Doug Suhr Joins Chapter Brothers at Wealth Management Firm

Doug Suhr, East Carolina '91

Doug Suhr, East Carolina ’91, recently joined Whitener Capital Management, Inc., becoming the 3rd Phi Tau to join the firm. He now works alongside firm owner Rick Sanford II, East Carolina ‘91, and Sean Gilsenan, East Carolina '87. “Rick brought Sean on board about 10 years ago and I 'finally' joined the firm this week,” Suhr said.

They had over 120 active members during their time in the 90s and have many fond memories of the Gamma Eta chapter.

Read the full press release below:

Rocky Mount, NC (December 15, 2020) – Whitener Capital Management, Inc., announced today that Douglas W. Suhr has joined the firm as Senior Financial Planner. Doug’s energies will be dedicated to enhancing the firm’s wealth management offering, by providing a customized and personal approach to comprehensive financial planning.

Whitener Capital Management, Inc., (founded in 1987), is an independent SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Rocky Mount, NC with assets in excess of $310 million.  “The core focus of the firm has always been money management,” said Rick Sanford, principal owner, and president of the firm.  “However, clients are now facing numerous planning decisions that need to be approached collectively and integrated with their investments.  The addition of Doug to direct the financial planning process highlights our firm’s ongoing commitment to truly providing comprehensive wealth management.”

Doug brings a wealth of experience from his 24 years in the financial services industry.  He possesses a unique blend of advanced technical expertise in all areas of financial planning and wealth management.  Doug believes deeply in the value of using financial planning to drive the investment management process.   “The financial markets have never been more difficult to navigate. Financial planning provides the clarity necessary for creating wealth, and ultimately financial freedom.”

Doug is a Certified Financial Plannertm and alumni of East Carolina’s School of Business.  He received his degree in Finance & Management from Southampton College of Long Island University.  Doug and his wife Sarah are active in their local community and busy raising their blended family of four children.  

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Chi Wins Big

Chi chapter has been recognized as one of the most outstanding fraternities on North Carolina State’s campus through a series of Fraternity and Sorority Life awards.

The chapter was nominated as one of 5 John T. Caldwell Chapters, an award for Best Fraternity on campus.

The chapter was recognized as an Education and Learning Winner for educational programs they hosted/participated in throughout the past year. They were 1 of 4 FSL chapters awarded this recognition, out of 26 chapters eligible. 

Carter Avayou, North Carolina State ‘19, was the Outstanding New Member Recipient for his contributions and impact on the chapter when he joined last year.

Will Steitz, North Carolina State ‘19, was one of 4 FSL Outstanding Chapter President Recipients for his work the past 2 semesters as Chi chapter president.

IFC President Kendall York, North Carolina State ‘19, was the Outstanding Fraternity Man Recipient for his work not only with Chi, but his impact overseeing IFC the past year. 

Congratulations to these outstanding Men of Distinction!

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Lambda Chapter Celebrates 100th Anniversary

By Ed Brizendine, Purdue '85

Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity was established on the Purdue campus on November 20, 1920. The Lambda Chapter at Purdue University was the eleventh chapter of the rapidly expanding Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Founded by sophomore agricultural students, the Purdue chapter had its beginnings a year earlier as a local fraternity called Beta Xi Alpha. Along with the chartering of the chapter itself, 20 undergraduate men and 3 faculty advisors were initiated into the organization. An additional 13 men were initiated in the Spring of 1921. Purdue faculty member Captain (later Colonel) Frank W. Bryant, Purdue ‘20, advised the chapter through its initial years and continued to be greatly involved in the national organization throughout his life.

Always active in intramural sports, student government, community service, and philanthropic projects, the chapter brotherhood has had and continues to have a strong presence as leaders on the Purdue campus. For nearly 80 years the chapter had a strong physical presence on campus as well when its chapter house was located at 516 Northwestern Avenue. Now, Wang Hall, the house was located on prime property right across from the Purdue engineering mall. Built in 1927 the English Tudor-style house was designed by fellow brother and prominent architect Richard C. Lennox, Purdue ‘21. Whether wrapped with a red ribbon and bow during the Christmas season or enclosed in wooden timbers during its biennial “Fort Phi Tau”, the unique chapter house was well known across the campus.

During its 100 years, the Purdue chapter has initiated over 1,500 men into Phi Kappa Tau. While the number of active undergraduate men has fluctuated over the years, its core value of recruiting a select and diverse group of men of character has remained constant. It currently has 30 active members with a long-term goal of growing the membership to 60 brothers.

But the success of the fraternity isn’t just about its undergraduate brothers and its presence on the Purdue campus. It is also about its alumni. As they learned and honed during their undergraduate years, the alumni continue to be successful both as leaders in their professions and as active members in their communities. While a mark of distinction is conferred on all men initiated into Phi Kappa Tau, the fraternal friendships formed as undergraduates that grow into the unbreakable bonds as alumni are perhaps the true marks of being a fraternity man.

The Lambda Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau has lasted a century on the Purdue campus only through the enthusiasm of its undergraduates and the dedicated support of its alumni. The chapter will be recognizing this milestone event remotely this year due to the ongoing pandemic. A formal in-person celebration will take place sometime in the near future.

Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity is a national collegiate fraternity founded March 17, 1906, at Miami University. Its mission is to champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership, and exemplary character. It has 80 active undergraduate chapters and 11 active colonies. Since its founding, it has developed over 100,000 men of character into Men of Distinction.

Phi Kappa Tau Announces Staffing Changes

13 November 2020 – Oxford, Ohio: Phi Kappa Tau announces the departure of Director of Chapter Services Tristan Conroy, Centre ’12. The role will be filled by Associate Director of Chapter Services, Brandon Lewis, Middle Tennessee State ’15.

Tristan has been a key member of the Phi Kappa Tau staff since 2015 when he started as a Success Manager. In his time, Tristan has impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of members. He has consulted with chapter leaders and advisors, helping to move their groups forward. He has initiated 100s of new members while attending charterings and created new Phi Tau leaders by facilitating national programs. He has impacted the staff he has mentored throughout the years and helped move our offices forward by implementing Salesforce and ChapterSpot.

“Tristan’s passion for the organization kept him motivated and striving for excellence. He is probably one of the hardest working men I’ve met. He pursues everything he does with the same amount of intensity, purpose, and focus that makes everyone around him want to be better. He will be missed but we wish him nothing but the best,” said Chief Operating Officer Travis Robinson, Eastern Kentucky ’98.

Brandon Lewis joined the Phi Tau staff in 2016. He has served as a Success Manager and more recently as Associate Director of Chapter Services working closely with colonies and alumni. “Brandon has shown the ability to lead and manage this role over the past four years,” said Travis. “We are really excited about the opportunity for him to lead the Chapter Services team and take them to the next level.”

The transition is effective as of November 15th. To find out more information on Phi Kappa Tau staff members visit the staff page.

Special 2020 Year-end Giving Incentives in CARES Act

The CARES Act signed into law in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic offers special charitable giving incentives for three categories of donors in the 2020 tax year. These may allow you to maximize the tax benefits of giving to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation.

For Itemizers…

The adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for cash contributions was increased for individual donors. For cash contributions made in 2020, you can now elect to deduct up to 100 percent of your AGI (increased from 60 percent).

For non-itemizers…

The CARES Act allows for an additional, “above-the-line” deduction for charitable gifts made in cash of up to $300. If you are not itemizing on your 2020 taxes, you can claim this new deduction. 

For those over 59½ years old with Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)…

The CARES Act did not change the rules around the IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), which allows individuals over 70½ years old to donate up to $100,000 in IRA assets directly to a charity like the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation annually, without taking the distribution into taxable income.

However, under the CARES Act, you can elect to deduct 100 percent of your AGI for cash charitable contributions. This effectively affords individuals over 59½ years old the benefits similar to a QCD; you can take a cash distribution from your IRA, contribute the cash to charity, and may completely offset tax attributable to the distribution by taking a charitable deduction in an amount up to 100 percent of their AGI for the tax year.

If you’re planning a large donation in 2020, this may be a smart strategy as long as you are between the ages of 59½ and 70½ and are not dependent on existing retirement funds.

For more information contact Director of Philanthropy Charlie Ball at cball@phikappatau.org.

This is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult your financial or legal advisor.

Pi Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

As the newest recipient of the Borradaile Alumnus Award for outstanding achievements, perhaps the most astonishing thing about Paul Ignatius, Southern California ’39, is that he had not yet won it.

 Ignatius was born to first-generation Armenian parents in Glendale, CA, on November 11th, 1920. After joining the Pi and graduating from Southern California in 1942, Ignatius served in World War II as a Commissioned Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, primarily as an Aviation Ordnance Officer in the Pacific.

Upon his return, Ignatius attended and graduated Harvard Business School with an MBA in 1947. Ignatius has had a varied and remarkable career, including Secretary of the Navy under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Assistant Secretary of Defense, Under Secretary of the Army, and Assistant Secretary of the Army. He has served as Chairman, President, and CEO of the Air Transport Association, President of The Washington Post, and Executive Vice President of The Washington Post Company. He founded Harbridge House Inc., a Boston-based consulting and research firm.

Now nearing his 100th birthday, Ignatius is retired. He has authored two books “On Board: My Life in the Navy, Government, and Business” and “Now I Know in Part: Stories of My Growing Up.” Ignatius has been inducted into both the Phi Kappa Tau and the USC Hall of Fame and received honors at the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center. His wife of 72 years, Nancy, passed away in 2019. Together they had four highly successful children. His grandson, Isaac, is now a member of the Pi colony.

On May 23rd, 2013 the Navy announced that an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer would be named after him. The USS Paul Ignatius was commissioned at Port Everglades, Fl on July 27th, 2019 with Ignatius in attendance.

Tightrope is Finally Here!

The Chapter Services team has partnered with Plaid to offer the Tightrope Education Program for our associate members. Phi Kappa Tau is committed to ensuring that you have the safest and most rewarding college experience possible, and we feel that Tightrope will be a perfect tool for this. 

Tightrope is a research and data-driven program consisting of online courses and optional in-person chapter activities to provide practical training on:

• Alcohol and Other Drugs

• Hazing

• Sexual Misconduct

• Mental Health

This program is fully replacing the partnership Phi Tau has had with GreekLifeEDU over the past 4 years. Similar to GreekLifeEDU, the expectation for participation is that all associate members must complete this program prior to their initiation, including Spring 2020 associates who did not complete GreekLifeEDU.

We have attached instructions on how to access the program. We have sent follow-up communication to your chapter Presidents and BOG on how to track an associate member’s completion of the program here shortly.

Thank you in advance for your participation and we wish you the best this semester!

Muhlenberg Doctors Make Generous Donation to Pre-Med Program

Dr. Thomas Burkholder, Muhlenberg '67, and his wife Dr. Judith Burkholder have made a major gift to their alma mater.

Both graduates of Muhlenberg’s natural science program, Thomas went on to attend Temple University’s School of Medicine and Willis Eye Hospital and become an ophthalmologist. Judith attended Hahnemann Medical College, now Drexel University College of Medicine, and became a physician specializing in internal medicine. Both credit Muhlenberg’s excellent undergraduate program with setting them up for med school success.

“The pre-med education that Muhlenberg has provided for decades is excellent, and medical schools were aware of their rigorous program and the quality of the students graduating from Muhlenberg,” Judith shared.

A rendering of the Burkholder Quadrangle

Now retired, the Burkholders have made a generous donation to the school, including financial support for pre-med students from underserved populations. “Privilege is a very real thing,” Thomas said, “A lot of people don’t have the chance to attend college or to attend and graduate medical school. Hopefully, this gift will enable some people to fulfill that dream.”

Muhlenberg will dedicate the Burkholder Quadrangle this fall as a thank-you for the gift, which will include a seating area and landscaped garden. The gift will also be used in support of an expansion to Seegers Union, a building on campus that provides space for advising, and Muhlenberg’s Career Center.

Read the original story here.

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Pi Colony Wins Rise of Troy Award Second Year in a Row

For the second year in a row, Pi colony at University of Southern California has won the prestigious Rise of Troy Award.

The Troy Award seeks to recognize a chapter who demonstrates excellence and outstanding growth in recruitment and intake efforts, education, retention, and engagement, and efforts of its members to promote growth and stability of their organization.

The Pi Colony’s official statement:

As the University of Southern California’s newest expansion, the Pi Colony of Phi Kappa Tau is proud to be the university’s largest expansion in the last fifty years. After the contraction of Greek Life within the last decade at USC, Phi Tau is determined to demonstrate that Greek Life can thrive and be a positive influence on the Trojan community. After starting with 22 members, Phi Tau has proudly associated over 40 members since its re-colonization in the fall of 2018. As the newest addition to the Row, we are committed to leading by example and serving as a role model for the rest of the USC community as we continue to grow and change the culture of Greek Life as USC. Under the leadership of former President Seth Novosel and current President Ralph Sun, Phi Tau has led the way in nearly every single metric. Our members are smart and well-engaged in the USC community, as over 70% of our members were involved in other student organizations and over 40% of our members hold leadership positions in such organizations. Phi Kappa Tau has demonstrated that any chapter, no matter how small or new, can make a big impact and serve as a role model for the USC community.

In 2019, Pi Colony won the Rise of Troy Award for the first time, as well as the prestigious Trojan Greek Emerging Leaders of the Year award. Go Far!

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Join us for the SeriousFun For All!

Last year, Phi Kappa Tau accepted the Excellence in Philanthropy Award to celebrate our long-term partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network at the gala in New York City. This year, now our 25th anniversary, the event is online and FREE for all to attend!    

Join Jimmy Fallon, Mark Hamill, and many more in celebrating the life-changing magic of SeriousFun camps. If you’re able, you can even create a watch party with your Phi Tau brothers. Every dime you raise will support Keep the Campfires Burning, a campaign launched to support camps as they continue serving campers and their family members safely in this crisis through innovative alternative programming, and also ensure that camps are in a position to welcome campers back when it is safe to do so. 

The event is premiering three times throughout the day on Facebook and YouTube live at 6 PM JST, IST, GMT, ET, and PT. We would love for you to join us!

Click here to RSVP!