Anti Hazing Resources

It’s on all of us to stop hazing in all its forms. As you return to campus, greet old friends, and welcome new ones, you need to be on the alert for hazing and how to stop it. Here are some resources if you see hazing on your campus.

In addition to these resources, Phi Tau has a direct line to stop hazing. If you see something, contact us immediately.

From hazingprevention.org:

 What do you do if you or someone you know has been hazed or is involved in hazing?

If someone is injured or doing something illegal, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait, this action could save someone’s life. Read Lianne Kowiak’s story.

If it’s not an emergency, most colleges and universities have multiple ways to report hazing. Each school is different, but these may include:

• The Student Affairs Office (a.k.a. Dean of Students, Student Life, etc.).

• Campus Security or University Police.

• College President’s Office

• Student Health.

Other ways to report hazing

• Contact local law enforcement. Hazing is a crime in many states. Even in states that do not have a specific law prohibiting hazing, many components of hazing (assault, etc.) are crimes.

• Call the anti-hazing hotline or use the form below for anonymous reporting.

Anyone concerned about hazing can report it by calling the Anti-Hazing Hotline:
(888) 668-4293 OR (888) NOT-HAZE

You can also simply Report Hazing via our online form. You may choose to remain anonymous, but it is important you clearly identify the organization and school about which you are concerned. If it involves a fraternity or sorority chapter, please provide the name of the national organization. The more details you can provide regarding the conduct the better it can be investigated.

About the Anti-Hazing Hotline

The Anti-Hazing Hotline accepts anonymous hazing reports from anyone. The hotline was established in 2007 by a consortium of national fraternities and sororities. It is currently sponsored by 47 national and international Greek organizations.

The Hotline provides an anonymous telephone line for anyone to report a suspected or recent hazing incident to one number 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) that accepts calls 24 hours a day. The Hotline connects to a dedicated voice mailbox at Manley Burke, LPA. The calls are automatically saved as audio files, which are transmitted by e-mail to the headquarters of the fraternity or sorority named in the report.

This is true whether or not the reports are about one of the sponsors or another organization. In some instances, reports are about athletic teams, bands, or clubs. When those calls are received, the institution where the organization is located is contacted.

In addition to the toll-free telephone number, reports may be made directly on this page. Just as with the phone calls, all messages are directed to Manley Burke, LPA. The reports are then forwarded to the national organization named in the report. To report known or suspected hazing, click here. Please clearly identify the organization and university that you are reporting.

Distinguished Chi Alumnus Alan Ayers Profiled by University

Alan Ayers, North Carolina State ’71, is driven to make life better – especially in his community.

The NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) recently featured Ayers as an accomplished alumnus and researcher. Ayers spoke on the importance of being a part of your community, using science to improve lives, his love for NC State – and gave Phi Tau a shout-out in the process.

Ayers obtained both his B.S. in zoology in 1974 and his Ph.D. in plant pathology in 1985 from NC State and has worked closely with NC State over his 30-year career as a regulatory scientist in the agrochemical industry. Recently, Ayers has given his time to support N.C. Plant Sciences Initiatives, which “is making lives better through innovative, interdisciplinary research that’s helping to solve some of the most complex issues facing agriculture and the world today.” He also helped develop a regulatory science course at NC State and is involved in the ZERO by 40 project – an initiative to end malaria globally by 2040.

You can read the full feature here. In the following excerpt, Dr. Ayers mentions the role Phi Tau had in his collegiate career.

From CALS:

You spent a lot of time working and studying at NC State. What are some of your happier memories here? 

There are too many to list. We won a National Basketball championship in ‘74, and we had some great football teams led by Lou Holtz. I was a part of that era, and it was almost a fairytale life. One thing I specifically did was join a social fraternity: Phi Kappa Tau. I did that during my undergrad years. I met a lot of people from all over the country and was exposed to guys who liked to have fun. We had a blast, but we were good students. We worked hard and played hard. A ton of them are still my friends today. We’ve played golf and watched football games. We’d complain about NC State sports when we’d lose and celebrate when we win. It was a key component of me being happy at NC State. It was a family away from home. 

Go Far!

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Foundation Announces Four New Trustees

The Phi Kappa Tau Foundation is pleased to welcome four new Trustees to the board. See below to learn more about these distinguished Phi Taus:

Michael R. Bichimer, Miami ’81

Michael Bichimer is a CPA and longtime Vice President of Finance at Ohio Health. Michael is now retired, he was with Ohio Health for twenty years.

As an alumnus, he’s served on the Board of Governors for Alpha chapter.

He lives outside Chicago.

Adam Goetz, Clemson ’95

Adam Geotz has served as a Financial Advisor at Mass Mutual for nearly twenty years. Prior to beginning his financial career, he worked as Director of Chapter Services at Phi Tau. As of 2020, Geotz is a Managing Partner at Burstin & Goetz.

He is based in Pittsburg.

John “Jack” Alvenus, St. John’s ’89

Jack Alvenus is a Senior Consultant at IQ Solutions, an Accenture Company. An active alumnus, Alevenus has served as a Domain Director and long-time Convention Parliamentarian.

He is based in Detroit.

Doug C. Adams, Miami ’81

Doug Adams is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking at PNC Bank, a position he’s held for 13 years. Prior to PNC, Doug held positions at Huntington National Bank and U.S. Bank. Doug was a Leadership Consultant at Phi Tau for two years and an Old Main Holdings volunteer.

He is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Hall of Fame Member Nickolas “Nick” Davatzes Enters Chapter Eternal

Nick Davatzes, St. John’s ’60

Phi Kappa Tau is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of brother Nick Davatzes, St. John’s ’60. Davatzes died at his home in Wilton, CT, on August 21. He was 79 years old. 

Born on March 14, 1942 in New York, Davatzes began attending St. John’s University in 1958 where he was a charter member of Gamma Gamma Chapter. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1962 and a Master of Arts in Sociology in 1964. Additionally he met his lifelong love Dorothea during his time at St. John’s. After earning his graduate degree he volunteered for the US Marine Corps, serving in both active and reserve capacities.  

Davatzes was a member of the inaugural class of Phi Kappa Tau Hall of Fame inductees, notably for his contribution to the cable television market. He served as President and CEO of A&E Networks from 1983 to 2005 where he oversaw the launch of multiple cable channels such as the incredibly popular History Channel. He retired in 2005 and was inducted into the Cable Television Hall of Fame.  

Keeping strong his ties to his college and his chapter Davatzes also was a key contributor to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation and St. John’s University. A long-time member of the Foundation's Boles Society, his gifts sustained the completion of the stained glass door in the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices building, originally designed for the old Executive Offices building in honor of Gamma Gamma's 25th anniversary.  

Nick Davatzes, St. John’s ’60 with wife Dorothea

At St. John’s Davatzes was a member of multiple alumni groups and societies including the University’s Board of Trustees. In 2001 Davatzes and his wife founded the Dorothea Hayes Scholarship Fund to benefit students of the School of Education and in 2007 they established the Christopher N. Davatzes Memorial Scholarship Fund, named for their late son.  

He is survived by his sons Geody Davatzes and Dr. Nicholas Davatzes, and four grandchildren. 

Calling hours will be held at Raymond Funeral Home, 5 East Wall Street in Historic Norwalk, Connecticut, Friday August 27 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton, CT on Saturday August 28 at 10:00 a.m. The internment will be private. Donations can be made in memory of Nick Davatzes to the Wilton Library Association Endowment Fund, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT, 06897 or at https://donate.onecause.com/supportwla2022/donate. Please visit www.norwalkfh.com to leave an online condolence for the family. 

Read full Obituary Here.

Read the story from St. John’s University Here.

Taylor Johnson Appointed as National Recruitment Advisor

Phi Kappa Tau National President Dale Holland, Kent State ’87, has announced he has appointed Taylor Johnson, Auburn ’14, a 2018 Magna Cum Laude Graduate at Auburn University as the new National Recruitment Advisor.

At Auburn Taylor served as Chapter Recruitment Chairman, Chapter President and was elected by his peers as the IFC VP of Recruitment. As Recruitment Chairman Taylor set a new Auburn chapter Fall recruitment record of 46 in 2016 and trained his successors to use the same tactics to exceed his record.

Using his tactics and creativity, the Alpha Lambda Chapter at Auburn University set the National Fall recruitment record of 66 associate members in fall of 2019, initiating 59 .

Johnson has just taken the Alabama Bar exam after graduating with Summa Cum Laude from Cumberland Law School in Birmingham and winning numerous Moot Court competitions. He is working for a local law firm in Birmingham.

“I wanted someone with passion and expertise in this important role,” said Holland, “as well as a younger Brother that can relate with the challenges and issues facing our chapters.”

“I am very humbled and yet excited about this opportunity.” said Johnson. “I want all of our chapters to excel and thrive on their campus. I want to teach them new ways to do that with some tried and true proven tactics and strategy and creative thinking. I know every campus is different but most of these tactics apply no matter what the size of the school you are attending.”

Read Taylor’s Top Ten Tips for Recruitment Here.

Phi Tau Returns to Miami and Muhlenberg!

We are very excited to announce a return to Miami University and Muhlenberg College this year!

Miami University, home of Alpha Chapter, in Oxford, Ohio

Muhlenberg College, home of Eta Chapter, in Allentown, Pennslyvania

We look forward to developing a new generation of Men of Distinction at our Alpha and Eta chapters! If you know of a young man attending Miami University or Muhlenberg College, please refer him to Phi Kappa Tau here. If you have any direct questions regarding the project please reach out to Director of Chapter Service Brandon Lewis (blewis@phikappatau.org).

Click here to fill out the Alumni Interest Form for the Miami University Expansion.

Click here to fill out the Alumni Interest Form for the Muhlenberg College Expansion.

We are also still looking for Recruiters to join the expansion team! Recruiters are responsible for the selection of undergraduates at new and returning chapters, as well as preliminary coaching and goal setting with chapter leadership. Recruiters are critical to the expansion process and retain close ties to the chapter by integrating themselves within the campus community. If you know of or you are a recent graduate, you can find out more information here.

Get to Know the Success Managers

The purpose of the Success Management Team is to provide guidance, accountability, and support to chapter leadership through compassionate coaching. This is not just for chapter presidents or officers, but anyone in the chapter can reach out to their assigned Success Manager for any assistance they may need. As the school year is starting back up, we wanted you to learn a little more about your Success Managers. 

---

Hunter Pemberton, Akron ’18 - Senior Success Manager

Home Town: Ashland, KY & Ironton, OH

Fun Fact: I'm a huge comic book collector.

What small change do you think a chapter can make to improve their operations?

Getting non-exec members involved in decisions/planning. Committees and overall chapter participation is huge when it comes to improving a chapter's operations.

How would you describe your coaching style?

I'd describe my coaching style as motivational and experience driven. I'm big about learning from mistakes and past experiences.

What’s a common misconception you’d like to clear up about the Chapter Services Department?

A lot of undergrads seem to think we're the police when our only goal is to truly help them succeed in anyway we can, and do what's best for them as a whole.

---

Craig Krygowski, Southern Illinois ‘17 - Success Manager

Home Town: Posen, IL

Fun Fact: I have been growing a native plant garden the last two years.

What small change do you think a chapter can make to improve their operations?

Reminding brothers why they joined in the first place and helping them further their commitment within the fraternity.

How would you describe your coaching style?

I would say it is mix between vision-coaching and holistic-coaching. I try to give clear direction and strategies for achieving goals; but also reminding individuals that you must be able to balance the stresses of life to grow. 

What’s a common misconception you’d like to clear up about the Chapter Services Department?

We are not here to be enforcers. It is our goal provide our members with them resources to be successful, safe, and have an enjoyable fraternal experience. 

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Taylor Major, Virginia Wesleyan - Success Manager

Home Town: Eastern Shore of Virginia 

Fun Fact: I was a two-sport collegiate athlete.

What small change do you think a chapter can make to improve their operations?

Focus on leaving your space better than you found it. This is how you create generational wealth!

How would you describe your coaching style?

Positive, upbeat and realistic.

What’s a common misconception you’d like to clear up about the Chapter Services Department?

We want nothing but the best for our chapters. We want to see chapters thrive, flourish and be successful!

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Drake Berlin, Bethany ‘16 - Associate Director of Chapter Services

Home Town: Washington Court House, OH

Fun Fact: I play in 3 different hockey leagues in my free time.

What small change do you think a chapter can make to improve their operations?

Staying in the loop year-round to ensure summer time is not lost time.

How would you describe your coaching style?

Compassionate and success driven.

What’s a common misconception you’d like to clear up about the Chapter Services Department?

We are younger than people think. 

If you would like to set up a time to chat with your chapter’s Success Manager click here for a directory. 

Phi Tau Welcomes Billy Bloomberg to Staff

Phi Kappa Tau is excited to welcome Billy Bloomberg, William Paterson ’17, to the role of Alumni Engagement Coordinator. The Alumni Engagement Coordinator will work to develop effective alumni engagement by working closely with Domain Directors to create graduate councils and the Success Management Team to support the Board of Governors.

A graduate of William Paterson, Billy completed his BA in Sociology – Work Community Engagement in 2020 and continues to work towards his MA in Applied Sociology.

Billy comes to us with experience as a teacher and youth director at Barnet Temple Jewish Journey Project, where he wrote curriculum, mentored students, and taught 3rd-6th grade. As a youth director, he oversaw all youth programming and youth group executive board. He’s also worked as a Counselor and Logistics Director at URJ Greene Family Camp, and as well as a Program Staff Member at URJ Mitzvah Corps New Jersey.

Billy served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the William Paterson Hillel and President of the QPUNJ Greek Senate. Within the Epsilon Epsilon chapter, Billy served as New Member Educator, Risk Management Chairman, Chaplin, and Philanthropy and Community Service Chairman.

Welcome to the team, Billy, we’re excited to have you!

The New National Council

Phi Kappa Tau is pleased to introduce the newly elected members of the National Council.

National President Dale Holland, Kent State ’87

A 1987 initiate of Beta Mu at Kent State University, Dale was introduced to the Phi Tau Hall of Fame in 2006 for his distinguished career in the Air Force.

Dale is a retired Air Force Colonel with 25-years of Department of Defense experience. His last active-duty assignment was as the 89th Airlift Wing Vice Commander at Joint Base Andrews, MD. Dale served as a navigator on Air Force One from 2001-2007 supporting President George W. Bush and the First Family and was honored to serve President Bush and President Barack Obama as the Deputy Director of Operations at the White House Military Office.

He is currently the VP of Business Development at Satcom Direct and resides in Bonita Springs, FL. Dale has been married to his college sweetheart, Su Smith, for over two years. He has a son, Sid, and a daughter, Alaina.

National Vice President Barry Mask, Auburn ’78

A 1978 initiate, Barry served as President, Rush Chairman, and President of the Auburn IFC as an undergraduate. He was the first “Aubie the Tiger” mascot for the school. As an alumnus, he served on the chapter’s Board of Governors and Housing Corporation.

Barry had a career in governmental affairs, grassroots campaign organizing, and PAC fundraising. He served two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives before moving into marketing for financial institutions.

Barry has transferred his creative marketing and business development skills into recruitment tactics as National Recruitment Advisor. He served on the Phi Kappa Tau National Council from 2002-2008. He and his wife, Jill, live in the Auburn area.

National Councilor Jon Hays, Old Dominion ’07

Jon Hays comes to the National Council with a diverse professional background. He started his career by serving four years in the Marine Corps and later the Virginia Army National Guard and the West Virginia National Guard. After completing his military service, Jon initiated at the Gamma Tau chapter of Phi Tau. Jon attributes joining later than a typical member to his understanding of non-traditional students.

Ricky Bailey (left) and Jon Hays (right)

Upon graduation, Jon attended law school at West Virginia University. He currently operates out of his law firm and runs Hays Enterprise LLC, a consulting firm for the government. He lives in Northern Virginia.

National Councilor Ricky Bailey, Florida State ’03

As an undergraduate, Ricky was a Founding Father of the Beta Iota chapter at Florida State. Since graduation, he has served as a Chapter Advisor and Board of Governors Chair. Ricky helped establish the Undergraduate Advisory Board during the 59th National Convention in Denver and has been a facilitator for Presidents Academy, Leadership Academy, and Regional Conferences. Ricky served as Domain Director before becoming a National Councilor.

Ricky already served two years on the National Council after his appointment by the Council to a vacancy in 2018. At this convention, his role as Councilor was voted on by the body. Ricky is currently the Business Manager for the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. He lives in Nashville. He previously worked at Florida State University, where he obtained both his BS and MBA.

These gentlemen join the rest of the National Council: Buzz Green, Ole Miss ’66, Warren Mattox, Nebraska Wesleyan ’69, Ray Carlos, Cal State Fullerton ’01, Michael French, Kent State 88, Michael Lummus, Belmont ’06, and Tim Hudson, Truman State ’97.

Chapter Services Announces Fall 2021 Billing Structure

From the Chapter Services Team:

Phi Kappa Tau’s Chapter Services team stands ready to support you and your chapter during this time of rapid change. We are at the ready to answer questions, address concerns, and develop a plan of action alongside you to be prepared for your returns to campus.

After decreasing our chapter dues to best accommodate chapters throughout COVID-19 and its effect on the 2020-2021 Academic year, we will be adjusting dues effective this Fall to reflect increased operational costs. Please see below for the adjusted billing structure: 

One-time:

• Affiliation Fee: $250 (for new associates only)

• Total: $250

Per Semester:

• Member Fees (per member)

  • Member Dues: $87.50

  • Housing: $7.50

  • Insurance: $160

• Total: $255

• Chapter Fees (per chapter)

  • Chapter Dues: $500

  • Conference Pool: $300

    • Convention

  • NIC Dues: $176

• Total: $976

The Fall bill will be due September 15.

To download a PDF of this information click here.

Please be advised that this increase will still be less than the dues rate prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this move, it is our hope that we will be able to provide all necessary support to our chapters while still being accommodating to the lingering effects of 2020. 

If you have any questions, please contact your chapter’s Success Manager or the Director of Chapter Services Brandon Lewis at blewis@phikappatau.org.