upon a new era of accountability and transparency, the Foundation is proud to announce the posting of its last three years of audits and 990s on the Phi Kappa Tau website, with direct accessibility through a link to GuideStar. This significant step in financial disclosure has resulted in GuideStar awarding the Foundation their prestigious Gold Star Standard in reporting—recognizing the Foundation's commitment to integrity in its operations.

Alan Airoldi

Alan Airoldi, UC Berkeley '57, entered the Chapter Eternal in 2017, and was survived by his wife, Kathleen “KK” Dole-Airoldi, until she passed away in December of 2022. Following the passing of Kathleen, the Foundation received an unexpected bequest totaling $430,000. Their impactful gift played a crucial role in enabling the substantial grant to the Fraternity. Notably, a significant portion of this gift will be preserved in perpetuity in a named endowed fund, honoring the Dole-Airoldi Family and the Nu chapter at Cal-State Berkley.

Jamie Day addresses the crowd at the Boles 1000 event in Columbus, Ohio.

The Foundation's momentum and dedication to progress were further highlighted with the launch of the Boles 1000 Initiative, aiming to secure 1000 Boles Society members with an average of 11.8 members per chapter. This initiative was inaugurated at an event hosted by Chris Corso, Ohio State '90, and Boles 1000 Chairman, Jamie Day, Ohio State ’89, on the ominous but serendipitous Friday the 13th in Columbus at Standard Hall Live. The evening was a celebration of the essence and values of Phi Kappa Tau, attended by over 70 individuals who share a passion for the fraternity's enduring mission of lifelong ties to brotherhood. 

The event proved to be an inspiration, drawing in 12 new gifts and pledges that evening alone. Presently, the Foundation proudly boasts 23 Boles 1000 Champions, demonstrating the commitment and support of brothers who share the collective aspiration for a stronger, more impactful Phi Kappa Tau community. The Foundation continues to stride forward, propelled by the generosity and dedication of its supporters. Each milestone achieved further solidifies the Foundation's commitment to nurturing an environment where Phi Kappa Tau members thrive and succeed. 

In the spirit of unity and progress, the Foundation expresses profound gratitude to all contributors, supporters, and friends whose altruistic spirits are shaping a brighter future for the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. These periodic updates will come as the good news continues to roll in.  

Zenith Officer Institute 2024 FAQ Guide

Zenith Officer Institute is an educational program specifically designed for undergraduate leaders within our chapters. Zenith will feature presenters and speakers from a wide range of backgrounds and will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to excel in your role and contribute to the growth and success of your chapter. 

Click here to register for the program. 

Zenith is geared towards the following officers: Presidents, Treasurer, Recruitment Chairmen, and Membership Orientation Officers. The deadline to register is December 1, 2023.

Join us in January to reach new heights! See below for some FAQs. 

What hotel will we be staying at?  

We will be staying at Chicago Marriott O’Hare in Chicago, Il. The event will take place at this venue as well.  

Who is paying for my travel?  

You, your chapter, or anyone willing to cover the upfront cost can pay for it. Some portion of travel may be reimbursable through your Chapter’s Educational Grant Fund.   

Will I be allowed to leave site?  

You are asked to remain on site while the program is in session.   

Who should attend?  

Your chapter should send its newly elected President, Treasurer, Recruitment Chairman, and Membership Orientation Officer. 

If I am flying, what airport should I fly into?  

We recommend flying to ORD Airport as that will be the closest to our location and most convenient for traveling to the hotel.  

Do I need to book a hotel room?  

No, Phi Kappa Tau will provide you with a hotel room for January 4th – January 7th, with checkout being on the 7th. If you need to arrive earlier, please inform our Chapter Services Team. 

What time should I arrive on site on Thursday  

Registration will be from 5pm-7pm CT on January 4th. We suggest coordinating your flight to land after 2pm CT on January 4th. If you are planning to arrive on Friday morning, please plan to check in between 8am and 9am CT. If you are driving, please arrive prior to check-in on Thursday or Friday.   

What time should I depart on Sunday?  

If you are flying, we recommend scheduling your flight to depart after 2PM CST on Sunday. If you are driving, you may depart after 12PM CST after the program concludes.  

How do I get from the Airport to the Chicago Marriott O’Hare?  

For transportation to the hotel, we recommend the Blue Line train that goes from ORD Airport and stops at Rosemont Station which is only a 10 Minute Walk from the Hotel. You can purchase a ticket for the train at the ORD Station. For more information on purchasing fares, click here. Alternatively, Ubers and Taxis are available from the airport.   

 When will the program start?  

The program will begin at 9am CT on Friday. Undergraduate Attendees will be expected to check in between 5PM CT and 7PM CT on Thursday the 4th, or, between 8am and 9am Friday the 5th.  

What other information should I know?  

Attire for the weekend is casual, we encourage you to represent your institution or wear your best recruitment shirt and you can even wear jeans  

We thank you for your commitment. For further information or additional questions please contact Director of Chapter Services, Drake Berlin dberlin@Phikappatau.org, 614-800-7522 

Foundation and Fraternity Share in Big Weekend

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Foundation Chairman, Jeff Hilperts, Spring Hill ’96 and National President, Mike McCrum, Texas State ’75

On Friday, October 13th, the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation hosted a remarkable evening—the Boles 1000 Reception at Standard Live in Columbus, Ohio. With around 70 attendees, the event proved to be a resounding success, raising $5,000 in funds, welcoming five new Boles members, and securing five additional pledges for $1,000 donations. The evening was a testament to the enduring commitment of Phi Kappa Tau's supporters, alumni, and friends. As attendees mingled, it was evident that the fraternal bonds formed within the organization are as strong as ever. 

This event was generously sponsored by the owner and operator of Standard Live, Chris Corso, Ohio State ’90, and Foundation Trustee, Jamie Day, Ohio State ’89. Among the attendees were Ohio area alumni, former staff members, Foundation Trustees, National President, Mike McCrum, Texas State ’85, and National Vice President, Michael Lummus, Belmont ’06. As guest mingled, caught up, and reminisced, Foundation Trustee, Ray Cox, North Carolina State ’89, provided the events music with his acoustic renditions of some truly great hits.  

Cox performing at Boles 1000 Reception

The Boles 1000 Reception was not only a celebration of the Foundation's past achievements but a testament to its bright future. The event showcased the unwavering commitment of Phi Kappa Tau's supporters and marked a milestone in the Foundation’s journey to continued growth and success. The Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, contributed, and embraced the spirit of brotherhood and philanthropy. Together, we are paving the way for a stronger, more impactful Phi Kappa Tau.  

This past weekend was more than just a celebration, the Foundation Board of Trustees also convened for a pivotal meeting where they made a profound decision that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the fraternity and its members. With great enthusiasm, the Board approved a substantial grant of $310,000 to be allocated to the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, signifying their unwavering commitment to furthering the organization's mission. This grant is set to serve as a beacon of support for the fraternity's commitment to education and mental health awareness initiatives.  

Left to right: Tim Collins, Transylvania ’78; Rick Harrison, Jr., Ohio '79; Doug C. Adams, Miami ’81; Charlie Ball, Miami ’82

This momentous decision highlights the Foundation's dedication to its mission, which is to inspire lifelong involvement in the fraternity by fostering a strong and supportive community. The Board's approval of this grant will undoubtedly have a transformative effect on the fraternity and its undergraduate members. We look forward to seeing the positive changes that this grant will bring in the years to come. 

Phi Tau Gains Inaugural Position at University of Iowa

Not only does the University of Iowa have a new Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, but it has its first—this inaugural position is held by Chad Warrick, Akron ’09. Taking the next step in what continues to be a distinguished higher education career, Warrick is excited for his new position and about the idea of leading a team in the exploration of “pushing innovation and thinking differently.” Prior to his arrival, the university had an associate director heading up the fraternity and sorority life, but as the greek community continues to grow, there was a need to bring in someone with more experience.  

Warrick started his career with Wichita State working with multicultural organizations on campus. While he was there the multicultural greek council doubled in size. Feeling a bit too far away from home, Warrick made the tough decision to leave Wichita State and found his new home somewhere he never thought he would go. Arriving in State College, Warrick began working with panhellenic organizations at Penn State University. Eventually being promoted to Senior Assistant Director, Warrick left a lasting mark on the Penn State greek community. Redefining what education looked like within the community, he implemented a number of programs, held book clubs and discussions with student leaders, and was a leader in the growth of greek organizations.  

Paired with his flourishing career, Warrick is also a leader within our organization. Currently serving as the National Education Dean and President of the Housing Corp at Akron, Warrick keeps his local and national fraternal ties strong. Join us in congratulating Chad Warrick and wishing him well on the Iowa campus.  

A Message to the Brotherhood

Dear Brothers,

I write to you today with the saddest of heart. A young brother of ours passed to chapter eternal. Brother Max Pennebaker, an undergraduate member of Alpha Chi Chapter at Mississippi State University, is and has been loved by many. A building construction science major, Max was initiated as our brother in January of this year and lived at the fraternity house. Max’s passing is a particularly hard blow to our brothers of Alpha Chi, as it has only been since July 18th that Barry Toney, a beloved Alpha Chi graduate brother and long-time devoted BOG and Housing Corporation volunteer, met an unexpected and tragic death.

I invite all of us - - all Phi Tau brothers across this country - - to join in prayer and solidarity with our graduate and undergraduate brothers of Alpha Chi as well as Max’s family and friends. I and CEO Matt Arnold spoke with Alpha Chi President Jack Flower last night as well as Housing Corporation President Dennis Daniels. Both are coping as well as can be expected, but our hearts go out for our hurting brothers. I plan on visiting the brothers of Alpha Chi on Tuesday of next week. As of last night, we don’t have a date for Max’s service.

These moments call upon us to revisit our feeling of why we have chosen to be part of this brotherhood. Just five weeks ago, I traveled to Dallas with several other Phi Tau brothers to attend the funeral service of Chris Moncrief, a Phi Tau brother who died in a tragic car accident. We arrived early and sat in an empty church awaiting family and friends to arrive. The eerie extended silence ultimately was broken when I began to hear the sounds of heels walking into the church and up the center aisle. For a while, the sounds of heels sounding the arrival of loved ones were the only sound we all heard. It was during those moments when it occurred to me that Chris’ spirit was speaking to me, using the sounds of loved ones who arrived to remember this great man.

I tell you all this because my experience in Chris’ unexpected passing weaved into my experience of the tragic passing of Barry and Max and led me to write the following homage to our fallen brothers. Perhaps these words may help you, as it helped me, embrace that our brothers never leave us - - they just speak to us in a different way:

The Voice of Our Brother

boots stand on morning dew

drums aligned to make their call

mist of grey across the hill

silence for the heart who fell

sticks raised to strike drum’s rim

life meets death in this sad song

rimshots sound the faithful call

honor to the brave and strong

another place another time

death again has struck its chord

sun filters through stained glass frowns

and people whisper “why, oh Lord?”

steeple bells sound their call

giving notice our brother lies still

men come walking from all around

Phi Taus joining to say farewell

faithful now as faithful then

brothers come remembering

holes in hearts so full of loss

darkness plucks its steady string

hear steps walk up center aisle

passing pews that house their pain

sounds of heels sing quietly

life and death meet here again

faithful come and soul finds way

steps, like sticks, sing out soul’s song

try to hear his clarion call

“i live, i’m here, my soul lives strong” 

hear the call to feel soul’s grace

dark can fade for morning’s dew

hearts yearn to hear his voice

soul seeps through grey mist in pew

in harvard red and old gold

in each twist of hearts that bind

our brother’s road does not end

his heart and ours here combined

his soul yearns for us to know

as brothers gather to console

each step we take remembering

will offer sound to brother’s soul

in silence listen close to hear

a message of a diff’rent way

brother’s soul lives on through us

brotherhood forever stays

sounds of heels loosen death’s grip

there soul reaches deep within

listen for our brother’s voice

where life meets death and always wins

As one brother honestly acknowledged to us last night, the passing of Barry and Max is very difficult to process. And so how best to do that? One way I am able to is in remembering that the passing of any one of our brothers calls upon me to revisit my roots as a Phi Tau. And so I urge all of us to let the legacy of the lives of Max, Barry, Chris and all other brothers who no longer walk among us be a call to all of us to embrace again and again the root of why we are Phi Taus - - to love each other - - to remember that our membership in our brotherhood is not driven by a call for more numbers, whether numbers of men, or money, or chapters, but rather it is driven by a desire for meaningful, lasting brotherhood in this wonderful fraternity.

We hurt today because we miss our brothers. Let us listen to the voice of their souls still within us and forever alive through our remembrance of that love. May God bless the souls of these men and all of us who loved them. 

With everlasting fraternal love,

“Mike” McCrum