By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Phi Kappa Tau has laid the foundation for its return to Clemson University!

Two of our Executive Office’s newest staff members were sent out on their first project, laying the groundwork for the re-chartering of the Epsilon Nu chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. Ryan Callahan, Tennessee ’20, and Ethan Bunn, North Carolina State ’19, were no strangers to the diligent demands of starting a new chapter—both having been re-founding fathers of their own chapters. Under the guidance of the Associate Director of Organizational Growth, Hunter Pemberton, Akron ’18, our expansion team found resounding success in the Palmetto State. Bunn and Callahan were able to recruit 60 new members in just two months, who now comprise the Epsilon Nu associate chapter and have hopes of gaining their charter in the Spring of 2023. In addition to recruiting a strong class of distinguished young men, the expansion team were able to make strides in establishing their foundation on the Clemson campus. They’ve created intramural teams, had a parents and alumni weekend, filled social and recruitment committees, and have the standards board preparing bylaws and guidelines.

*Bunn holding a meeting with the men of Epsilon Nu.*

The preparation for this project was extensive and played an integral part in the success. Speaking to and establishing relationships with potential alumni volunteers was one of the first steps in this process. The graduate members who played a crucial role in this project were: Bob Ragsdale, Georgia '66, now the current BOG Chairman; Joseph Doyle, Clemson '95, BOG Trustee; Chip Munn, III, Clemson '95, BOG Trustee; Adam Goetz, Clemson '95, Foundation Trustee; and John Cochran, Georgia Tech '89, BOG Member. Paired with the foundation that these volunteers provided, the expansion team spoke with Clemson Alumni to understand Epsilon Nu and Clemson University history, established relationships with many campus officials—particularly in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Interfraternity Council—researched campus statistics and trends, and created social media sites for the project. Through this process, Bunn and Callahan were able to find a group of undergraduate men who will be pivotal to the success of the associate chapter and will undoubtedly lead them to re-chartering. Among others, this chapter is being led by: Chapter President: Chris Horton, Clemson '19; Recruitment Chair: Riley Bartuska, Clemson AM; Risk Management Chair: Abraham Cagle, Clemson AM; Judicial Board Member: George Sprinkle III, Clemson AM.

*Chris Horton, Clemson ’19 and Collin Shealy, Clemson AM (Left). Callahan and Bunn (Right).*

The men of Epsilon Nu are well on their way to success, and the smooth road ahead could have not been accomplished without the hard work of the undergraduates, alumni, and talented expansion team that comprised this project. Excellently prepared, encouraged, and supported by Pemberton, Bunn and Callahan were able to use their own experience to provide our organization with another potentially outstanding chapter. Congratulations to the men of Epsilon Nu, and fantastic work by all involved. We have no doubt you’ll make us all proud.