A Q & A with National Councilor Ray Carlos, Cal State Fullerton ’01

In 2003 a letter was sent out on behalf of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation penned by John Green, Nebraska Wesleyan '60, regarding Leadership Academy and how giving to the Foundation supports up-in-coming leaders. In that letter an undergraduate member who had recently attended the academy was mentioned. The letter begins with, “Raymond Carlos. Not exactly a household name.” It then goes into detail about the impact the academy had on Ray Carlos, Cal State Fullerton ’01, and the other participants in the academy.

Almost 20 years later and Ray Carlos now sits on the National Council of Phi Kappa Tau. Lessons gained from his Leadership Academy experience lead him to become increasing more involved with Phi Kappa Tau immediately upon his graduation. We decided to catch up with Ray as he reflects on the letter and the impact of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation. (You can read the original letter here).

Q: What strikes you most when you revisit the letter?

A: What strikes me most is how quickly 18 years flew by and the incredible positive impact it feels to be "seen" and acknowledged by a legend in Phi Tau. I only had two years of experience being part of this Brotherhood in 2003 and I can only hope I am as enthusiastic today about our Fraternity as I was when Brother Green wrote this letter.

Q: How did Leadership Academy influence your future as a leader within your chapter and the national fraternity?

A: Leadership Academy 2001 was the bridge that connected me to the National Fraternity. It was there that I was able to meet Brothers from all over the nation, including some of the most notable alumni volunteers and phriends of Phi Tau. The emphasis that was placed on the Creed, character development, and our ritual was instrumental in my own understanding of Phi Kappa Tau. And to see the founding sites on the beautiful campus of Miami University was a reflective experience. Upon my Academy graduation I immediately ran and was elected as the Membership Orientation Officer for my chapter and my volunteer service to Phi Kappa Tau has never ceased.

Q: Did you have a strong understanding of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation and its purpose while you were an undergraduate?

A: I did not. I didn't understand the separation of the Fraternity and Foundation and how they worked together and I certainly didn't think that I was able to give as an undergraduate. It wasn't until I was chosen to attend Leadership Academy with my chapter brother Mike Daher, that our Board of Governors said that there were funds available for travel from alumni! When I arrived at Academy, my name badge had a sponsor on the back: Brother John Cosgrove.

Q: Why should someone give to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation?

A: Not many people have the opportunity to have an immediate influence on a new generation of students. We have that opportunity with our own Brothers - some we may meet, and others who may only remember us as a Brother who believed in the future of Phi Kappa Tau. 2020 has impacted all of us - for some of our younger Brothers, they spent much of their last year of high school and their first year of college online. Being able to provide some financial support for them to attend fraternal events, help through a scholarship, or perhaps an emergency grant, is a rewarding experience - and to know it's tax deductible is the cherry on top.

The Phi Kappa Tau foundation and has made an impact on many men in its nearly 80 year history and will continue to do so for generations to come. As the end of he year approaches we encourage you to consider a gift to Phi Kappa Tau foundation. Who knows, you may just be helping out the next Ray Carlos.

To give a gift to your chapter or the Brotherhood Fund go to phikappatau.org/give.

See below for the beginning excerpt of the letter mentioned in this article.