Remembering Chef Joe Castro, Transylvania '81

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Chef Joe Castro (2006).

For a chef to make a lasting impression on the culinary scene they must blend creativity, craftsmanship, and personality into their restaurant and dishes. For Joe Castro, Transylvania ’81, this meant melding the homestyle cooking of his mother, who was a Kentucky native, with the pacific island cuisine of his father, who was of Filipino decent. The by-product of this pacific-americana hybrid was what many described as one of the finest restaurants in Louisville and throughout the state of Kentucky. Castro spent fifteen years as the Executive Chef at The English Grill at The Brown Hotel and gained widespread recognition throughout the Kentucky culinary community. Breaking onto the national stage, Castro was featured on The Discovery Channel's "Great Chefs of the South" and "Great Chefs of America" TV series in 1994. In 2000, he helped launch the Chef's Table premium dining experience at The English Grill. Alongside his brother, chef John Castro, he appeared on “Throw Down with Bobby Flay” in 2007; the duo prepared their Kentucky’s famous Hot Brown dish, which netted them a victory in the competition. Leaving The English Grill in 2007, Castro assumed the role of Culinary Training Manager for General Electric's Monogram Appliances. 

On April 23rd, 2022, Joe Castro died at the age of 60, surrounded by loved ones. Castro is remembered fondly by fellow chefs, food critics, and all those who knew him. "Joe was truly one of the nicest human beings I have ever met," wrote a GE Appliances coworker, Mason Carrico. "His caring attitude and genuine kindness are two traits that always made Joe stand out. His passion and talent for cooking were second to none. We love Joe and he will always have a special place in our hearts." Castro is survived by his wife, Kathleen Stevens Castro; children, Eleanor Stevens Castro, Max Ignacio Castro and Lydia Stevens Castro; sister, Alfreda Donahue; and brothers, John Castro and Paul Castro. 

Nicholas Marshall, Louisville '05, A Pathway to Purpose

Nicholas Marshall, Louisville ’05

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

The month of May has come to represent and celebrate a variety of things: the first true feeling of Spring, the ending of the school year, holidays such as Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In addition to these celebrations, May is also National Foster Care Month. This initiative by the Children’s Bureau takes the time to acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and all other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes. We were fortunate enough to sit down with Nicholas Marshall, Louisville ’05, to discuss his experience in foster care, as a member of Phi Kappa Tau, and amid an Indiana State Senate campaign.   

Marshall had been in the foster care system since he was an infant, and later recommitted when he turned eighteen, making him in state’s care for over twenty years. Throughout his adolescence, Marshall was fortunate enough to have foster parents who instilled upon him a desire to give back to the community. Unlike many in foster care, Marshall was provided the opportunity to pursue an education by recommitting to state care. Arriving on Louisville’s campus, Marshall’s desire to give back to his new community went above and beyond the average student. Within Phi Tau, Marshall served as Rush Chair, Sargeant in Arms for two years, and finally served one term as Vice President. His service to the fraternity earned him the title of Most Outstanding Brother before becoming a graduate member. In addition to his many fraternal positions, Marshall was on the orientation staff for the University of Louisville; served as the cardinal bird mascot, getting to travel with teams and attend the cheerleading national championships; did a two-year research study for the state of Kentucky; and volunteered with programs for at-risk youth. Despite Marshall’s staggering resume and clear, natural proclivity for service and leadership, it was his biological brother who inspired him to pursue a seat in the Indiana State Senate. At an event for Kentucky Foster Care and Adoption Services, Marshall was given the honor of being the keynote speaker. Following the speech, his brother made him take a moment and observe the impact Marshall’s speech had on the audience filled with powerful and influential members of the Kentucky community.   

Marshall’s campaign logo.

Marshall’s campaign is focused on impacting “Everyday Hoosiers,” who are all too often put on the back burner of policy making. Inspired by a foster parent who was a teacher, Marshall wants to ensure that educators in Indiana no longer have to leave the state to receive appropriate pay, benefits, and resources. Along with his focus on the educational system, Marshall hopes to alleviate the need for parents to have multiple jobs just to support their family—achieving what he describes as Economic Mobility. Drawing upon his own experience, the last of his primary goals, if elected, is to be a champion of those in foster care throughout the state of Indiana. With roughly ten to twelve thousand children currently in the Indiana foster care system, this issue is becoming more relevant than ever—exacerbated by the deficiency in resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Marshall, his wife, Melonie, and their two children.

Outside of his current campaign, Marshall works at the Republic Bank and Trust, serves on the Board of Directors Coalition Support Young Adults, serves on both the Associate Board and Board of Directors for Nativity Academy of St. Boniface Middle School, volunteers at The Cabbage Patch Settlement House, serves on advisory board council for the Home of Innocents, and worked in the past with the One Love Louisville Implementation Team with Metro Government to reduce violence in our community. Marshall and his wife, Melonie, have been married for six years and have two children, Sebastian and Evelyn.  

For more information regarding Nicholas Marshall’s campaign, click the link here.  

The Day the War Came Home

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Remembrance of the four victims.

Growing up in the city of Kent, Ohio, in my personal experience, can feel a bit surreal. Like the set of an idyllic 1950’s movie; complete with a bustling downtown, a university, a plethora of festivals and events, and comprised of a variety of sub-villages, each boasting a distinct personality. For my friends and I this was nothing short of a midwestern oasis. Each summer would go by in a meandering haze as we ran through the woods, swam in different lakes and quarries, and made the emptied campus our personal playground—only covering our bare feet when absolutely required. I’ve learned that describing this period of my adolescence can sound like a hit country-western song, but I assure you that if this is anything, it’s dulled down a bit from my actual experience. The bliss of youth can be blinding, any harsh realities or bad news seemed to wash just along the periphery of my acknowledgment. It wasn’t until the age of seventeen that I first registered the story of May 4th, 1970, in the city of Kent, Ohio. Although I’d heard the story many times, I’d never been able to let it sink in. With college looming, it is possible that I’d started to identify with the impacted demographic more. The more likely cause is that I could never accept that this hallowed ground, on which I’d spent many formative years, was soiled by one of our countries’ most tragic events.  

Kent State Commons, May 4th, 1970.

April 30th, 1970, President Nixon announced that the U.S. had invaded Cambodia in an attempt to attack various Viet Cong headquarters. With widespread unrest regarding the War in Vietnam, students on campuses all over the country began holding protest the following day, May 1st, 1970. On the commons of Kent State University's campus, a peaceful protest was held at noon. Later that evening, what appeared to be a normal night quickly divulged into violent confrontations between students and local police. While the incitement of this incident is still up for debate, the result was Kent Mayor Leroy Satrom declaring a state of emergency and ordering all the bars to close early. Inciting the crowd further, Satrom called Governor James Rhodes the following day, asking for assistance. Fearing further damage to the city, Satrom and Rhodes brought the National Guard into the city of Kent and onto the campus. Arriving around 10:00pm on Saturday, May 2nd, the National Guard encountered roughly 1000 protestors surrounding the burning remains of the ROTC building. Throughout the sunny Sunday, May 3rd, morning the campuses had an eerie calm, but resembled an active militarized zone. That night saw more violent encounters between protestors and guardsmen. As words of a conclusion rally at noon on Monday, May 4th, spread, campus officials attempted to prohibit the protest. Nearly 3,000 demonstrators filled the commons, watched by roughly 100 armed guardsmen. Efforts to disperse the crowd were met with anger, as rocks and shouts flew from the protestors, tear gas flew from the guardsmen. As the guardsmen neared the top of Blanket Hill, 28 of the 70 men turned and fired their weapons. As many fired into the air or ground, some fired directly into the crowd. In just 13 seconds, around 61-67 shots were fired. In that 13 seconds, nine students were injured and four were killed. Jeffery Miller, Allison Krause, William Schroeder, and Sandra Scheuer lost their lives to members of the state’s own National Guard, on a college campus in Northeast Ohio. Jeffery Miller was a transfer student from Michigan State University, and while the details of his membership are unknown, had been an associate member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.  

Reflecting upon this day as Kent native, Kent State alumnus, and brother of Phi Kappa Tau removes much of the wistful dreaminess from my hometown, but also demands an understanding of this event that changed our country. A college campus is meant to be a place of safety, fostering education, debate, discussion, and understanding. On this day in 1970, Kent State University’s campus was none of those things and more. While you might be tempted to celebrate this as Star Wars Day (May the fourth be with you) or just another Wednesday, I’d implore you to reflect upon the events that transpired today, which affected countless lives, a member of our own organization, and college campuses all over the country.  

For a more detailed account of this event, and for further reading and information, visit the link here.

Andy Fruth, Southern Illinois '08, Named Heartland Domain Director

Fruth (right) with CEO Tim Hudson at the Omega Chapter Chartering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

After an extensive search, Andy Fruth, Southern Illinois ‘08, was recently named the Heartland Domain Director for Phi Kappa Tau. 

 Fruth is no stranger to the Domain Director Program. In 2008, he was appointed to the Vacant Lincoln Domain Director position by then CEO Steve Hartman, Muskingum ’89, and would serve in that capacity until 2012 when he was named Presidents Academy Dean. After completing that role in 2016, he was named Domain Director Committee Chairman by National President Mike Dovilla, Baldwin Wallace ’94, to begin working with Executive Office Staff, tasked with modifying the Domain Director Program to better suit the fraternity’s evolving needs. 

“The old structure called for dozens of directors covering unequal geographical areas. We always had high turnover rates and vacancies so we weren’t giving the chapters the support needed to be successful,” Fruth added. 

He noted that he probably would have stayed involved in the program longer, but the 2017 birth of his boy/girl twins and the 2020 birth of another son put those plans on the back burner. “I think Mallory [Fruth’s wife] probably would have killed me if I didn’t take a break from Phi Tau for a little while, but don’t tell her that!” stated Fruth.  

Andy (left) with Father (center) and brother Alex (right). All Phi Kappa Tau brothers.

 Andy joined the Beta Chi Colony at Southern Illinois University in 2005. Within a semester he took over as Colony President where he would remain until graduation, then transitioning into the role of Chapter Advisor before signing the charter in 2008. His brother Alex Fruth, Illinois-Springfield ‘14, is a founding father of his chapter and father Terry Fruth, Illinois-Springfield ‘14, is an honorary initiate, so Harvard Red and Old Gold run strong in his family. 

 Professionally, Fruth is an Elementary School Teacher in his hometown of Freeport, IL. He noted that teaching elementary school isn’t that different than working with fraternity men, “We all struggle with the same things sometimes—managing emotions, cleaning up after ourselves, and getting along with others.” 

Fruth is looking forward to working with alumni from several different chapters to recruit volunteers to their boards, and will be organizing some alumni networking events in some of the regional hubs such as Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. 

 If you are interested in volunteering with chapters in the Heartland Domain, please contact Andy Fruth at andrewfruth@gmail.com. (States included in the Heartland Domain are: North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, and Wisconsin)

Kyle Raineri, Oklahoma State '17, Drives to One of Racing's Biggest Stages

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

If you were to meet Kyle Raineri, Oklahoma State ’17, during his time as an undergraduate, you’d walk away with the sense that he was a polite and charming young man, who is heavily involved within campus organizations. Raineri was a Business and Marketing major, and not only a member of the Oklahoma State lacrosse team, but an integral member of the Beta Kappa chapter of Phi Tau. First learning about the fraternity through a fellow member of the lacrosse team, Brady Friend, Oklahoma State ’16, Raineri would go on to serve as Rush Chair, Member Orientation Officer, and eventually Vice President. For the average undergraduate student, that would be more than enough to fill up a day, but there was an underlying passion Raineri felt he had to pursue. This unrelenting drive has propelled Raineri to where he is today, feeling it was his destiny all along.  

Raineri’s car, Hyundai Veloster N TCR.

Working out of a small trailer with his father in St. Louis, Raineri began racing go-karts at the age of eight. The following years would see a swath of success, including three club championships and a third-place finish in the Midwest in 2012. Riding this wave, Raineri went on to compete in the Route 66 Sprint Series until leaving for Stillwater and beginning his undergraduate education. Throughout this short break from racing, Raineri felt a pull back to the track and back behind the wheel. This pull compelled Raineri to begin volunteering as a flagman at the Hallett Racetrack, which earned him free weekly track time—typically far too expensive for an average college student. Following graduation, Raineri moved to Tulsa for a try-out with a pro team, eventually going on to drive spec racer Fords for the Hallett Team. After a stint in Dallas, working as a marketer and engineer, and some time driving a Radical Cup prototype car, he was offered he shot at the big leagues. Chad Bacon, owner of CB Motorsports, recognized the talent and potential in Raineri and offered him a position on the team. Alongside teammate Caleb Bacon, Raineri made his debut in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Driving the Hyundai Veloster N TCR, Raineri will be competing in one of the biggest motorsport leagues in the United States—rivaled only by Nascar and Indy Car. The TCR class is comprised of some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, including Audi, Alfa Romeo, and Honda. The cars in this class are all front wheel drive, and unlike Nascar, the tracks all vary—mirroring the challenges of racing on open streets. The tour began in Daytona, goes as far West as Monterey, and ends in Atlanta. With regular crowds of 80-150 thousand spectators over the eleven-race season, Raineri is making a name for himself on one of the sport's biggest stages.  

Raineri and fellow brother of the Beta Kappa chapter.

Despite his success, and the undoubtedly strenuous schedule of a professional driver, Raineri is able to keep the ties to brotherhood strong. Attending weddings of chapter brothers and making his pro debut in front of seven members of the Beta Kappa chapter. Striving to be one of the greatest to ever get behind the wheel, Raineri has set his sights on winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 12 Hours of Sebring all in the same year. Join us in congratulating Kyle Raineri on all his success and wishing good luck for what is sure to be an illustrious career. If you’d like to stay up to date on Raineri’s progress through this season, you can find a link to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge page here.  If you would like to find additional ways to support Raineri, you can contact him at info@kyleraineriracing.com or by clicking here.

What Makes Phi Kappa Tau Different?

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: Provide Differentiated Value of Membership Through Personal and Professional Growth and Engagement. 

Why: Many students today ask themselves “Why should I join a fraternity?” And even more so, for students that decide to go Greek, we need a compelling answer to “Why should I join Phi Kappa Tau over every other fraternity?” 

Chapman University Phi Taus hosting a philanthropy event.

When we surveyed our membership about the value that Phi Tau provides to individual undergraduate members, we heard repeatedly of the long-term interpersonal relationships that are facilitated by the Phi Tau experience. Also mentioned was the hands-on leadership experience that prepares our membership for professional success, which cannot be learned solely in the classroom. In research from Gallup, it was shown that Greek life has a number of benefits to the well-being of college graduates. “...fraternity and sorority members are more likely than all other college graduates to be thriving in each of the five elements of well-being (purpose, physical, social, financial, and community).” (Gallup, 2014). After a member joins or a chapter is established, we must continue to deliver unique and valuable experiences and support to justify the time and financial investment in the organization. This is true both at a national and at a local level. This will be a major focus of the organization going forward, as it impacts recruitment, retention, chapter success, alumni engagement, and many other goals of the fraternity. 

How: The first step is to provide quality experiences. We will be evaluating the Borradaile Challenge and making any needed adjustments to ensure it is aligned to the needs of the fraternity today and how we defined chapter success. We will also be evaluating areas to increase support to chapters in achievement of the Borradaile Challenge, including educational and other resources, coaching, and proactive engagement with chapters who lag the organization’s standards. Our goal is that fewer than 20% of chapters score “Needs Improvement” each year on the Borradaile Challenge 

Education is the second step, with the goal of 75% of undergraduates participating in an impactful Phi Kappa Tau educational program prior to graduating. For this we will be evaluating the fraternity’s education strategy and investing in the reach and impact of our educational programming. This will likely include modified or new educational programs, expanded online learning opportunities, and enhanced strategies to maximize participation and outcomes delivered through all our educational programs.  

New Members at Alpha Rho, Georgia Tech.

Putting an emphasis on service learning, philanthropy, and leadership, we will launch recruitment strategies and other programs that align the Phi Tau experience with student majors and career goals. We have a unique opportunity to better connect the Phi Kappa Tau experience to our member’s career interests and aspirations. For example, Phi Tau’s partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network can provide hands-on experiences for healthcare and education majors (supported by travel grants from the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation) that can help them stand out from other job applicants upon graduation. We will be creating new resources, starting with new recruitment resources, that build on this theme. 

The final, and crucial need is risk management—less than 5% of chapters per year have a risk management or safety incident. Risk management and safety incidents represent perhaps the greatest threat, not only to the achievement of the Strategic Plan, but to the health and existence of the fraternity overall. Every member, officer, advisor, volunteer, and staff member must do their part in ensuring that the Phi Tau experience is one that represents health, wellness, citizenship, respect of others and oneself, and compliance with policy and law. The fraternity will continue to evaluate and implement additional ways to minimize and eliminate risk management and safety incidents. These will include development of an enhanced investigation and adjudication process, increased focus on prevention in chapter success and educational interactions, and collaboration with interfraternal peers.  

What can you do? Incorporate the Borradaile Challenge into your planning and review progress with your entire chapter at least once each month. Set goals and discuss ways to improve your results with your BOG and chapter success manager. Ensure your chapter is well-represented in each educational program that the fraternity offers. Encourage attendance beyond just officers. Take advantage of your Chapter Educational Grant fund to increase your chapter’s attendance at in-person educational events. Create a culture of safety and responsibility in your chapter. Do not tolerate activities that run counter to the fraternity’s risk management policies. 

If you have suggestions on how we can best support chapters in accomplishing these goals, please contact communications@phikappatau.org. 

Phi Taus Celebrate Parents Weekend

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

If you were a student who moved away for college, you’ll remember that surreal feeling of total independence when you moved in for the first weekend of school. No longer did you have a curfew, cleaning schedule (although you probably needed it), or anyone to track your comings and goings. This jolt of freedom is just the jumping off point, carrying you through the rest of adulthood. So, as you journey through undergraduate education, it’s crucial to look back and celebrate the people who helped you get to where you are today—be it parents, guardians, or caregivers.  

Upsilon Chapter’s Moms Weekend

Brothers of the Upsilon chapter at Nebraska Wesleyan, Epsilon Rho chapter at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the Omicron chapter at Penn State held a parent's weekend to celebrate their loved ones and bring their two families closer together. The Upsilon chapter had over 30 moms in attendance and finished the weekend off with a Sunday brunch. These men also took this as an opportunity to celebrate their house mom, Sandy. Epsilon Rho held a combined parent's weekend with the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, which included “kickback” style events on Friday and Saturday, and a cookout on Sunday. President Jake Solomon, Indiana U of Pennsylvania '21, had this to say of the event, “Epsilon Rho Parents Weekend was amazing. It gave our hardworking parents a chance to reminisce on their younger days and get away from their work and normal lives and experience ‘fraternity life’ for a few days. It also expanded our Phi Tau Family to include our real families, which was very special and something that we look to continue.” Omicron had an expansive event with nearly 60 families in attendance, holding various games, a 50/50 raffle, and a Sunday brunch.  

Omicron Chapter’s Parents Weekend

The melding of all these families is a joyous occasion, which so rarely gets to happen. Thank you to the brothers who shared their experiences with us, and to the parents and guardians who helped them along their journey into our organization.  

Donate Life: A Story of True Brotherhood

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Bob Wang (left) and Paul Scherer (right).

In 2003, Donate Life America and its partnering organizations dubbed April, National Donate Life Month. The goal being to spread awareness about donations, encourage Americans to register as eye, organ, and tissue donors, and to honor those who have saved the lives of others through donation. Phi Kappa Tau will be honoring National Donate Life Month by sharing the story of three brothers, whose lives interconnected and resulted in the most precious gift an individual and their family can receive. This is the story of Bob Wang, Georgia Tech ’97, and the two brothers who stepped up when he needed help the most; each donating a kidney to Wang at different points in his life, giving him more time to be with his family and a second chance at a healthy future.  

Wang’s journey began in 2006, when health complications forced him to receive a liver transplant. The strain of this procedure and the medications needed to recover were detrimental to his kidneys. As the condition worsened over the next five years, Wang was forced to consult with a doctor in 2011. Based on the results of testing, this doctor recommended that Wang start dialysis. For Wang, this meant five days of treatment per week, that took roughly five hours per session, and once the dialysis began there was no option of discontinuing. Understandably, Wang wanted to delay this necessary, but burdensome treatment as long as possible. As the health of his kidneys continued to deteriorate, Wang was forced to begin dialysis in the middle of 2012, and continued the treatment until December 10th, 2013, when he received his first kidney transplant. Lifelong friend and fellow alumnus of the Alpha Rho chapter, Paul Scherer, Geogia Tech ’96, made a sacrifice that many would shy away from. Agreeing to take part in a three-way donation, in which, Scherer’s kidney went to a patient in Minneapolis, a donor in Minneapolis gave a kidney to a patient in Charlotte, and finally a donor in Charlotte donated their kidney to Wang in Atlanta. This selfless act by Scherer gave Wang the gift of seven years with more comfort and greatly reduced need for treatment. As these procedures go, the donations are often more of a Band-Aid, with there being no true cure for Wang’s condition. In mid-2020, Wang once again began dialysis. Luckily for him, the treatment was reduced to four days a week and he was able to do it at home in the family’s sunroom. Being able to complete his treatment at home allowed Wang to spend more time with his family, often playing video games with his son throughout the duration. As he did the first time, Wang sent out a letter to friends, family, and fellow alumni of Phi Tau describing his condition and need for another donation. Once more, a brother of the Alpha Rho chapter stepped up to help Wang in his time of need. Chris Heffernan, Georgia Tech ’94, was a senior when Wang was a freshman, and the two were not particularly close friends while attending Georgia Tech. Despite this, Heffernan did not shy away from the opportunity to help a brother in need. Wang described speaking with him and how some of Heffernan’s closest friends that he was crazy, but Wang also stated that this is a testament to Heffernan character and the man that he is. In the aftermath of the surgery, both men are recovering well, and Wang is gifted more time and comfort with the ones he loves most.  

Bob Wang and his family (2022).

“We are brothers now and ever.” Lyrics from a song we’ve all learned and undoubtedly sang at least once. They could remain just that, lyrics from a song that describe a lifelong bond between members of a fraternal organization. But for many within our organization, it becomes far more than that. Now and ever these men will go to any lengths to help a fellow brother, a fellow person in need. Men like Paul Scherer and Chris Heffernan have a compassion for others that knows no depths, from which we can all learn. Their generosity and selflessness gave Bob Wang more time with his wife of eleven years, Carrie, and their two children, Charlotte who is six, and Griffin whose is eight. As we move forward throughout the month of April, treat it as a time to reflect on how you could help others in need.  

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To learn more about National Donate Life Month, and to see how you can do your part, follow the link here.  

Men of Distinction

An Op-Ed by Scott Sunshine, Bethany ’77

Scott Sunshine and his dog, Will.

In 1975, I arrived at Bethany College in rural West Virginia as a barely 17-year-old freshman from New York City. My roommate chewed snuff—it was a bit of a culture shock. 

My RA was Marty Field, Bethany ’75, a religious studies major and a Phi Tau. He was a great role model and was, and is, a friend as well as having been a Navy Chaplin and now an Episcopal Bishop. 

Rush at Bethany was an all-hands-on deck event, each house had multiple events and, remember that at that time the drinking age was 18. I was immature and snotty, but the brothers of Phi Chapter took me under their wings. In my own line are Senior Rev David Cortes, Bethany ’75, a Navy vet who was a little older; James Gerb, Bethany ’74, who was a leader in the Bio department; Dr. Jay Buckelew, Bethany ’78, who became our adviser, brother and Honor Roll member; Ian Carrus, Bethany ’75, who has been a successful businessman and now volunteer; and at one point my roommate was the chapter president Ken Bado, Bethany ’74, who has had a successful career and is now the President of the Bethany Board of Trustees. 

I learned from each of these men, they showed me that leadership was something that could be shared. My own career has been in the Hospitality industry, much of it with Hilton hotels. I spent seven years at the Tel Aviv Hilton and another two at the New York Hilton. As I moved up the chain of command, I did high end catering and events including seven years on the PGA tour, events for Hilary Clinton, Senator Robb of VA, several heads of state and entertainers. I have led kitchen brigades of several hundred. A friend asked me to participate in a book and there was TV. 

I understand that leadership and communication skills that I learned as an undergraduate brother have stuck with me throughout my life. This brotherhood continues in our Harvard Red and Old Gold foundation, which supports education at our chapter, and again is led by a group of outstanding brothers. 

They are all men of distinction.  

Chef Scott Sunshine, Bethany ’77 

Subscribe to Scott’s Substack newsletter. If you have a story or piece you’d like to share with us please visit phikappatau.org/submit-news.

Growth Summit FAQ

What hotel will we be staying at? 

• We will be staying at The Hilton in downtown Fort Worth and conducting the program there as well 

Who is paying for my flight? 

• You, your chapter, or anyone willing to cover the upfront cost can pay for it. Flights can be reimbursed through the Chapter’s CEG or via the Phi Kappa Foundation if the chapter has insufficient CEG funds.

Will I be allowed to leave site? 

• You are asked to remain on site while the program is in session and be permitted to explore in your free time if you desire, but please note the schedule is rather full, so free time will be limited. 

Can we send more than 2 people? 

• The short answer to this question is yes. If we hit capacity, a representative of the Fraternity will reach out to you informing you of such.  

If I am flying, what airport should I fly into? 

• We recommend flying into DFW Airport as that will be the closest to our location and most convenient for traveling to the hotel. 

What are the hotel’s current policies on COVID? 

• The Hotel follows the local government policies related to COVID, for up-to-date information you can click here  

Do I need to book a hotel room? 

• No, Phi Kappa Tau will provide you with a hotel room for May 26th – May 28th, with checkout being on the 28th  

• If you need to arrive earlier, please inform your Chapter Success Manager 

What time should I arrive on site on Thursday 

• Registration will be from 5PM CST TO 7PM CST on May 26th 

• We suggest coordinating your flight to land at 2PM  

• If you are driving, please arrive prior to check-in.  

• Please ensure you submit your travel information to the survey monkey link, 

What time should I depart on Saturday? 

• If you are flying, we recommend scheduling your flight to depart after 2PM CST on Saturday 

• If you are driving, you may depart after 11:15AM CST after the program concludes. 

How do I get from the airport to the Hilton? 

• For transportation to the hotel, we recommend the train that goes from DFW Airport and stops at Central Station which is only a 6 Minute Walk from the Hotel. This is a quicker and more convenient way to get through downtown Fort Worth. If you would like to use an alternative, please ensure you keep your receipt for travel expenses.  You can purchase a ticket for the train by clicking here  for instructions or at the airport.  

When will the program start? 

• The program will begin at 7:30PM CST on Thursday. Undergraduate Attendees will be expected to register between 5PM CST and 7PM CST. 

What is Phi Kappa Tau’s Policy on COVID? 

• We will be partnering with the hotel to ensure a safe and COVID Free environment, which is why to advance this effort, we are asking if you feel unwell to not attend the program. We recommend purchasing flight insurance if something like this occurs. 

• We will also provide on-site testing just in case. 

What do I need to bring? 

• A smile  

• Laptop and charger  

What other information should I know? 

• We will be using a Slack Workspace to communicate, you should expect to receive an invite to the workspace, for further information, please reach out to your Chapter Success Manager.  

• Attire for the weekend is business casual on Thursday and Friday (nice pants, slacks, khakis, button ups, polos, non-tennis shoes, etc.), Saturday will be casual, we encourage you to represent your institution or wear your best recruitment shirt  and you can even wear jeans!  

• Please pay attention to the FAQ page as well as it may be updated as the program draws closer

We thank you for your commitment. For further information or additional questions please contact Drake Berlin:dberlin@Phikappatau.org 614-800-7522