The
"Phi Kappa Tau"
Fraternity

Ask people on the street what a fraternity is and what it is all about; you will get many answers with preconcived ideas and stereotypes. The truth is, there is much to be gained by joining an organization of this kind that people just don't know about. It is our hope that after reading this you will have a better notion of what it means to be part of our fraternity, our heritage, and our traditions.

Everyone is unique with different backgrounds and ways of thinking which makes this experience special for anyone that becomes a member. Diversities are one of the foundations that make us strong. New ideas and fresh outlooks are a constant source of rejuvenation and inspiration. Even with all of the individualism’s we have common goals which binds us together even beyond graduation from college. This binding and sense of belonging is the beginning of what we call Brotherhood. It is the essence of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Being in this fraternity builds character and helps in the development of leadership skills. These skills are nurtured and encouraged then passed on to newer members in developing their skills. In turn they will do the same adding their own ideals, thus we become that much stronger.

While obtaining a degree at ECU, the main reason we are all here, you will see that college has a lifestyle all its own. Embedded deep in this lifestyle you will find Phi Kappa Tau. By associating with our fraternity and then becoming a member all sorts of activities and opportunities, as well as scholarships, will be opened up to you. Some activities are strictly within the fraternity during your association period.

Here is a small list of some of the activities:

• Lip-sync contests: where short skits are put on to music and prizes awarded. One group of associates won a DVD player for our lounge.
• Scavenger hunts: given a list you must work together in finding all items on the list.
• Sneaks: one of the associates is taken somewhere and the rest must follow clues to locate him. This is then followed by a celebration in completing the task.
• Socials: a party with sororities where games, dinner and dancing may be some of the activities.

Others usually involve the fraternity as a whole:

• Intramural sports: flag football, basketball, and volleyball against other teams and fraternities.
• Star Dust: an annual event in the Spring Semesters that we have a party or a get away such as camping.
• Snow Slam: an annual event in the Fall Semesters. This is usually one of our big events.
• River bottom football: We all pack up and head to the river to play a game of football.
• Homecoming Parade: We build a float and enter it in the parade.

These are just a few of the events we do for fun. We are also involved in "The Hole in the Wall Gang" camp which is a foundation created by one of our esteemed brothers, Paul Newman. The purpose is to help kids with chronic illness to have fun at camp. (Select the link above to read all about it on our National’s website.) There is also an annual Golf Scramble that we put on locally to raise money for our chapter as well as a fireworks stand that the associates and members operate for the 4^th of July.

Many reasons can be found for joining a fraternity. Here are some you may not have known about:

• Studies show that 76% of our nation’s senators, 71% of the men listed in Who’s Who in America, and 85% of the Fortune 500 executives are fraternity members.
• Of the nations 50 largest corporations, fraternity members head 43.
• All but two U.S. Presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men, and 63% of the U.S. President’s cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek.
• 85% of the U.S. Supreme Court justices since 1920 have been Greek.
• A U.S. government study shows that 71% of fraternity and sorority members persist to graduation, while just over 50% of all non-Greeks graduate.

Let's take a moment to summarize briefly what has been stated so far:

What are we all about?

• Phi Kappa Tau is about distinction and pride but above all loyalty, trust and brotherhood. We take great honor and credit in our ideals and keep strong the spirit of our youth through college life.

What can we do for you?

• Phi Kappa Tau can help you grow as a leader through the help of other men like you. Phi Kappa Tau offers scholarships and with over 80 chapters throughout the U.S. We offer strong ties nationally, which can create opportunities for a career after college.

If this sounds like something you would like to get involved with, or if you have questions you would like answered, or perhaps you would like to just hang out, why not stop by our lounge and meet with our members. The lounge is located at the far end of the Pesagi dorms where the red doors are. We hope to see you there.

Bellow are a few or the things we learn and live by in the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. We set our standards high which separates us from other organizations. When these ideals are applied we stand out and get noticed.