A Summer of Service

As Phi Kappa Tau enters its 25th year in partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network, the ways the two organizations benefit from each other are ever changing and ever expanding. Phi Kappa Tau undergraduates are eligible for a $300 travel stipend to cover the cost of getting to and from a camp, and members of the National Council, Foundation Trustees, and staff are encouraged to take a week off each year to volunteer. But this summer, one of our staff members seized the opportunity to work at Roundup River Ranch in Gypsum, CO – an experience he will never forget.

Colton Anderson, Middle Tennessee ’15, who started as a Recruiter in the spring of 2018 after graduating, took a two-month sabbatical earlier this year to pack up and move to Gypsum, the home of Roundup River Ranch. Situated in the mountains two and a half hours outside of Denver, Roundup River Ranch is one of SeriousFun’s newer camps. It welcomed campers for its first season in 2011 and has since hosted thousands of campers – all free of charge.

Colton took a seasonal position as a Program Team Member and traded in his duties as a Recruiter for planning horseback riding excursions, archery, art classes, swimming, and all the other activities SeriousFun camps offer. As its core, his role was to make campers time enjoyable, and to ensure they had fun and safe things to do.

In addition to being free of charge, SeriousFun camps are special because they provide a full medical staff at each campsite. “Many of the campers are in and out of the hospital in their daily lives, but the SeriousFun camps are medically equip to be able to meet medical needs of the campers while they’re doing all this fun, outdoor stuff,” Colton explains.

Colton speaks so highly of the whole experience he says it’s hard to select a favorite memory, but among them was a week where staff members and volunteers acted as characters. Colton and a fellow staffer were the King and Queen, and one of his most enjoyable experiences of the entire summer was playing that role for a group of kids. “We got to interact with this group as King and Queen and answer questions about what it was like to be royalty, it was so fun and special to them,” he says.

The entire experience is something he would recommend to anyone, and definitely an opportunity he would take again. “It’s an awesome experience, not only for the kids but for staff as well. Being a part of that environment is so much fun for everyone involved,” Colton shares. SeriousFun network relies on generosity to run and not just in donations; besides a handful of staff members, the camps are run largely off volunteer efforts. There are lots of ways to volunteer, and the camps design their volunteer structure so that it’s flexible for people with full time jobs. From going for a full week to just a couple days, all of the camps have different options. But for those who don’t have the flexibility to take the time off to volunteer, getting involved financially is a worthy cause. “Their donation network is so good, all of those dollars go towards making sure the kids have an awesome experience,” he says.

Colton encourages every member of Phi Kappa Tau to get involved with SeriousFun, whether that’s as a seasonal volunteer, staff member, or donor. “We have this partnership and it’s such a big deal, it’s important we continue to live up to the reputation we've set by earning the Excellent in Philanthropy Award. We have to continue to grow the relationship,” he says.

“It’s really just an awesome philanthropy, in my opinion one of the best in the world,” he concludes, enthusiastically. “It has a real impact, it’s a very real thing with a lot of hands-on work and ways to directly help people.”

Colton’s summer at the camp even yielded a professional opportunity, and as his next step he will be starting a new job as Financial Associate at SeriousFun headquarters in Westport after the New Year.

Summer registration is opening soon and we encourage all members to check out this list of camps to find one to volunteer.

Go Far!

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Fall 2019 Expansion Wrap Up

The newest associates at the University of Delaware

A strategic imperative of Phi Kappa Tau, our expansion projects are selected intentionally and thoughtfully to find campuses who need us, alumni that are interested in seeing their chapters return, and student interest groups. This fall, alumni groups were particularly excited as all of our expansions return groups.

We are particularly excited to welcome 30 new associate members to the Alpha Gamma chapter at the University of Delaware. This group has hit the ground running and is already weaving themselves into the fabric of the Delaware campus by participating in social and service events.

Darryl Thompson the newest member of the Foundation staff

Our other expansion projects this fall included Alpha Rho at Georgia Institute of Technology, Delta Upsilon at the University of Tennessee-Martin, and Tau at the University of Michigan. Recruiters held individual meetings, built group camaraderie, and demonstrated the basics of event planning and meeting structure to successfully build these colonies. We look forward to employing these strategies as we return to Eta chapter at Muhlenberg College this spring!

Alex Papke on project at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville

In the expansion department, the Associate Director of Organizational Growth, Darryl Thompson, Old Dominion ’14, has accepted a new role within the Phi Tau Foundation as Philanthropy Coordinator, and Recruiter Alex Papke, Baldwin Wallace ‘14, will be assuming the new role as Associate Director. We wish both men luck in their new roles!

If you are interested in volunteering at a Phi Kappa Tau colony, find out more information here.

Colgate Alumni Named 30 Under 30

Two Phi Taus Nick Freud, Colgate ’12, and Rob Carroll, Colgate ’12, have been listed on Forbes’ academic “30 Under 30.”  

They earned their spot on the list through their company CampusReel, a college review site that hosts candid student-review videos of various campuses. The purpose of the website is to provide prospective high school students the opportunity to see what their dream school is “really” like by providing them videos of dorm tours, dining hall reviews, and program insight. This tool has been beneficial to high school counselors as well as college administration staff and recruiters.  

Their library contains over 17,000 videos created by students from 355 colleges and universities. In just three years, CampusReel has reached users in 140 countries and raised $1 million.   

Well done to these Men of Distinction!  

Read their Forbes profile here.  

 Want to share your story with us? Submit it here 

Centre Alumnus Elected to Dallas Young Lawyers Board of Directors

CJ Donald, Centre ’12, has been elected to the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers 2020 Board of Directors.  

Donald is an LLP associate of Haynes and Boone, one of the largest and most-recommended law firms in the country. Donald, a 2012 graduate of Centre, attended Vanderbilt University’s law school, where he worked as a Research Assistant, Law Clerk, and Honors Intern for the New York City Law Department before graduating in 2017.  

He will be responsible for supporting DAYL membership efforts, organizing events, and fundraising, as well as acting as a liaison between the Board and various committees regarding projects, service efforts, and professional development, according to the original press release here.   

Donald has been involved with DAYL since his first year as a lawyer, as well as an active member for the Equal Access to Justice Committee, an organization that provides access to the justice system for disadvantaged communities, of which he is a co-chair.  

The DAYL is an organization of around 3,000 attorneys and the only group in Dallas dedicated to serving needs of young lawyers. Members of this organization volunteer their time and talents to over 150 projects each year and contribute thousands of volunteer hours benefitting the Dallas area.  

Go Far, CJ!  

Want to share your story with us? Submit it here.    

Senator John Barrasso Visits Afghanistan

John Barrasso, Rensselaer ’71, Senator to Wyoming spent his Thanksgiving visiting deployed troops in Afghanistan.   

The trip was a secret and, along with President Trump, Barrasso surprised troops at Bagram Airfield Wednesday morning. Senator Barrasso and President Trump served a thanksgiving meal before a briefing regarding ongoing military operations in the area. According to Senator Barrasso’s website, there are 370 Wyoming National Guard soldiers deployed in the Middle East, the largest number since 2009.  

Of the event Barrasso said:  

On a day to reflect on what we as Americans are thankful for, it was an honor to travel to Afghanistan with President Trump to tell our soldiers in person how truly grateful we are for their sacrifice and dedication. I was incredibly proud to introduce the President to Guard members who are stationed at Bagram Air Base. They’re part of the largest overseas deployment of Wyoming soldiers in a decade and are doing an outstanding job.  

Senator Barrasso was a part of a host committee that welcomed Phi Taus into the Senate building earlier this year for a Washington DC reception.  

Read the news story from the Senator’s website here.  

Go Far, Senator!  

Want to share your story with us? Submit it here.    

5 Tips to Help You this Exam Season

Your semester is winding down and winter break is just around the corner, but before you can enjoy a few weeks of vacation, you have to get through the final stretch of exams and papers. Here are five tips from our Health & Wellness Department to keep you focused and healthy during the most stressful part of the school year:

 Organize.

Organize your study space and create an exam schedule so you know when to focus on what. Prioritize immediate deadlines, but make sure to budget time for projects that still seem far away. Studying weeks in advance significantly helps improve retention and comprehension.

Eat healthy.

Did you know foods rich in Vitamin-C can reduce blood pressure and lower cortisol? Or that the complex carbs in oatmeal help you destress and keep your energy up for longer periods of time? This year ditch the junk food to keep your body and brain functioning throughout the end of the semester. Check out this list of brain foods for inspiration.

Drink plenty of water.

Our bodies are over 60% water, and dehydration has a significant impact on performance. Lack of focus, increased fatigue or “brain fog,” sleep issues, and headaches can all be linked with dehydration. Make sure to have a water bottle handy so you stay hydrated during this exam season. Read this article to figure out how much water you should drink.

Study Smarter.

Review your material from the past semester – tests, quizzes, etc. – to prepare for what might be asked on the final exam. “Self test” by studying with flashcards or answering questions at the end of your textbook’s chapter.  

Take breaks.

This article recommends taking a study break every 50-90 minutes. This one recommends 52 minutes exactly. Whatever you decide, make sure to incorporate a couple 15-20-minute breaks into your exam prep so you stay refreshed.

We hope this exam season is a huge success for you! Share your accomplishments in the classroom with us at the end of the semester. #GoFar

Gamma Alumni Meet Off-Campus

Two weeks ago, alumni from Ohio State’s Gamma chapter held their first, and hopefully annual, away tailgate at Northwestern’s campus in Evanston, IL. More than 50 brothers and their families gathered for the Wildcats vs. Buckeyes game, representing 4 generations of Phi Taus. Ted Zaller, Ohio State ’96, who reported the event, shared that many brothers had not seen each other in over 15 years.

 We love to see brothers gather across the country. Congratulations to our Gamma alumni on a great event!

Want to share your story with us? Submit it here.  

Delaware Alum Opens NYC Restaurant

John Sierp, Delaware ’91, opened Home Base Bistro earlier this year, a restaurant in Midtown, Manhattan, where he is co-owner and executive chef.  

 He serves “kicked-up” pub grub, as he described it to the New York Post, with menu items such as pork belly tacos, Cuban egg rolls, and General Tso-spiced cauliflower. “I like food that is fun,” he said, “I like food that you can eat with one hand and one-bite food.”  

John never attended culinary school. Instead, he learned to cook from his Italian mother and grandmother and honed his skills at the Delaware chapter house, where he acted as the house chef. “We had a guy who was cooking, and he became lazy,” John told the Post, “He started catering food in from a pizza place and it sucked because it was Delaware. So, I said, ‘I can make this food for cheaper and 10 times better.’”   

John and a chapter brother from New Jersey worked together to impress their housemates with their mothers’ recipes. “These were kids from Maryland and Pennsylvania,” John said, “They didn’t know what real Sunday sauce was.” John became such a popular chef on campus, he even catered parents’ weekend. “The compliments I got from these Italian mothers were through the roof. It made my whole experience.”   

In addition to his skills in the kitchen, John is one of New York’s Bravest, a 15-year veteran of the FDNY. He currently serves in Tribeca where he cooks for the other members of the station. “Besides food critics, the toughest crowd is the firemen, without a doubt,” he shared. John’s experience as a firefighter has made him adept at handling high pressure situations. He’s competed twice on “Chopped” where he finished second each time. He’s also appeared on the “Rachel Ray Show.” But nothing compares to owning Home Base Bistro. “Every time I walk through the doors, I feel a sense of pride,” he said.   

John has consulted on menus all over the east coast. Ten years ago, he was asked to create a menu for a bar in Tribeca, where he featured his grandmother’s rice balls and pulled pork. “I started coking with my mom’s recipes in a frat house and now I have my own kitchen. It’s come full circle for me,” he said. We’re proud to have played a role in John’s career. Go Far!  

Read his original profile in the New York Post here.  

Want to share your story with us? Submit it here.  

Don and Anne Phillips Host Phi Tau Reception

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.

Want to share your story with us? Submit it here. 

Mount Union Alumnus Bikes to End Cancer

Alex Koehler, Mount Union ’07, completed a 45-mile bike ride in August with Peltonia, an organization that raises money for life-saving cancer research. Since its founding in 2008, Peltonia has raised over $207 million. In 2019 alone, riders, volunteers, and supporters have generated over $23 million. 100% of Peltonia’s proceeds are directed towards research at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.

 This is Koehler’s first-time riding for the organization, and he has raised nearly $2,000. Brothers from across the country contributed to his effort, for which he says he is “extraordinarily grateful.”

You can view his Peltonia profile here.

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