Don flew the Phi Tau flag outside his home
In conjunction with the annual joint National Council and Foundation meeting, Phi Kappa Tau alumni, staff, and volunteers gathered in Chicago recently to celebrate a reunion of sorts at the home of Don Phillips, Texas-Austin ’82, and his wife Anne in Lincoln Park, IL.
Phillips graciously opened his home for the evening, where over 60 guests were welcomed with appetizers and drinks. Don Phillips has been featured extensively by Phi Kappa Tau throughout his years. Don is the former CEO of Morningstar, Inc., a massive investment research firm. He is now in semi-retirement as a Managing Director.
As a donor and Distinguished Trustee, Don has historically been gracious and good natured in giving his time to Phi Tau. A winter 1999 feature in The Laurel profiled Don after he was appointed CEO. The article reads:
Morningstar’s CEO Don Phillips, Texas-Austin ’82, had two goals when he joined the Chicago-based company’s staff of two as its first mutual fund analyst in 1986: “One was not to do any public speaking and the other was not to have to fly,” he said.
Thirteen years later, as President and CEO of the world’s leading provider of mutual fund information, with more than 375 employees, Phillips said, “Now I do about 100,000 miles a year and I speak all of the time. So, I’m an abject failure as what I set out to do!”
Left to right: CEO Tim Hudson, host Don Phillips, and National Vice President Dale Holland
Twenty years later in the spring 2019 edition, he was featured as an outstanding example of Phi Tau leadership. He spoke to some of the lessons he’s learned in the finance world, but of his time with Phi Tau he said, “My experience with Beta Alpha chapter and Phi Tau were unanimously positive. The role models I met, the people I met, the people I continue to be great friends with – this wasn’t just an excuse to have a party. We were cognizant of trying to be better men of character.”
Nine months later, Don & Anne were happy to host brothers and friends.
Left to right: Foundation Chairman Wes Fugate and National President Bill Brasch
Among the guests were local alumni, as well the National Councilors, Foundation Trustees, and staff who were in the Windy City for meetings Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. National President Bill Brasch, Louisville ’67, and Foundation Chairman Wes Fugate, Centre ‘99 shared a few words about the organization’s successes. Chief Executive Officer Tim Hudson, Truman State ’97, thanked the attendees and the hosts for providing a memorable evening.
Often these events are about reconnecting with brothers you haven’t seen in a while. Chief Operating Officer Travis Robinson, Eastern Kentucky ’98, had the opportunity to reconnect with a few brothers he recruited at the Indiana University expansion in 2003. Years later, all in vastly different stages of their lives, these men had the opportunity to talk about how the group will celebrate the 15th anniversary of their re-chartering in 2020. Director of Philanthropy Charlie Ball, Miami ’82, spoke to various Miami alumni about the upcoming return to campus and how excited they are to see Alpha chapter restored.
Houston Ray, Louisville ’17, traveled to Chicago as a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Board, a committee that advises the National Council from an undergraduate perspective. He participated in his first National Council meeting over the phone last month, but this was his first-time meeting with the group in person. “It’s going to be exciting to share what undergraduates are thinking,” he said, “I want to establish a role for the UAB with the National Council. I’ve come here to present what we want it to be.”
Left to right: National Councilors Michael French, Ricky Bailey, and Bob Ragsdale
The National Council meets monthly over the phone, but several of the members explain why meeting in person is meaningful to them. Michael French, Kent State ’88, said, “It’s for the brotherhood and the fellowship, it’s to see alumni from all parts of the country. It’s vital for us to do our jobs, we can’t just exist in our own little world.” Ricky Bailey, Florida State ’03, added, “We’re not a closed group and this proves it. We want to go out and impact as many lives as we can.”
All of our National Councilors and Foundation Trustees live busy lives. Bob Ragsdale, Georgia ’66, shared why he makes time for the National Council. “I have an obligation to this Fraternity because of what they did for me as an undergraduate. You have to make sure you provide the same opportunities you were given.”
Thank you, Don and Anne for opening your home for the evening and to all of our guests who attended! The National Council and Foundation look forward to another meeting in the spring of 2020.
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