About Us
For many Phi Tau’s here at UT it’s hard to give just one reason why they joined and feel so passionate about this fraternity.
However, the passion that is embedded in each and every one of our members undoubtedly falls into at least one of the following
three characteristics about Phi Tau that I would like to share with you.
The first of these three characteristics is that we are different. This quote from our 1985 President Jeff Turner helps to explain the
appeal of being different: "The members of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity believe their Phi Kappa Tau fraternity represented ‘the unity of
divergence.’ We're a unified group of brothers, but we are all individuals." Many members say this was the reason they joined Phi Tau,
or why they are still here. Our diverse group of members is only a part of what we bring to campus and new members.
What sets us apart from other organizations and fraternities is that each and every member of Phi Tau can have an immediate,
powerful impact on the fraternity. What I believe is our best characteristic is that by joining Phi Tau you have the opportunity
to build an organization from the ground up with extraordinary individuals. Four years ago there was no foundation for Phi Tau when
Brendon Vickery and Nick Janssen began the process to re-charter our chapter. However, just as our founders did at Miami University
over 100 years ago, Vickery and Janssen persevered and succeeded. Each member pushed themselves to become better and woke up every day
ready to take on the challenge at full speed. Dedication and passion like that is not often inspired by going to class or joining an
organization where the foundations have already been set by previous generations. Through the process of building an organization like
Phi Tau you gain invaluable skills and lessons you couldn’t learn at any other chapter or organization on this campus.
Members also have the very real chance to leave a lasting legacy in the chapter. Everyone wants to be remembered after they graduate
and move on to the next stage of their lives, but not every organization on this campus gives you the opportunity to grow and contribute
as much as we do. While many fraternities give you some sort of legacy to leave behind, we are in the unique position to offer a legacy
as the founders and builders of a fraternity that, if done right, is something we can all come back to years from now and enjoy the
traditions we started. For many of us our goal is to come back to the house and say “I did this. I built this.”
The combination of these three characteristics is what makes Phi Tau so unique and amazing.
In Phi,
Adam Estrin
V.P of Alumni Relations
Member Reflections
Below a few of our members and Alumni reflect on their time as Phi Taus.
Brendon Vickery
Becoming a member of Phi Tau was the single greatest decision I made in college. Phi Tau taught me how to be a gentleman and a leader. During my years as an undergrad, my brothers challenged me to be great, and supported me in my efforts. We worked together to build an organization of men that stood for something bigger than any one of us. Our pursuit of becoming extraordinary gentlemen is as much a part of me today, as it was during my time at university. That drive coupled with the skills I learned as President of Phi Tau have given me the ability to find a great amount of success early in my career. When I graduated college I had already grown an organization, managed people, met deadlines, coordinated projects, sold a vision, and created something that changed people's lives for the better. I'm damn proud to be a brother of Phi Kappa Tau now and forever.
Adam Humphery
Since joining Phi Tau three semesters ago, I’ve grown so much as a person. I’ve become more confident, better dressed, my grades have improved and I’ve met so many people inside and outside of the greek system. Above all I’ve become great friends with a diverse group of men spanning many majors, hometowns and backgrounds with a wide variety of interests and passions. I will say that is one of my favorite parts about Phi Tau. Every member has something they are passionate about whether it’s school, sports, socializing, or something more unique and that passion rubs off on you. I’ve become more invested in everything I enjoy because of the men I’m surrounded by and that has played a huge role in the fun and success I’ve had at UT.
Tommy Wilczek
I remember at my first rush event, there was one thing the brothers of Phi Kappa Tau did that made them stand out; they were sincerely interested in me and I could tell they were superb gentleman. Right away I knew I was where I belonged. Since then being a Phi Tau has given me an understanding of the true value of being a member of such a tight-knit group. Now I am honored to say I am one if those gentleman.
Alex Wheeler
Phi Tau gave me the opportunity to make a difference on campus. I wanted to be a part of an organization full of extraordinary men doing things a little differently. My time in Phi Tau has made me the man I am today, and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.
Nathan Burchard
A close brotherhood full of uniquely ambitious men, each bringing their own strengths to the table. As a Phi Tau I learned valuable leadership skills, made lifelong friendships, and enjoyed my 4 years at UT to the fullest.