Cory Stopka, Miami '13, Elected as Grand President of Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity

Cory Stopka, Miami ’13 (left) with Tyler Wash, Georgetown ’06 (right) at a Delta Sigma Pi Convention

Cory Stopka, Miami ’13, has been elected to the position of Grand President of the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity. Stopka previously worked on staff for the business fraternity which is also located in Oxford, Ohio. He forged close ties to staff members of Phi Kappa Tau during that time leading to his initiation into Alpha chapter in 2013. Phi Kappa Tau is incredibly proud to have a member reach one of the highest levels of service within the professional organization. 

“Delta Sigma Pi’s most prosperous days are ahead of us!” Stopka wrote when reached out for comment, “I’m excited to help and support our chapters and brothers through the remaining days of the pandemic to thrive for generations. We will continue to forge ahead and have a natural opportunity to learn from our past to continue to build momentum. We are implementing our new set of  strategic priorities and searching for our next Executive Director, among many other beneficial professional programming efforts to support all Deltasigs.”

Delta Sigma Pi has chartered at over 300 campuses and has nearly 300,000-lifetime initiates. The purpose of the business fraternity is to,  “foster the study of business in universities; to encourage scholarship, social activity and the association of students for their mutual advancement by research and practice; to promote closer affiliation between the commercial world and students of commerce, and to further a higher standard of commercial ethics and culture and the civic and commercial welfare of the community.”

Phi Kappa Tau looks forward to the great work Stopka will do for Delta Sigma Pi and the fraternity community. 

Stopka with Phi Kappa Tau staff members and friends.

Georgia Alumnus Recognized as Top Medical Researcher

Ryan Devine, Georgia ’14, has been recognized as one of the top young medical researchers in the country, according to the University of Georgia.

Devine’s work involves improving the safety and effectiveness of blood-contracting medical devices.

“Despite decades of research, blood clotting remains the most common cause of failure in blood-contracting medical devices such as hemodialysis machines,” said Devine in the feature. “By reverse-engineering the blood vessels within our body, our lab has shown significant improvement in the blood compatibility of the polymeric materials commonly used in these types of devices.”

Devine has made huge contributions in research during his time at UGA including nine published studies, four of which he is first-author. Devine has also published three patents based on his research – one of which has been awarded a provisional patent.

Devine’s dedication to his work was recognized by Baxter International’s Young Investigator Awards program. Devine is a recipient of the first-tier award – one of six in the country.

“I’m honored to be recognized for my work by Baxter, which is a world leader in blood-contacting medical device research,” Devine said. “In additional, I would like to thank the faculty, staff, and fellow students in the College of Engineering and College of Veterinary Medicine for all of the support and training during my undergraduate and graduate studies.”

Ryan will finish the requirements for his Ph.D. this spring.  

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A Memorial for James Royal

Over the summer the Zeta Xi chapter lost their brother, James Royal, South Carolina ’18, to suicide.

James’ death devastated his friends, family, and community. Local sports reporter Mike Uva created a shirt to honor James’ legacy, with all the proceeds going towards his memorial fund.

“The memorial fund is aimed towards those who are struggling with mental health,” shared his chapter brother Joey Murphy, South Carolina ’20. “The fund is aimed towards those who are struggling with mental health and helping to provide resources to those impacted by it.”

James’ parents are currently in the process of setting up the fund. You can view or purchase a shirt here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, reach out for help immediately. There are resources you can use at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).

Aidan Strong in Delaware

Alpha Gamma chapter in their Aidan Strong shirts.

August 7th, Aidan Bradley, Delaware ’20, was hit by a train on campus.

Aidan is a senior and the son of alumnus Christopher Bradley, Delaware ’94. Over the summer, Aidan was walking home by the train tracks and was struck by a train passing through campus.

As a result, Aidan lost his right arm and right leg. After multiple surgeries, he is recovering, though there is a long road ahead. Details of the accident are unclear, as much of Aidan’s memory of the night was lost to injury trauma.

The Alpha Gamma chapter has been working closely with other groups on campus to provide Aidan with financial support during his recovery. The chapter reports that Aidan is handling the injury well and thriving in physical therapy. The family coined the phrase “Aidan Strong” due to his “incredibly” positive attitude.

We wish Aidan all the best in his recovery, and our thoughts are with the chapter and his family through this difficult time.

If you are able, the family is collecting donations here.

Brothers Connect in Vietnam

Photo from the local paper

Brothers meet in the most unlikely places. Chapter Brothers Wayne Edminston, Cal State Chico ’65, and Lanny French, Cal State Chico ’66, connected during the summer of 1969 while they were both deployed in Vietnam. For over 40 years the brothers didn’t speak again, until 2020 when they had the opportunity to catch up.

Submitted by Wayne Edminston, Cal State Chico ’65:

After listening to our Fraternity’s President, Dale Holland, I think back to my time in Vietnam supper of ’69. That was when a fellow chapter brother spent a day with me at Ton Sa Nhut Air Force Base, near Saigon.

Lanny French, Cal State Chico ’66, had been in the country for over a year when he came to see me. We reminisced about the chapter house and how strange it was to be here like – nothing like home – but how wonderful it was to see a familiar face.

He shared several of his stories about Army training and how he was very good at it in the jungles. I shared what my life was like as crew chief for the RF-101s (reconnaissance). Both of us were doing our part serving our country. He remained in Vietnam for over two years while I was there for 11 months and seven days.

We lost touch for 40 years – until 2020 when we had a chat on the phone.

So, Brothers, you never know where one might connect with another Phi Tau – no matter where it is.

Thank you,

Wayne Edminston, Cal State Chico ’65

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Hispanic Heritage Month

Nuestro Credo

Phi Kappa Tau, al admitirme como miembro, me ha conferido una marca de distinción de la que me enorgullezco. Creo en el espíritu de hermandad que representa. Me esforzaré por alcanzar sus ideales y, al hacerlo, le traeré honor y crédito. Seré leal a mi universidad y a mi capilla y mantendré estrechos vínculos con ellas para poder conservar siempre el espíritu de la juventud. Seré un ciudadano bueno y leal. Siempre trataré de cumplir con mi obligación con los demás que nace del hecho de ser un hombre de fraternidad.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th-October 15th. The observation began in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

 September 15th is also significant because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico also celebrates its Independence Day on September 16th and Chile on September 18th.

Our Hispanic and Latinx Brothers are an integral part of this Fraternity. We had our Creed translated as a tool for Brothers to be able to express our values in Spanish.

Learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month here: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

Meet Phi Kappa Tau's New National Vice President - Barry Mask

5 Questions with Phi Kappa Tau’s New National Vice-President, Barry Mask – Auburn ’78 

Q. Who introduced you to Phi Tau? 

Barry:  A couple of guys one year older than me I had gone to high school with asked me to come play some football with them at the Auburn Intramural fields each afternoon after class.   I didn’t know it was the Phi Tau team.  I had not planned on joining a fraternity – of course the rest is history. I “pledged” a week or so later. 

Q .  What was the chapter like then?  

Barry: Well, probably like so many other fraternities across the nation in the late 70’s, fraternity membership was down. We were at about 48 guys. We struggled in some ways. We had no BOG, House Corp or House Mother or Advisor. But we were an athletic machine- winning every sports campus intramural championship. It was a lot of fun.  I made lifelong friendships.  I was in SGA and stuff. We had several guys in the Auburn Band too. The chapter was very supportive when I tried-out to be Auburns first mascot, “Aubie”, and won it. 

Q.   How did you stay involved after graduation? 

Barry: My favorite line of the Creed is, “to remain close to my college and chapter so that I may forever retain the spirit of youth.’’ I and a few others from the mid-80s took that to heart and re-started the BOG, House Corp and found an advisor. I’ve been involved one way or another ever since at my local and with the National Fraternity teaching alumni fundraising strategy and recruitment. My wife Jill knew when she married me -she also married my Phi Tau family and she’s been very supportive. 

Q. What life or career lessons would you impart to the undergrads? 

Barry: For career I would advise learning how to get things done, is a must.  Your Phi Tau undergrad years are a great way to gain that skill by organizing fundraising events for Serious Fun, organizing recruitment or alumni events as well. Learning to plan is essential.  For life advice I would say stand for something and do the right thing. Don’t look for approval from this earthly place. Those two attributes were given by our late brother, actor Paul Newman who lived well, was outspoken and gave immensely. 

Q. What social media do you prefer? 

Barry:   I’m pretty much an Instagram guy now. I use it mainly to keep up with friends and Phi Taus and to encourage them. My username is @barrymaskotAUb1 if anyone wants to reach out. 

National Suicide Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Awareness Month.

Many of us have personally felt the grief of suicide. Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people and is especially prevalent in young men.

There are many ways you can help your friends and community. View these resources from the Suicide Prevention Resources Center on how you can best help during Suicide Awareness Month.

[Suicide Awareness Month – Ideas for Action]

We each have a role to play in looking out for our brothers’ safety and well-being. You can help your brothers by educating yourself and creating spaces that encourage people to get the help they need.

Please consider these additional resources:

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a nationwide network of crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in distress. Call anytime, 24/7, for assistance.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Visit the Suicide Prevention Resources Center (SPRC)

The SPRC is an organization dedicated to advancing suicide prevention. They work in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. With the SPRC, you can find resources for yourself, your brothers, and anyone else who may need them.

https://www.sprc.org/

The JED Foundation

Much like SPRC, the Jed Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to assisting those struggling with mental health. Founded by two parents who lost their son, Jed, to suicide, the Jed Foundation focuses particularly on young people and can help you find help or learn how to help others.

https://jedfoundation.org/

Counseling

We can erase the stigma of counseling. See what resources your university can offer you in the way of mental health assistance. Visit your health center or check out their website for more info. If your school does not offer mental health services, you can search for a licensed counselor near you or consider an online option like betterhelp.

Community

Mental health impacts us all in intimate ways. Create an environment within your community and chapter where it’s safe to talk about mental health and your struggles. Although this is not a substitute for professional assistance, you can help your brothers with your openness and support.

Finally, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact 911 immediately.

Brotherhood and Faith

This year, Rosh HaShanah begins at sunset on Sept 6th and Yom Kippur begins at sunset on the 15th

By Billy Bloomberg, William Paterson ’17  

On Rosh HaShanah the Jewish people say “Shanah tovah um’tukah” which means “May you have a good and sweet new year.” Often shortened to “Shanah Tovah,” tovah does not mean new – it means good, we wish each other a good year. One cannot have a good year without putting forth the effort to make a change and rise to the challenges that face us. On Rosh HaShanah, Jews gather to mark the start of a period of reflection in the 10 days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.

On Yom Kippur, Jews greet each other with “G’mar chatima tovah” “May you be inscribed (or sealed) for good [in the Book of Life],” and “tzom kal,” which is used to wish others an “easy fast.” This period of reflection formally ends on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement where Jews all around the world dedicate themselves wholly to reconciliation with others, themselves, and God – committing ourselves to make change.

When thinking about going Greek I knew that whatever organization I would join had to align with my morals. Fall recruitment falls around the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at William Paterson showed me how they could align with the type of person I wanted to be. My new member education program started right after the High Holidays ended. I spent a large portion of this time learning about who I am as a person, and who I am as a member of something larger than myself.

As I continue to reflect on these High Holidays, now after my time as an undergrad has come to an end, I am thankful for the opportunities that came from joining Phi Tau. From being Greek Senate President, to the friends in other organizations, to the brother who bought me a beer in the airport during a layover, I reflect on the opportunities that were enhanced because of brotherhood. As Hillel President, my chapter was always ready to co-sponsor an event. At club council meetings, the Greeks all sat together showing how we are more than just the letters on our chest and knowing that for whatever I was involved in on campus, there was a guaranteed support group.

This High Holidays I spend in a new home, home of all Phi Taus, with a new opportunity in Oxford, Ohio. I reflect that without brotherhood, I would not be where I am.

Wishing all brothers, a Shanah tovah um’tukah for this Rosh HaShanah. G’mar chatima tovah and tzom kal on this Yom Kippur.

New Webinars Announced for Volunteers and Parents

To continue education on how to best support our chapters in an ever changing campus landscape the Education Committee will be hosting two webinars this Fall. The first webinar will be geared towards Phi Kappa Tau alumni and volunteers, the second will be for parents and caretakers.

See below for more information and to register for the webinar.

Phi Kappa Tau Fall Webinar - Advisors/Volunteers

September 22, 8pm ET - Zoom

• Updates from the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices

• Finances

• Mental Health

• Diversity Equity and Inclusion

• Recruitment

• Additional Resources

Register for the event by clicking here.

Phi Kappa Tau Fall Webinar - Parents/Caretakers

October 12, 8pm ET - Zoom

• What is Phi Kappa Tau?

• Finances

• Mental Health

• Diversity Equity and Inclusion

• Recruitment

• SeriousFun/Philanthropy

• Academic Success

Register for the event by clicking here.