Brian Browne, Case Western Reserve '06, Starts New Position at BWF

Brian Browne.

Arriving on Case Western’s campus, Brian Browne, Case Western Reserve '06, found himself in a wholly new environment without the safety net that guides non-first-generation college students. Browne’s goal was to find a community and network that could help him develop the social and leadership skills that he aspired to. Phi Kappa Tau became that home, but it was also the catalyst to campus wide involvement. Providing a safe space, in which, Browne could practice the skills he would go on to perfect throughout his education and career. In his time as an undergraduate member of Phi Tau, Browne would serve as Membership Orientation Officer and Vice President of the Alpha Delta chapter. Browne would go on to received the coveted William H. Shideler Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior. Truly embracing his community, Browne remained at Case Western Reserve for many years to come—retaining his commitment to Phi Tau along his journey.  

Following the completion of his M.B.A from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western, Browne took a position with the university as an admission counselor. Over the next four years, he worked his way up to being the Director of Development for the School of Medicine. In September of 2014, Browne would take his talent down to Oxford, Ohio and act as the Director of Development for the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation for the next two years. Following his time with the Foundation, Browne would return to Case Western and then spend time at Oberlin College—specializing in fundings, donor relations, and alumni engagement. In December of this past year, Browne was given the opportunity to utilize the skills he developed on a larger scale. Stepping out of the world of higher education, Browne was hired by Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Chairman Jeff Hilperts, Spring Hill '96, as the Director of Philanthropic Counsel at BWF. As a complete fundraising consulting firm, Browne will assist BWF in advising clients looking to start fundraising campaigns on the best course of action. Along with his new position, Browne will soon enjoy a new home with his partner and their two dogs.  

The Search for the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Executive Director Begins

The Centennial Garden at the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices in Oxford, OH.

The Phi Kappa Tau Foundation seeks to hire an Executive Director to lead and manage the day-to-day activities of the philanthropic arm of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.   

The Executive Director is responsible for leading a comprehensive fundraising program that supports the Foundation’s mission ”to ensure the philanthropic support necessary to sustain high levels of educational programming by fostering lifelong relationships and commitment to the Fraternity’s ideals.”  

Reporting to the Executive Committee of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Board of Trustees (composed of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary), the Executive Director will lead Foundation advancement activities – annual fund, major gift, planned giving, and all campaign efforts - and will have demonstrated leadership and accomplishment in advancement with a proven record of fundraising success. Strong organizational, supervisory, leadership and interpersonal skills are essential, as are outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising and have a demonstrated ability to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and senior leaders of major corporations. 

Search Committee 

The Foundation has established a search committee which is chaired by Doug Adams and includes the following members: Mike Bichimer, Ray Cox, Jeff Hilperts (Foundation Chair), and Warren Mattox (Foundation Vice Chair).  

The search committee is being assisted in this effort by Columns Fundraising (www.columnsfundraising.com), a firm based in Atlanta, Georgia.  Columns has worked with not-for-profits and associations across the country and has a unique experience in the Greek world – three of their founding partners served as past staff members and CEOs within their respective fraternities/fraternal foundations and they continue working with fraternities and sororities at the national and local level.    

Recommendations & Applications 

To learn more, the Position Description outlining the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Director, as well as the knowledge, skills, education and experience that applicants should possess, may be found here.  

Should you wish to recommend someone as a potential candidate for this position, please do so using this online form.  Recommendations will be accepted through Friday, March 3, 2023. 

Should you wish to apply for the position, please do so using this online form. 

Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 17, 2023.  

Paul Thompson, Georgia Tech '72, Retires Following a Distinguished Career

Paul Thompson.

When the W.K. Kellogg Chair in Agricultural, Food and Community Ethics was established at Michigan State University, it was not only the first position of its kind at the university, but also one of the first in the country. Holding the position from 2003-2022, Paul Thompson, Georgia Tech '72, is now happily retired. Thompson’s reasoning for taking the position never changed throughout his twenty years at Michigan State; it was the first of its kind and he didn’t want one of his friends to have it. Thompson now serves as emeritus faculty in the departments of Philosophy, Community Sustainability and Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics. 

Along with his tenure at Michigan State, Thompson has been one of the leading voices in the field of Agriculture and Environmental Ethics. He has six books published, with a seventh on the way. His book From Field to Fork: Food Ethics for Everyone was published by Oxford University Press in 2015. It won the “Book of the Year” award for 2015 from the North American Society for Social Philosophy. Another revered work, The Spirit of the Soil: Agriculture and Environmental Ethics was released in a revised and updated second edition in 2017. Thompson has also authored or co-authored over two hundred articles in refereed journals or scholarly books. This distinguished career doesn’t stop there, Thompson was a founding member and second President of the Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society, which awarded him its award for Distinguished Career Contribution in Research in 2013. He also served on advisory boards at the U.S. National Research Council, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and for numerous academic journals, including Environmental Ethics and Agriculture and Human Values. He was a founding member and second President of the Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society, which awarded him its award for Distinguished Career Contribution in Research in 2013. 

Not only spending much of his career in academia, Thompson stated, “I spent far too long as an undergraduate.” Beginning his education at the University of Northern Colorado, he then transferred to Georgia Tech where he was pursuing a math degree. While at Georgia Tech, Thompson was looking for an excuse to move out of the dorms and a community to aid him in his transition. This led him to join Phi Kappa Tau. He remembers the brotherhood fondly, and his friendship with Blake Putney, Jr, Georgia Tech '72, resulted in his first risk assessment position—Thompson considers this the beginning of his path to philosophy.  

Enjoying the spoils of retirement, Thompson spends much of his time with his wife, Diane, their two children, and four grandchildren. The couple split time between their house in Michigan and Diane’s family farm in South Georgia.  

From the World Series to TikTok

This article is taken from our most recent edition of The Laurel, to read the full digital edition click here!

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11 

Stock in his A’s uniform.

Long after his nearly 35-year career in baseball, ex-Major League Baseball player and coach, Wes Stock, Washington State ’54, is making headlines once again. This time, success comes in the form of TikTok videos made by his granddaughter, Megan Rage. Garnering upwards of 10 million views, the videos highlighting Stock’s career became viral sensations. Not only were these videos an entertaining bonding experience for Stock and his granddaughter, but they shed light on a distinguished career and Hall of Fame member of our organization.  

Stock’s initiation into Phi Tau stemmed back to his high school days in Shelton, Washington. Coming from a long line of Washington State graduates, Stock followed suit and became a member of the university’s ball club. Living with his aunt and uncle for a semester, Stock was introduced to the fraternity by men he had known from Shelton. In the Spring of 1953, Stock moved into the Phi Tau house and would create many fond memories until he departed in the Fall of 1956. His initial departure was due to an offer to play for the Baltimore Orioles. Like many men of the time, Stock was drafted and would serve his time in the military from 1957-1958—fortunately being able to play some ball with Baltimore throughout that time. His career as a player would last for eight and a half years, five with the Orioles and three with the Kansas City Athletics. Following his playing career, Stock took his first position as a pitching coach for the Athletics, then would go on to coach for Oakland (1973–1976; 1984–1986), the Milwaukee Brewers (1970–1972), and the Seattle Mariners (1977–1981). During this time, he had the honor of coaching the 1975 American League All-Star team. A career highlight for Stock was coaching the back-to-back World Series champion Athletics in 1973 and 1974.  

Wes and Bev.

At the time he left Washington State, Stock was just three credits shy of graduating. Due to a change in the university’s requirements, he was awarded his degree by the Washington State President during an alumni golf outing. Enjoying his retirement, Stock spends much of his time with wife, Bev, their two sons, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.  

Spring 2023 Billing Memo

The Executive Offices have announced this semester’s billing breakdown, policies, and procedures. Please direct any questions to your chapter’s Success Manager. See below for the  the full breakdown, the biggest change that your chapter may see is a reduction due to insurance discounts for items such as:

• Hosted/Participated in all 4 Risk Prevention seminars

• Have a clean 2-year record (No Risk Prevention Policy violations within the past two years)

• No chapter house

• Alcohol Free chapter house

• Alcohol Free  chapter operations (All chapter events/activities/housing is alcohol -free)

• Have a live-in advisor if you have a house

Click here for a more comprehensive PDF overview.

2023 Spring Fee Structure

Member Fees

One-time:

• Associate Fee: $250

• Total: $250

Per Semester

• Member Dues: $87.50

• Housing: $7.50

• Insurance: $70-$160 (dependent on certain insurance discounts)

• Total: $255

Chapter Fees

• Chapter Dues: $500

• Education Pool: $765

• Conference Pool: $510

• NIC Dues: $176

• Total: $1,951

Understanding your Bill:

To calculate what members may pay: use the following formula:

• 255+ (1951/X)

• X= amount of members in your chapter

• Example: Chapter with 35 members 255 + (1951/35) = ~310.74

Dexter Horne, Centre '13, Keynotes the Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Dexter Horne.

Among countless others, a well-known Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. quote is, “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.” Dr. King was known to speak extensively on the importance of forgiveness, and how crucial it was to making lasting change in the world. For Dexter Horne, Centre '13, this will be a pivotal theme in his keynote speech at Centre College’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation. This event will take place on Monday, January 16th (MLK Day), and honor the civil right leader during an annual community-wide gathering. The theme is It Starts With Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems.  

Horne is no stranger to fighting for change at Centre College or within his community. Having striven for a more inclusive experience for all students at Centre, Horne would frequently voice the need for changes to the administration and worked with other campus leaders to ensure they were improved. As more changes were needed and not met, Horne was left with feelings of resentment. Yet, when Centre College’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity reached out with the opportunity to act as the keynote speaker for the convocation, he began to ponder the idea of forgiveness. Having just finished reading a book about the civil rights movement, Horne felt it was timely to give this speech with all this so fresh in his mind. The general thesis of the book was that a beloved community mindset, like that of Dr. King, was one that included as many people from different backgrounds as possible. One that allows for embracing difference, allowing enemies to share in your vision for a better future, and embracing people who didn’t relate to him working alongside him to create a better vision. In an excerpt from his speech, Horne states, "...a beloved community mindset is one that casts the greatest net and allows all people to contribute to our project for a more perfect union. Importantly, a beloved community mindset is also one that is big enough to move beyond ego and the politics of shame...at the end of the day, like Dr. King, none of us in this room needs to be individually great or exceptional to make our world more just. If the communities we cultivate are great enough to hold difference, to hold people accountable for their actions, and hold opportunities for growth and redemption; we can accomplish anything." 

Horne in Chicago.

Long before he was giving speeches, Horne was an ambitious young leader, a dedicated brother of Phi Kappa Tau, and a Bonner Scholar. Joining Phi Tau in the spring of his freshman year, he quickly filled the role of Community Service and Philanthropy Chair—serving through his sophomore year. Following that position, he went on to serve as Recruitment Chair and President of the Delta Chapter. Alongside his Phi Tau involvement, Horne was a member of student government, debate series, the English as a second language program, and worked for the admissions office. During his time as an undergrad, Horne was recognized for his achievements on multiple occasions; he is a recipient of the Paul A. Elfers Omega Scholarship, the William H. Shideler Award, the Best Loved and Most Respected Senior Man Award, and was voted Homecoming King during his senior year at Centre.  

Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Horne gained his Master of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky. Beginning his career with the Ronnie Bastin for Mayor Campaign, Horne then moved on to hold a Project Manager position at the McNary Group, a Development Associate position at Louisville Public Media, and is now a Senior Policy Analyst for The Council of State Governments. As a Senior Policy Analyst, Horne’s primary function is to provide support to CSG’s Healthy States National Task force, which includes state leaders from across the three branches of government in all 50 states and 6 territories. Throughout his career, Horne has remained a loyal brother, serving as a volunteer and BOG member.  

Matt Ter Molen Takes New Role at RPI

Matt Ter Molen.

Alpha alumnus, Matt Ter Molen, Miami '84, has assumed the role of Vice President for Institute Advancement at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Following his distinguished tenure at Syracuse University, Ter Molen will be venturing into his new position with an abundance of experience and expertise. These two institutions are not the only ones that have benefitted from Ter Molen’s initiative and foreword thinking. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree in Political Science, Ter Molen spent two years as a Peace Corp volunteer with a specialization in beekeeping; four years as the Director of Annual Giving at the University of Chicago; then eighteen years in various position—including Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations—with Northwestern University, before making the move to Syracuse.  

While at Syracuse, Ter Molen left a lasting impression on the university by leading Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University. This initiative was launched in November 2019 and focuses on advancing academic excellence at all levels. It has raised more in private philanthropy than at any other time in the University’s history, with more than $1.2 billion raised toward the $1.5 billion goal. Under the leadership of Ter Molen, the Forever Orange team has allocated $115.5 million to student financial aid and another $135 million to research funding, created nearly 500 new scholarships, and established approximately 65 new funds to support faculty research.  

In a Syracuse University press release, Chancellor Kent Syverud said this of Ter Molen, “Matt came to Syracuse at an important moment in the University’s history and made an immediate impact. He hired a talented team of fundraising and alumni engagement professionals, expanded alumni programming and led the launch of the University’s most ambitious fundraising campaign. Matt has been a tenacious steward of the University’s mission and has inspired countless donors and alumni to support the Orange vision for the future.” 

Phi Taus Help Pass the Respect for Marriage Act

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

White House on the day of signing.

On Thursday, December 8th, the House passed legislation that would enshrine federal protection for same-sex and interracial marriages. First securing a 258-169 victory, the Respect for Marriage Act then progressed through the senate with a 61-36 count. President Biden signed the legislation into law during a ceremony on Tuesday, December 13th, featuring the first lady Jill Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Among the champions of this bill are Ken Mehlman, Franklin & Marshall '85, and Ted Olson, U of the Pacific '61.   

Ken Mehlman.

Xi-chapter alumni, Mehlman has had an extensive career within the Republican Party and came out as gay in 2010. Having served as President George W. Bush’s campaign manager in 2004 and as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2005-2007, Mehlman has established himself as a prominent figure in the party and as an outspoken advocate for gay rights. The effort to gather the Republican votes needed to pass this legislation involved flooding the phone lines of Republican senators with calls from constituents in favor of the same-sex marriage measure, presenting them with polling data that showed voters were more likely to support a candidate who endorsed this bill. The effort was a resounding success as 47 Republicans joined in supporting the bill as it initially passed through the House. Mehlman, working with Centerline Action, a centrist nonprofit, were able to commission the polling in nine states where they identified Republican senators who could be persuaded to support the Respect for Marriage Act—directly influencing the eventual passing of this legislation through the Senate. At least one Senator from each state polled voted in favor of the bill, helping to reach the ten Republican votes needed to pass. 

Ted Olson.

Mehlman’s further efforts to pass this bill called for the assistance of fellow Phi Tau, Ted Olson. Olson was a United States Assistant Attorney General from 1981–1984, under President Ronald Reagan, and United States Solicitor General from 2001–2004, under President George W. Bush. The duo published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal calling on the Senate to support the bill and stated, “as conservatives we should promote freedom and limited government. That includes supporting American citizens’ freedom to marry the person they love.” With countless members of our organization identifying as LGBTQIA+, these two brothers are working to secure freedoms and equal rights for not only our brotherhood, but for citizens across the country.  

Foundation Trustee Honored by the American Water Works Association

Ray Cox from Highfill company page.

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Foundation Trustee, Ray Cox, PE, North Carolina State '89, has been recognized with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) most distinguished awards. Recipients of the Geroge Warren Fuller Award are determined by the Fuller Award committee in each section and bestowed upon candidates who’ve provided outstanding leadership or made a significant contribution toward the advancement of the water works practice within the Association and/or their section. In the North Carolina section, that dedicated individual was Ray Cox. During the 2022 North Carolina One Water Conference in Charlotte, Cox was awarded the customary plaque and pin that comes with the George Warren Fuller Award and honored in front of his peers.  

For the last seven years Cox has served as Vice President of Marketing for Highfill Infrastructure Engineering, but his tenure with the company began in October of 2005 when he assumed the position of Vice President—holding that role for over 17 years. Highfill is self-described as a principle-centered engineering consulting firm specializing in community and municipal water infrastructure engineering, with the belief that water is our most precious resource. Cox and the Highfill team work to better the lives of citizens throughout North and South Carolina, and place public welfare over personal gains. Despite the immensity of his career accomplishments, Cox is most proud of his family. When asked, what personal accomplishment brings you the most pride or joy, Cox responded, “I feel great joy when someone compliments my wife and me on the maturity and behavior of our teenage son and daughter after observing them interacting with others outside of our presence.” 

2022: Our Growth Through the Year

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Men of the Beta Theta Chapter at Kansas.

For Phi Kappa Tau, the year 2022 has been one of growth in many respects. The Foundation has added multiple new scholarships, offering even more support for our members pursuing degrees of all levels. The Executive Office Staff has grown, allowing us to better serve our organization as a whole. Our number of donors and the support they offered increased on our second annual Founders Day of Giving, showing that we could continue to build upon this new tradition. Most notably, our organization grew its influence on more men around the country through inspired recruitment efforts by our chapters and successful expansion projects by our Executive Office team.  

With the addition of four new recruiters who are guided under the tutelage of our Associate Director of Organizational Growth, Hunter Pemberton, Akron ’18, the Expansion team continues to build upon their success and has paired with the Chapter Services team to launch a brand-new revitalization program. Targeting chapters who are struggling to meet the standard requirement of our active chapters, this program will offer direct guidance and assistance. The first assignment for the revitalization team was at the University of Kansas with our Beta Theta Chapter. Recruiters Domenic Mularo, Mount Union ’19, and Ryan Callahan, Tennessee ’20, arrived in Lawrence during a particularly hard time to undertake such a project—with Thanksgiving and finals looming—but were able to successfully steer the Beta Theta Chapter in the right direction. With the aid of the KU Sorority-Fraternity Life staff, the Panhellenic community, and Phi Tau alumni, the duo helped Beta Theta double in size during the duration of the trip. Following their departure, the new foundation of Beta Theta men was able to recruit even more members and continue on their redemptive path.  

This project in Lawrence is coming off the heels of success at both Clemson and Wright State. At Clemson, the expansion team garnered 60 new members in just two months, who now comprise the Epsilon Nu associate chapter. In addition to recruiting a strong class of distinguished young men, the expansion team was able to make strides in establishing their foundation on the Clemson campus. Up north at Wright State, the team was able to recruit an associate class of 11 men who are hoping to reach the campus average (around 20 members) throughout the academic year. Already eyeing the future, interest groups at both Grand Valley State and Colorado State Pueblo have arisen over the past few months. These interest groups are already brandishing extreme potential, having been assisted by alumni who are driven to see success on both campuses.  

Newly initiated men of the Epsilon Tau chapter at Arizona State.

The Expansion Boys aren’t the only ones working hard to help our brotherhood flourish. Chapters around the country have had outstanding fall recruitments; growing their numbers and bringing more men into our fold. There are five chapters that were particularly successful: Epsilon Tau at Arizona State recruited 44 men, Kappa at Kentucky recruited 43, Delta Kappa at Tennessee recruited 36, Alpha Eta at Florida recruited 35, and Alpha Kappa at Washington State recruited 34. These five chapters helped contribute 192 of the 965 total new associate members reported around the country. The diligent work of all our undergraduate men has showed the heights our fraternity can continue to reach. Through their work and the commitment of our staff and alumni, this brotherhood will continue to expand its mission through 2023 and beyond.