A Message to Parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I was initiated into Alpha Phi Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity in 1959. Although a life resident of Akron, I was a stranger on the Akron University campus, having attended a vocational high school where few went to college.

For some unknown reason, I had a negative perception of fraternities. I accepted an invitation to a rush party at the old Phi Tau house more out of curiosity than interest.  I was invited back to meals and parties and quickly lost my negative attitude.

These weren’t rich kids living a pampered life, but like me, most of them were working and paying their own way through college. I accepted an invitation to join and completed an interesting pledge program prior to initiation.

Today associate members no longer endure the second-class status and hazing that existed in all fraternities in those days.

Phi Tau gave me an opportunity to learn and experience brotherhood and accept responsibility through various committees and offices. It was an important lesson that I could not gain through my classroom work.

I maintained contact with many of the brothers after graduation and kept active with our alumni groups. In the early 80s, I returned to Phi Tau as the alumni adviser and continued in that capacity until the mid 2000's. 

Over the years and after having attended chapter meetings, sporting events, and social functions, I have seen many new leaders and outstanding young men emerge from our fraternity. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with those young men.  

Phi Kappa Tau continues to be a positive experience for a young college man today.