5 Questions with Phi Kappa Tau’s New National Vice-President, Barry Mask – Auburn ’78
Q. Who introduced you to Phi Tau?
Barry: A couple of guys one year older than me I had gone to high school with asked me to come play some football with them at the Auburn Intramural fields each afternoon after class. I didn’t know it was the Phi Tau team. I had not planned on joining a fraternity – of course the rest is history. I “pledged” a week or so later.
Q . What was the chapter like then?
Barry: Well, probably like so many other fraternities across the nation in the late 70’s, fraternity membership was down. We were at about 48 guys. We struggled in some ways. We had no BOG, House Corp or House Mother or Advisor. But we were an athletic machine- winning every sports campus intramural championship. It was a lot of fun. I made lifelong friendships. I was in SGA and stuff. We had several guys in the Auburn Band too. The chapter was very supportive when I tried-out to be Auburns first mascot, “Aubie”, and won it.
Q. How did you stay involved after graduation?
Barry: My favorite line of the Creed is, “to remain close to my college and chapter so that I may forever retain the spirit of youth.’’ I and a few others from the mid-80s took that to heart and re-started the BOG, House Corp and found an advisor. I’ve been involved one way or another ever since at my local and with the National Fraternity teaching alumni fundraising strategy and recruitment. My wife Jill knew when she married me -she also married my Phi Tau family and she’s been very supportive.
Q. What life or career lessons would you impart to the undergrads?
Barry: For career I would advise learning how to get things done, is a must. Your Phi Tau undergrad years are a great way to gain that skill by organizing fundraising events for Serious Fun, organizing recruitment or alumni events as well. Learning to plan is essential. For life advice I would say stand for something and do the right thing. Don’t look for approval from this earthly place. Those two attributes were given by our late brother, actor Paul Newman who lived well, was outspoken and gave immensely.
Q. What social media do you prefer?
Barry: I’m pretty much an Instagram guy now. I use it mainly to keep up with friends and Phi Taus and to encourage them. My username is @barrymaskotAUb1 if anyone wants to reach out.