My Brother's Keeper: Representation Matters

Op-Ed by Ricky Bailey, Florida State ’03

Ricky Bailey, Florida State ’03

As we approach our fraternity’s Founders Day, I find myself reflecting on my fraternity experience. As I think about my journey, one phrase continually comes to mind: Representation Matters.  

There’s so much power in those two words; and it perfectly represents my fraternity experience. It was easy learning the “what” and “who” I represented. But it has taken some time – years, in fact – for me to truly appreciate the “how” and “why” representation matters to me. 

I joined Phi Kappa Tau at Florida State University in Fall 2002. At the time, I would have told you I had no business joining a fraternity. No one in my family was Greek, I knew virtually nothing about fraternities, and I looked nothing like the all-American white guy staring back at me from all of the marketing materials. So why did I join? It started with small talk with a fellow classmate in a hallway before English class. He had on a “Phi Tau Athletics” shirt and I asked him about it. Rather than rambling on about all of the sports he played, he focused on what Phi Kappa Tau represented for him. At the end of our conversation, he invited me to the fraternity house later that evening for a formal recruitment event. It was the only fraternity house where I didn’t feel ostracized for not being a white male. Rather, I saw men who were more like me in many different aspects: short, black, scrawny, baby-faced, smart, genuinely nice, respectful, the list goes on. But most importantly, they saw me for me. They saw my innate worth. It was the first time I understood why representation mattered to me.  Being a member of a brotherhood with a sense of purpose greater than oneself, that’s the feeling I got – and still get to this day – from joining Phi Kappa Tau that I didn’t feel at any other house. 

Our Founding Fathers certainly understood why representation matters. It would have been easy for them to fall in line and join one of the fraternities of the Miami Triad. However, the Triad wasn’t representative of what they believed in—their higher purpose. And they knew there were other men who felt they had no representation. They took the time to understand why representation beyond the Triad was important for them and for the greater good of the Miami student body. It is because Borradaile, Boyd, Douglass, and Shideler believed representation matters that I am able and honored to write this article for our great brotherhood 116 years later. 

Today, I have the privilege of representing our fraternity as a National Councilor. My journey would not have led me here were it not for my fellow classmate from freshman English (now Brother) who showed me why representation matters to me. Now, there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about how to continue the legacy of our founders and best represent our great organization. As I close, I challenge each of you reading this article to ponder, what does Representation Matters mean to you? Why is it important to you? And how will you continue to build upon the legacy of representation created by our Founding Fathers? Be sure to share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #MyBrothersKeeper. Happy Founders Day Brothers! 

 Proud To Be. 

-Ricky Bailey, Florida State ’03 - National Councilor

International Women's Day: Celebrating Lisa Adams

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Lisa and Mark Adams.

We so often take the time to honor the accomplished men within our organization, and as an organization comprised of only men, that comes as no surprise. Astronauts, politicians, CEOs, and the plethora of other distinguished alumni within our fraternity make for great stories. However, there is the old saying, “Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” While this is a rather antiquated notion, we at Phi Kappa Tau will choose to take the positives of this statement and repurpose it for a more applicable quote: “Behind every great organization, there is a great woman.” 

Roughly 26 years ago a young woman named Lisa Adams was unhappy in her current role and was hoping to move back to Oxford, Ohio. Securing an interview for a reception position at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, she had hope for a fresh start. Beta Theta Pi decided to go with another candidate, but later passed Lisa’s name along to another fraternity. Lisa received a call from the former Assistant Executive Director of Phi Kappa Tau, Craig Little, Ohio State ’80, and was asked to interview for the Finance Coordinator position. Since May of 1996, Lisa Adams has been a staple of the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices, and of the fraternity as a whole. Working with countless staff members, meeting Phi Tau members from all generations and chapters, and building friendships as strong as the brotherly ties we all hold dear. When asked what her favorite memories as a staff member were, Lisa mentioned the opportunities to travel and see the country, but nothing could top the friendships made and the chance to go to conventions where she could reconnect with members of her “second family.” 

The Adams Family (Christmas 2021).

Earning the moniker of “second family” is a title, of which, we should all be proud. Yet, there are those who hold Lisa in even greater regard. Married for over 32 years, Lisa and husband Mark have two daughters: Julie and Mallory, and four grandchildren: Jaylen, Josie, Jameson, and Annie. Although we were unable to speak with Lisa’s family prior to this news piece, I’m sure they would have expressed immense gratitude for the amazing wife, mother, and grandmother that she is. Drawing inspiration from heroes like Maya Angelou and Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Lisa has become what she always aspired to be—strong and capable, while remaining kind and uplifting to others. Instead of ending this piece with a generic thank you, we decided to hear from some of our longest running staff members on what Lisa means to them and the organization:  

"Lisa has been a faithful and devoted member of the Executive Office team for more than 25 years...serving in many official and unofficial roles; notably as fellow employee, friend, on-site event registration guru (ex. Conventions - 12 attended as a staffer), and at times a provider of motherly advice to a number of staffers.  She is also a fierce defender of the positive relationships that are created within this organization - one could argue she understands that as deeply as any brother of our Fraternity.  With gratitude, we say thank you Lisa!" - Chief Executive Officer Tim Hudson, Truman ’97 

“Lisa is as much a part of Phi Kappa Tau as any member. In many ways, she's the glue that holds the Executive Offices together. In addition to the stability and integrity she brings to our financial operations, her personal relationship with so many members make the Phi Tau family what it is.” -Foundation Director Charlie Ball, Miami ’82 

“Working at the executive offices is many staff members’ first step into the professional world, which can be a struggle for some. Lisa provides not only a model of professionalism, but also a consistency the organization would be lost without.” -Director of Communications Logan Lukacs, Baldwin Wallace ’10 

Thank you, Lisa, for all that you do.  

Year Two of Progress Completes its Mission

Program logo

Progress: Leadership Training for the Future of Phi Kappa Tau wrapped up last week on Thursday, February 24. Taking place virtually over three Thursdays in February, as well as a primer session for Presidents at the beginning of the month. Progress saw over 300 chapter officers visit the virtual workspace to engage in fellowship with their brothers and learn how to better operate as a leader in their chapter.  

Building on the inaugural Progress from 2021—birthed out of the necessity for virtual programming due to the Covid-19 pandemic—this year’s Progress hoped to build on that success while having chapter officers continue to walk away with Objectives and Key Result (OKRs) based goals for the upcoming calendar year. Over 10 Presenters brought the program to life throughout the three weekly sessions. Broader large group topics covered included diversity, equity, inclusion, mental health, lifelong commitment, and strategic planning. In smaller breakout rooms, brothers were divided by officer role to dive deeper into their goals as officers and share ideas with one another in small group session.  

The program was brought to life through the Education Committee of Phi Kappa Tau, with Educational Dean Michael Lukins, Washington ’08, serving as lead. Other members of the education committee including the newly appointed National Education Advisor Don Stansberry, Ohio ’87, who attended throughout the sessions providing insights and guidance.  

While Phi Kappa Tau looks forward to returning to consistent in-person programming in the very near future (more details to come), learning how to navigate a digital space has been a giant leap in adding accessible alternatives for brothers who may not be able to attend in-person. The future is looking bright for the educational programming of Phi Kappa Tau as we all Progress forward into 2022.  

If you would like to view any of the archived sessions of Progress 2022, please use the links below.  

Archived Sessions 

Why Grow?

This is a part of the Strategic Plan 2025 series, zooming in on each of the pillars of the plan and going into further detail on their importance. For the full Strategic Plan click here.

Strategic Plan Pillar: Accelerate Growth of Undergraduate Membership.

Associate members at Miami University, a staff-led expansion in 2021.

Why grow? Accelerating our growth expands the reach of our mission and brotherhood. Phi Kappa Tau’s presence grows broader, allowing us to achieve our mission of impacting the world. From a practical perspective, growth is important because it enables us to unlock efficiency and scale—which allows us to provide more value to our chapters and members. Growth provides the resources for us to achieve our mission and provides the fraternity with more stability and permanence over the long run. 

Growth will also increase our base of engaged alumni down the road. Since most of our members join as collegiate undergraduates and that is typically the time in which members are most active with the organization, investing in growing our undergraduate membership will not only make our current chapters more successful, but provide long-term benefits to the fraternity. 

How? The goals for 2025 are clear in the pillar. In the year 2025 Phi Kappa Tau aims to have a steady base of 5000 undergraduate members, maintain 100 active and associate chapters, and align with modern trends in recruitment to better support today’s undergraduate.  

Achieving 5000 undergraduate members will come from a combination of recruiting a higher volume of undergraduate members, while also retaining active members through graduation. In the coming months and years, a heightened emphasis on recruitment training will be developed, paired with a deep dive into the value of the fraternity to enhance retention. 

Being at 100 campuses will certainly aid in strengthening the base of 5000 undergraduate members. The Executive Offices has a plan to increase recruitment staff—targeting more campuses simultaneously. It will involve a combination of returning to campuses with an alumni base, as well as expanding to new areas of the country to create stronger footholds for future growth. This, of course, also comes with an increased focus on ensuring the retention of current chapters.  

Finally, the higher education environment is changing, and Phi Tau should be well-aligned to the college campus and students of the future. We are seeing more diversity on campuses and in fraternities, including many more first-generation college students. Leaning models are evolving, including remote and hybrid learning and community colleges increasingly offering bachelor's degrees. Overall, student enrollment is forecasted to drop over the coming decade. We are creating a task force to evaluate these and other trends, then will adopt recommendations on how Phi Kappa Tau needs to change to best position ourselves going forward. 

What can you do? As an undergraduate member, the simplest way is to focus on growing your chapter size and improving your recruitment efforts with a focus on member retention. Be on the lookout for upcoming programming that is specifically geared towards recruitment training. If you’ve got friends who go to campuses where Phi Tau is not established, consider reaching out to them about starting an interest group. If you are an alumnus, consider volunteering for a chapter’s board of governors as a recruitment advisor, or just provide guidance as an older brother.  

If you have suggestions on how we can best support chapters in recruitment and growth, please contact communications@phikappatau.org.

Success with Spring Recruitment

A Recruitment Q&A Spotlighting Three Chapters

With the spring semester reaching its midpoint, it’s time to reflect upon the successes and opportunities for growth from this past recruitment cycle. Whether your chapter was able to initiate twenty new members, or just one, there is always room for improvement and feedback. We decided to sit down with three chapters who had particularly successful spring recruitments and learn more about what went right, and what their challenges were. We spoke with the Zeta Xi chapter at the University of South Carolina (SC), who recruited 20 men, and were represented by President Ashton Reynolds, South Carolina ’19; the Chi chapter at North Carolina State University (NC), who recruited 12 men, represented by Recruitment Chair Gavin Brumfield, North Carolina State ’21; and Zeta Omicron at the Arizona State University (AZ), who recruited 33 men, represented by Recruitment Chair Daniel Hayes, Arizona State ’20. 

Q: Is spring your main recruitment season? 

SC: No, fall is by far our main recruitment season, however since COVID we have seen a larger proportion of PNMs (Potential New Members) rush in the spring. 

Zeta Pi at Arizona State’s New Member Class

NC: Spring is not our main recruitment season; however, recruitment is a continuous year-round effort for us. 

AZ: No, I would say Fall is usually our main recruitment season, as with the rest of ASU. Before the Xi class at 35, our largest Spring class ever was my own, the Kappas, at 24. However, this Spring we saw a very good turnout during recruitment week, and the 35 was our largest class in Chapter history, beating our previous class by 1. 

Q: What worked well for you in recruitment? 

SC: One of the main reasons we were so successful was the implementation of a second recruitment chair last fall. We were able to pull in a record class, so we decided to continue it in the spring. With the hard work of Jacob Asplen, South Carolina ’21, and Ric Dunleavy, South Carolina ’20, we were able to bring in the largest spring class on campus and boast a 96% bid acceptance rate. I know the recruitment process can be a very hectic few weeks and having a second chair really helps with organization. Another thing that worked for us in spring rush is the utilization of our fall class. We have found, at least on our campus, most of the spring associates are those who are roommates or friends of those who rushed in the fall. We make a point to have our fall classes reach out to their friends in the last couple months of the fall semester and bring them to some of our events. More times than not, they will follow their group of friends who are already in the chapter. 

NC: Hosting events that target our brother’s hobbies and interests: Casino Night, Basketball, etc. During recruitment, many chapters have problems with brother attendance at events. However, when we started hosting events that were more specific to our brothers' hobbies and interests, we saw a huge jump in attendance and consequently were more successful in recruitment. 

AZ: I think what worked well for us in recruitment is the honest and genuine conversations that our brothers have with every Potential New Member, whether they walk into our house or show up at our events. I always hear from our new Associate Members that what kept them coming back to our events was us being the first house they went to where they had actual conversations and felt like they were meeting genuine people. Many of them said that they felt as if our brothers were actually interested in getting to know them, as opposed to feeling like they were getting interviewed in other houses. In addition, I felt we were able to emphasize how strong our bond is at every event, as we had a great turnout with our activities and with their participation. 

Q: Did you face any challenges? 

SC: Usually one of the challenges we face in spring recruitment is the officer transitions. We hold our elections in November and often the newly elected recruitment chair is not prepared for the reality of the recruitment process. However, this year’s spring class shows what can be done if the chair(s) are prepared before they return to campus for the semester. All in all, we were fortunate to not face any major, uncontrollable challenges this rush, as we did in the fall. I could not have been happier with the organization and success of our recruitment chairs. 

NC: COVID was a major setback this year. Brothers in our house tested positive and prevented us from being able to hold recruitment events for a short period of time. 

AZ: I would say the main challenge is setting up and running every event as there is only 1 of me and more than 100 PNMs. Another difficulty is getting our name out, because we have only been Chartered for 5 years at ASU. However, we combatted this with a great marketing strategy on Instagram, as well as diligent on-the-ground recruiting—we made 800 rush cards and passed out almost all of them. 

Q: What would you say to a group struggling with spring recruitment? 

Zeta Xi at South Carolina’s New Member Class

SC: I will strongly recommend adding a second recruitment chair to any chapter, regardless of size. We’ve had back-to-back top 5 classes on campus since doing so. I can certainly attest to the fact that our recruitment chairs agree that having another equal partner throughout the process alleviates a lot of stress and makes pulling off a successful rush much easier. Along with this, make sure your new members are staying connected with guys in their dorms and classes, so when spring recruitment comes along you have a solid PNM list. 

NC: Spring recruitment may seem like a challenge without the structure provided during Formal Recruitment, however, here are some things we did in order to be successful: 1) Host events that reflect your chapter’s interests and hobbies, 2) begin with larger events and transition to smaller group events that are ‘invite only’, and 3) motivate your chapter by providing incentives for coming out to recruitment events. 

AZ: I would say you can never talk to enough people or pass out enough cards, be okay with rejection, and never be afraid to take risks. Many of the men we ended up with were not interested in joining at first, but after meeting our brothers and coming to a few events they realized that their idea of a fraternity was completely changed, and they ended up joining. I would also say this to anyone struggling during the recruitment period, recruitment does not last two weeks, recruitment should be all year round. I always emphasize this to our underclassmen; talking to everybody they meet in their classes, making connections well before recruitment week—this way many of the men that we meet are already very comfortable around us and know what we are all about. 

Q: Any fun events that you’d recommend to other chapters? 

SC: Spring recruitment obviously takes a lot of outdoor events we do in the fall off the table. However, we have found that with the smaller spring group, laid back events such as poker, going to basketball games, and football watch parties are often great ways to facilitate conversations between PNMs and brothers. 

Chi Chapter at NC State With New Members (Front)

NC: We always have a really great time at our Casino Night. We normally place this event towards the end of recruitment, as it is a formal event. 

AZ: The Associate Members this semester told me they really enjoyed our Grill Out with the Brothers, as well as the event we held in partnership with a Local restaurant Zipps. I would say the best events for recruitment purposes are those that have an activity of interest to the PNMs, while also keeping it relatively close to Campus to allow easy access. Also, any event where you can show PNMs any of your off-campus housing is sure to help. This allows for a more personal environment and allows the men to get to know us better, and us them better than at a more formal on-campus or venue event. 

A Q&A with Staff Member, Taylor Major, Virginia Wesleyan ’21

Major at the AFA Annual Meeting (2021).

Q: What was your recruitment experience like at Virginia Wesleyan University? What compelled you to become a member of Phi Kappa Tau? 

A: Recruitment at Wesleyan was persistent! They were going through the associate membership process and working really hard to get off the ground and going. They were pulling guys from everywhere it seemed like. Everyone was from a different background and had different interests and I wanted to be a part of that in a big way!  

Q: What led you to the Success Manager position at the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices? 

A: I have a passion for coaching and helping adolescents. College age students presented a new challenge for me and gave me the opportunity to continue to do some life coaching with a different age group. I had to jump at the opportunity to work on this level. It’s been a great experience for me so far! 

Q: In hopes of creating a more diverse organization, in what ways do you believe our new member recruitment process could grow? 

A: I believe as a national organization we are taking the right steps in improving our recruitment process. Putting the important things in the forefront, Diversity, Equity and inclusion have been included in everything we do. That’s going to go through Chapters all over the country and truly put us as an organization on a better path. 

Q: Do you believe the fraternity is doing all that it could to be inclusive to black members and alumni? If not, how do we improve going forward? 

A: I feel like the fraternity is making great steps to make it more inclusive. It’s not quite there yet, however, I do feel like the fraternity is moving in a positive direction.  

Q: Do you have any parting thoughts for our readers?  

A: Only this; The road that we are on as an organization and as individuals is a long, trying road filled with adversity. The journey to the end of the road appears treacherous and some parts will be. However, if we continue taking steps down that road, we will come to the realization that the road itself is as hard as it is already. Don’t block someone else's path because your own road has become difficult. Everyone has their own road to travel, either help someone along in their journey or get out of the way.  

Let's Get Serious About SeriousFun

An Op-Ed by National Service Advisor Matt Parker, Evansville ’93

National Service Advisor Matt Parker, Evansville ’93

Paul Newman. Many of you may know the name, but not the person, actor, and true friend of Phi Tau. If you'd like to know the person, more importantly the actor, I'd say ask your mother or, perhaps, your grandmother. Just say, "Paul Newman" and I guarantee they will reply "Old Blue Eyes". 

You see, our Brother founded SeriousFun Children's Network and it has been our philanthropy for several years. This year, however, as your National Service Advisor, a 22-year volunteer at several camps, and a board member for Double H Ranch, I’ll be ensuring we get serious about SeriousFun. 

Just what is a day, week, or summer when volunteering at a SeriousFun camp? I simply can't describe it. You see, I volunteered for the first time 22 years ago. Now, I am old, but have already signed up for this summer at the age of 47. I never knew what I was in for. In fact, the first night I was exhausted. As a banker by trade, and having no kids of my own, I didn't think I could do it.  My bunkmate that year, Patrick, said it's ok to go home, you tried... or, you can wake up and just jump into it. I woke up. As I said, that was 22 years ago, and I got serious about SeriousFun. Since that decision, there have been days of little girls painting my shaved head (which I do to raise money for the camps), wearing Elsa dresses on the ropes course, and eating breakfast bowls of oatmeal, hot sauce, sausage, yogurt, and ketchup. I'd have it no other way. 
 
With March being the Founders Month of Service, there's always something you can do in your local community, even if it doesn’t involve a SeriousFun camp. Whether it be at a local homeless shelter, a place for disadvantaged kids, or merely raking leaves for your elderly neighbors—it is all service. That is what Phi Kappa Tau is all about, and that is what Paul was about, "the benevolent service to others". 
 
So, join me, our Leadership, and brothers of all ages in getting serious about SeriousFun. 

Let’s do what Paul always said, "I just want to give these kids a chance to Raise a Little Hell!” 

Fresh Blends: Taking Over the World, One Drink at a Time

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Day with triplets, Brenden, Noah, and Rosie (2015)

Graduating college can mean different things to all of those who do it; for some it’s the start of their careers, it could be a break from academia and a chance to travel or explore, maybe a nightmare of uncertainty, but for others it’s a time to forge their own path and create something new. Those eager to start their careers would be ecstatic at the opportunity to take a position in Los Angeles, but for Jamie Day, Ohio State ’89, this was merely a jumping off point to build his own future. Over the past two decades, Day has been at the forefront of innovation and creativity in the food and beverage industry. Now a Managing Partner for Fresh Blends, Day is in the midst of his most successful business venture yet.  

Arriving in Columbus in the fall of 1989, Jamie Day from Huron, Ohio was like most of us, looking to receive an education and have some fun along the way. Initiated into the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, Day wasted no time in moving into the Gamma chapter's house. As a freshman and sophomore, Day was doing just what he set out to do. Majoring in Business and Finance, enjoying all the social aspects of college and the fraternity, and even finding time to serve as assistant to the President of Student Government. Realizing his aptitude for leadership positions, Day was encouraged by the then president to find a running mate and take a swing at running the Student Government. With the ability to secure the Greek life vote, Day would be elected as Vice President, with a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity serving as President. Sparking Day’s passion for student leadership, he was elected as the President of the Gamma chapter in 1991. Following his term, he would go on to be an undergraduate member of the Phi Kappa Tau National Council from 1992-1994.  

Fresh Blends partners with 7/11 in Australia

Following graduation, Day was offered a job by Jim Hamilton, Ohio State ’63, working for a mutual aid fund in Los Angeles, California. While in LA, Day began to pick up on the growing smoothie trend that was taking over the city. This observation—paired with a drive to create his own business—led Day and partners to found California Juice Exchange. Later selling the Hermosa Beach shop to Jamba Juice and using the knowledge he gained to create Beverage Innovations Ltd with partner Marc Lange. The duo built Beverage Innovations into a $15 million company, later selling the business and using the profits to create Fresh Blends. In just one year Fresh Blends generated net sales in the excess of $15 million. This create-and-customize your own beverage machine continues to make a splash in the global marketplace. With the goal of ease and accessibility, the machine easily pairs with your phone or computer to streamline ordering for the customer. Exponentially growing since its inception, Fresh Blends currently has 2500 installed machines across the US and Australia, hoping to reach 4000 by the end of 2022. Perhaps the most exciting partnership for the flourishing company is with The Ohio State University Athletics Department. Now offered in the athlete's dorm, the machine is generating nearly 300 drinks per day and creating healthy, convenient options for the students.  

After weathering the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, Day is hopeful that Fresh Blends will continue to thrive. Setting sights on partnering with more universities, this young company may have the ability to affect permanent change on campus dining. Day’s professional successes are bountiful, but do not hold a candle to what he considers his biggest accomplishment in life—his three children. The day before this story is released (February 13th, for those of you reading late), triplets Brenden, Noah, and Rosie will be turning 15-years-old. We wish the happiest of birthdays to the three of you, and continued success to our distinguish buckeye.    

Op-Ed by Jay Jenkins, Lynchburg ’19

Ja’Ayr Jenkins, Lynchburg ’19

I never thought that I would join a fraternity. It was simply not on my mind when arriving at the University of Lynchburg. When Greek life did become of interest to me, I had come to a crossroads on choosing what organization to join. I had the interest of joining a Divine 9 fraternity and the interest of joining Phi Kappa Tau. I, for various reasons, found my home in Phi Tau. I knew making the decision to join a “white fraternity” as an African-American would have certain challenges and obstacles I would not have faced if I decided to join the Divine 9. It wasn’t long after I said yes to Phi Kappa Tau that I started to face those foreseen challenges. Seeing my skin color as clearly different from everyone else, some brothers began making racial jokes and micro-aggressive comments that they saw as okay. Each and every time these instances arose, I would sit down with them and try my best to inform them what wasn’t okay and why it wasn’t okay. For some of the brothers this worked, because they were truly oblivious to some of their actions; for some of the brothers, they viewed it as me creating issues and being too sensitive, but they never would communicate this directly to me. Even with this, my love for the fraternity remained. I saw this organization as something special that I wanted to continue to be a part of. At times, I’ve thought of myself as foolish for staying in the fraternity. Most people in my position would have never joined in the first place. To say that I have not struggled in finding my sense of true brotherhood within Phi Tau would be a lie. The struggles have been great, because I know that some brothers see white as the default and any other race as other or different. 

I want it to be known that every time you see a minority on a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), they are dealing with their own struggles and finding their community in a place where almost no one looks like them or understands them. Every time you act in a way that makes them feel different, you aid in that struggle. Every time you recruit and pick the minority for “poster child” effects, you aid to that struggle. Every time you send “rush Phi Tau” messages to every white male on campus, while not even thinking about the African-American population, you aid to that struggle. Every time you say micro-aggressive comments to your minority brothers—who you claim to love—and defend it with the excuse of “it’s just a joke” or “My other black friends let me say this,” you aid in that struggle.  

My message isn’t that you should not see the color of your black brothers’ skin, because you won’t see a part of who they are. My message isn’t that you should give your black brothers special treatment or feel like you must walk on egg shells around them, because that will only aid in the problem. My message is that you should see your black and minority brothers the same as your white brothers. The white brothers that you do not see as different, because they have the default white, greek-life race. When you ask men on your campus to rush phi tau, look at who you're asking to rush and see if there is any diversity in those men at all. When you see your black brothers, I want you to listen to anything they have to say about what you may be doing wrong and what you can do right. Know that the position that puts us in is very uncomfortable at times. This is one of the primary reasons why (even after thinking it a couple times) I have never left Phi Tau. I have seen the way this fraternity has grown into true men of distinction by listening to me and my struggles as a minority brother. By paying closer attention to who we recruit. By calling out brothers who say racial or micro-aggressive comments when the minority men were not in the room. I love Phi Kappa Tau. I would not change my decision for the world. To all the white brothers currently, make sure your minority brothers truly feel the same.  

Zeta Mu Returns to Appalachian State

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11  

Zeta Mu Associate Chapter (2022)

The boys are back in Boone (Written to the tune of Thin Lizzy’s 1976 classic).

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the city of Boone, North Carolina was visited by a different type of hunter this year. Associate Director of Organizational Growth, Hunter Pemberton, Akron ’18, has spent the last few months working with Appalachian State University to re-establish the Zeta Mu chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. Beginning recruitment during the Fall semester of 2021, Pemberton spent the last three weeks with the group of now 51 men, helping them set up a secure foundation from which they can grow their chapter. Already well above the campus average, the 51 members of the Zeta Mu chapter are working hard to charter as soon as possible.  

Zeta Mu Associate Chapter Installation Ceremony

Originally established in 2014, the Zeta Mu chapter was closed in 2019 due to risk management issues, including hazing. Prior to their closure, Zeta Mu was proving itself to be one of our most prominent chapters—rising quickly to the consideration of Maxwell status. With a second chance, this group of men lead by President, Tanner Craft and Vice President, Jake McInturff are hoping to recreate the successes of their predecessors. With goals to host a golf outing or fundraiser, have a trial-run of recruiting this semester, and set up a volunteer visit to the SeriousFun camp, Victory Junction, we can expect great things from the men in Boone. Pemberton said this of the group:  

“I really enjoyed working with this group. They are naturals when it comes to recruitment and did a lot of hard work in a very short amount of time to get up and going. I also think they will continue to recruit well even as they move into a more standard fraternity/Phi Tau experience. They are absolutely a chapter I could’ve seen myself in as an undergrad. They do a great job of making anyone and everyone feel welcome. I just really enjoyed working with these guys as well as the Boone area as a whole!”

Surrounded by ski resorts, hiking trails, and a tourist-friendly city, Pemberton encourages all alumni to pay a visit to the city of Boone and the men at Zeta Mu. Composed heavily of locals, they know of all the best places to visit and are excited to give brothers a glimpse into life in Boone and the new direction of their chapter. Join us in congratulating the men of Zeta Mu and Hunter Pemberton on all their hard work—may the successes continue long into the future.  

In a crisis? Text PHITAU to 741741 to access the Phi Kappa Tau Crisis Textline. Confidential and free mental health support via text that is available 24/7 to Phi Kappa Tau Members