A Q&A with Two Past Scholarship Recipients

Alec Ballman, Kentucky ’18

Every year, the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation awards a number of scholarships to members within our organization. Tailored to undergraduate and graduate students, these scholarships have aided countless recipients in furthering their education. With two new endowed scholarships by alumni Jon Hays, Old Dominion ’07, and Mike Rosser, Colorado State ’61, there is the opportunity to top the twenty scholarships awarded in 2021. As the April 15th application deadline approaches, we sat down with two past scholarship recipients to discuss the application process and how these extra funds provided by the fraternity impacted their lives. Alec Ballman (AB), Kentucky ’18, and Sam Teolis (ST), Virginia Tech ’19, were both awarded the Paul A. Elfers Omega Scholarship in 2021.  

Q: How did you find out about the Paul A. Elfers Omega Scholarship? 

AB: My chapter success manager at the time, Hunter Pemberton, encouraged me to apply for all of the scholarships, as well as the Douglass Award. My Big Brother, who was chapter president before me, also mentioned them to me once when I was a freshman, but I never got around to applying. 

ST: I found out about the scholarships from an email from nationals, and I found out about the Paul A Elfers Omega Scholarship through the scholarship application website. 

Q: What inspired you to apply for this scholarship? 

AB: Over the last 4 years, I tried my best to reflect our mission statement and embody the values of Phi Kappa Tau. I also dedicated a good portion of my free time to my chapter and saw a very impressive transformation from a chapter struggling in a few different areas to one breaking records in membership and recruitment numbers. If nothing else, I enjoyed the opportunity to tell the story of our chapter and how my experience as a Phi Tau changed me as a man. 

ST: I guess just the thought of winning and getting part of my tuition paid for. I also really liked the prompt for the Elfers Omega Scholarship. 

Q: What did you use this money for?  

AB: I used the money for tuition and rent. 

ST: I just used it for tuition. 

Q: Did you find the application process easy? Would you recommend others apply? 

AB: Yes, the application process was very straightforward and not too time-consuming. There’s no reason for others not to apply given the tremendous impact these scholarships can have. 

ST: Yes, it was pretty easy. The hardest parts would probably be the essays. I would recommend everyone to apply as it is not much of a time commitment, and you could win up to $4500. 

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to mention about the scholarship, the application process, or what these additional funds provided by our organization mean to you? 

AB: I’m very proud to be part of an organization that goes out of its way to recognize the leaders and biggest contributors on the undergraduate level. For many taking on big roles in their chapters, it can take up much of their time and they may not get the recognition they deserve. Through the generosity of the Foundation and our donors, these hard-working undergraduate leaders get a sense of pride and accomplishment in being rewarded for all they’ve done. 

ST: I would say that the Nationals scholarships are a great opportunity to win some scholarships, and they're only for brothers of Phi Tau, so take advantage of it. As for the application process, everything is easy and smooth to navigate. 

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If you’re interested in applying for a scholarship or finding out more information, please click here. There’s still plenty of time to submit an application prior to the April 15th deadline.  

Introducing Phi Tau Growth Summit

This year instead of Phi Kappa Tau holding Conclave, which has taken place in the Summers in between National Conventions, it will be hosting a new program entitled Phi Tau Growth Summit.

The intention of this program is to prepare today’s Phi Tau for recruitment this Fall and beyond. Phi Tau Growth Summit has a direct impact on the growth pillar of the new Strategic Plan, recently adopted by the Phi Kappa Tau National Council.

The event will take place May 26-28 in Fort Worth Texas.

From the registration website:

“Growth Summit is a brand new in person program focused on growing the Phi Kappa Tau experience. This involved real tactics to increase chapter size, but also a heavy focus on retention through the improvement of new member programming and risk prevention education.

Each chapter is to send two members of the summit, preferably out of the following potential officers: Recruitment Chairmen, Vice Presidents for Risk Prevention, Vice Presidents, Presidents, and Membership Orientation Officers.”

Early bird registration for undergraduates is now open and will cut off April 15. Click here for registration. There will also be a track for chapter volunteers to participate, registration will open soon to get involved.

The program is reimbursable through CEG funds. For chapters without CEG funding the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation will be sponsoring one registrant per chapter to attend. There is no cost upon registration, $250 per attendee will be billed to your chapter after attendance - note this price will increase after early bird registration.

Phi Taus Give Back

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Delta Chapter “Pie Tau” event.

Of all the good that our organization can do for the young men who join, the most fruitful is the instillation of a lifelong commitment to service. Teaching our members the importance of giving back to others is paramount to building men of distinction. March is historically the “Founders Month of Service” where our members are encouraged to participate in service events as well as raise funds for SeriousFun Children’s Network. Through various events and community service opportunities our undergraduate brothers from all over the country have been upholding our values and bringing pride to the fraternity throughout the month of March.  

Beta Psi brothers at their beach volleyball tournament.

For some chapters, this meant getting creative and hosting events to raise money for SeriousFun. Delta chapter at Centre College held a “Pie Tau” event and the Delta Lambda chapter at Muskingum College hosted a casino night. For brothers of the Beta Psi chapter at California State University, Long Beach, one event simply wasn’t going to cut it. Hosting four events over the course of a week, and raising over $1000 for SeriousFun Children’s Network, these young men went above and beyond.  A representative from the chapter said, “Donating to SeriousFun camps is something we do every semester. It was founded by Paul Newman, an alumni member. It’s never a bad time to help kids in need and is very humbling to support such a great cause”

Epsilon Chi brothers participating at Greeks Give Back.

The Alpha Omega chapter at Baldwin Wallace University and the Epsilon Chi chapter at Virginia Tech participated in campus lead events. Epsilon Chi joined in with the Greeks Give Back event on their campus, taking the time to serve citizens and neighborhoods throughout the area. Members of the Alpha Omega chapter participated in the campus’ annual Dance Marathon. Tony Ritson, Baldwin Wallace ’19, described the event, “Dance Marathon is a 12 hour long fundraising event for EGPAF, a foundation aiming to cure childhood aids in 3rd world countries. Everyone at DM is there to stand/dance for a full 12 hours while continuously pulling in donations from friends and family members and all the funds goes directly toward preventative care.” 

This is just a small sampling of all that our members have done throughout the month of March. A job very well done to all the men who continue to give back and uphold the values of our organization. For anyone who hasn’t yet found the time to volunteer or give to those in need, there is no time like the present.  

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler, Phi Tau Takes on Mardi Gras

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Dave and Syd at their anniversary dinner.

Famed globetrotting chef, Anthony Bourdain, once said, “There’s no place on Earth even remotely like New Orleans. Don’t even try to compare it to anywhere else.” Any city that could evoke such conviction from someone who has been to the farthest reaches of this world, undoubtedly earns its place in the pantheon of all-time greats. This cultural melting pot is famed for unique twists on music, art, food, and lifestyle. So, it comes as no surprise that a young man from Northeast, Ohio would find himself so enamored with the city of New Orleans that he engrained himself within the very fabric of this southern oasis.  

For Dr. Dave Mulnick, Baldwin Wallace ’70, it was love of a New Orleans native that first brought him to the city. Mulnick and his wife, Syd, have lived in the city for over 40 years. The couple have three children: Rob, Piper, and Erin, and five grandchildren: Ricky, Virginia, Brandon, Alyssa, and Jaxon. To say that Mulnick has embedded himself within the community in New Orleans would be a drastic understatement. He serves as a member of several boards and educational institutions, most notably the past President of Gates of Prayer, a Reform Jewish Congregation. Outside of volunteer work, Mulnick spent 40 years in private practice and is now the Director of Audiology and Assistive Technology for the ReNEW School System. His work in the field of audiology and speech reading can be seen across countless lectures, consultation, and scientific papers. While family, work, and volunteering might seem like a full plate to some, Mulnick has another deep seeded passion, and it’s rooted in one of the city's oldest traditions. Stemming from an initial fascination with Carnival upon moving to the city, Mulnick is the current captain of one of the longest running Mardi Gras Krewes—now over 70 years old. Not only is he the leader of his own Krewe, but he also helps with various others, writing and narrating Carnival Bal masques and parades. This passion for the Carnival and Mardi Gras traditions have been parlayed into extensive lectures on the subjects, published articles and papers, numerous appearances on radio, and featurettes on several national and international television documentaries and films on Mardi Gras. 

Mulnick serving as Captain of his Krewe.

Mulnick’s route to Mardi Gras royalty first took him to Baldwin Wallace University, known at the time as Baldwin-Wallace College, where he joined the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Although there were a variety of fraternities on the campus, Mulnick found ours to be the most accepting and fun-loving. Still holding on to many of the friendships made, he said that his time within the fraternity was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. While an undergraduate member of our organization, Mulnick also played football under head coach, Lee Tressel, and alongside starting quarterback, Jim Tressel. Following the completion of his undergraduate studies, he did his master's and Ph.D. work at Kent State University, where he was both a Graduate Assistant and Teaching Fellow. Still not done with the world of academia, Mulnick also received an Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) Degree from A.T. Still University - Arizona School of Health Sciences. Of all the accomplishments in the life of Dr. Dave Mulnick—which there are plenty—one that he holds most dear is his work with children. Among other charitable work, his organization picks a Prince and Princess every year to be written into the coronation and given their own float within the Mardi Gras parade. If I knew a famous New Orleans saying to give the proper credit due to our immensely accomplished alumnus, this is where I would put it, unfortunately I do not. So, I’ll simply say congratulations on all your successes, and we are proud to have you as a member of our organization.  

Fraternity Staff Celebrates Founders Day

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Executive Office Staff on Founders Day 2022

Following March of 2020, nearly all aspects of life had changed, including the long-standing art of office culture. Cracking jokes around the water cooler and popping into someone's office to catch up was replaced by fun slack channels and zoom hangs. Now, over two years later, life and work are finding their way back to normalcy. Outside of the restrictions that the COVID-19 pandemic posed, the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices don’t often get to operate at full capacity. With the constant need for employees to travel to various conferences, campuses, and events, our staff can be like ships passing in the night. In a proper celebration of Phi Tau’s 116th birthday, the Fraternity’s full-time staff worked their schedules around to spend a week working together and celebrating our organization.  

With all hands on deck, the celebration of our Founders Day felt a bit more special. Working together as the week ramped up to the second annual Founders Day of Giving—on the hallowed ground where our organization came to life—was a leap forward in the route to life and office culture returning to normal. Complete with a lunchtime potluck of all the best traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods, our staff was truly thankful for this opportunity to celebrate this organization and its founding together.  

Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Adds Two New Scholarships

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

For countless young men across the country, attending college is little more than a pipe dream. Regardless of grades, work ethic, or motivation, they simply lack the necessary means to continue furthering their education. While some individuals may have the idea that acquiring student loans and funding is a viable option for everyone, in reality, it can be a long and arduous process which often ends with only partial funding. This can be particularly troublesome for a first-generation college student whose family is navigating the maze of financial aid bureaucracy for the first time as well. The importance of scholarships to aid these students through their journey into higher education cannot be overstated. Not only do they offer assistance in trying to gain an education, scholarships also lighten the load of student loan debt following the completion of their degree.  

Jon Hays, Old Dominion ’07

Through generous donations by alumnus Jon Hays, Old Dominion ’07, and Mike Rosser, Colorado State ’61, the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation now offers two additional endowed named scholarships. We asked Hays and Rosser about what drove their decision to endow these new scholarships, and for both men the answer was quite clear—to help those who have a need, and who themselves, are dedicated to giving back. Both the Jon F. Hays Scholarship Fund and the Rosser-Call Volunteer Support Scholarship are tailored to brothers with a history of service. Beit military, first responders, or volunteer work for Hays, or time spent with SeriousFun Camps for Rosser; these two men are committed to a life in service of others and are now offering support to those who do the same.  

Mike Rosser, Colorado State ’61

After passing his 80th birthday, Rosser was inspired to leave a lasting legacy on an organization that was so helpful to him as a student. Reflecting upon not only his volunteer experiences, but also his wife’s, Rosser was inspired to give back and endow this new scholarship. For Hays, the decision was simple, to give back to those who were in a similar situation to himself. As a first-generation college student, Hays had to figure out how to pay for his education on his own. Now that he is in a place to help another, it seemed almost implicit that he would do so. Both Rosser and Hays hope that their generosity will inspire fellow brothers of our organization to do the same. To use Rosser’s own words, he hopes that brothers with the means will think, “If Rosser can do that, I can at least double or triple it!” 

With less than 24 hours until our second annual Founders Day of Giving, we hope that these two exemplary brothers will be an inspiration to all. We do not expect all brothers to go above and beyond and endow a scholarship tomorrow, but we hope the spirit of generosity shared by Brothers Rosser and Hays helps guide your donation to the Founders Day of Giving.  

For more information on scholarships click here. Scholarship applications are due April 15th, 2022.  

Looking Back at the First Day of Giving

The Logo used for the 115th Anniversary of Phi Kappa Tau

For much of this country, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. Originally created in 1631 as a feast and remembrance for the Patron Saint of Ireland, but now more typically observed through parades and a healthy dose of libations. For the brothers of Phi Kappa Tau, it is a day to celebrate the founding of an organization which we hold so dear. From celebrations, traditions are born. On March 17th, 2021, the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation introduced and celebrated the first ever Founders Day of Giving. This new tradition was born out of the hope that we as an organization could honor our founding fathers in the best way possible—helping their creation flourish and grow.  

Ringing in the 115th Anniversary of our birth with the inception of this new tradition saw no shortage of memorable observances from our staff at the Phi Tau Executive Offices. Chief Executive Officer, Tim Hudson, Truman ’97, delivered a State of the Fraternity address; Foundation Director, Charlie Ball, Miami ’82, conducted a tour of Miami University; and Director of Communications, Logan Lukacs, Baldwin Wallace ’10, interviewed undergraduate members to discuss the challenges and successes they faced throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. The executive office staff were joined by brothers across the country in finding a new way to celebrate the founding of our organization. With 72 chapters represented, the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation raised $36,000 in just 36 hours. Comprised of eight gifts of $1,000 or more, and receiving 32% of donations from first time donors, a tradition that would bring our founders immense pride was born.  

With our 116th birthday just two days away, we ask our brothers to join us once again in honoring the organization that brought us all together. With the ability to donate to the Brotherhood Fund, which goes to benefiting the fraternity as a whole, or to individual chapters, there’s no wrong way to observe and honor the second annual Founders Day of Giving.  

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:  

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"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 

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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 

• Presidents Town Hall 

• Week One Part One (In Total) 

• Week Two Lifelong Commitment Panel 

• Week Three Opening and Mental Health Panel 

• Week Three Strategic Plan and Closing