Tau Chapter
Tau Chapter (Founded 28 May 1936) is located at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina and is a member of the Mid Atlantic Region. The Chapter was founded when Epsilon Chapter Alumnus Dr. Beecher Flanagan (Ε 2, T 12) came to ECU to teach. Tau Chapter is 'one of the most historically successful chapters in the Fraternity.' -Epsilon Wiki
Contents
Chapter History
History
"The Tau Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi, national honorary education fraternity, has as its objective perpetuating the ideals of higher learning and promoting goodwill and fellowship among the men [and women] students on the campus of East Carolina...[University].
Even though membership in the fraternity is not open to all men [or women] students on the campus, they may become eligible by maintaining a high scholastic average and fostering brotherhood with their associates on the campus...
While a student is in college he [or she] derives greater benefits from campus life if there exists within him [or her] the conviction that he [or she] is among friends; that they stand ready to help him [or her] when the need arises. This holds true, too, after one is graduated from college. Phi Sigma Pi offers life membership to alumni, giving its members life-long association they would lose otherwise.
It is the desire of the fraternity to encourage men [and women] students on the campus to become eligible for membership, as Phi Sigma Pi feels that it has something to offer."
-Eugene Carson, Tau Chapter President 1941
Early Years
Tau Chapter, the first fraternal organization to be chartered at East Carolina University, was founded when Dr. Beecher Flanagan (Ε 2, Τ 12) came to East Carolina University to teach in the Department of Social Sciences. Dr. Flanagan decided to start a chapter of Phi Sigma Pi, and under Dr. Flanagan's direction the local fraternity, Tau Sigma Sigma, became Tau Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi. Eleven undergraduate Brothers were inducted on May 28, 1936. Dr. Flanagan served as Faculty Advisor for the newly started Chapter and Wesley Bankston was elected Tau Chapter’s first President. Dr. Flanagan led the Chapter for 14 years.
In 1950, Dr. Richard C. Todd ( Sigma 58, Tau 878) came to East Carolina University to teach in the Department of History. Dr. Flanagan invited Dr. Todd to a dinner meeting of the Chapter, and during the meeting Dr. Flanagan suffered a fatal heart attack. Dr. Todd assumed Dr. Flanagan's role as Faculty Advisor and served Tau Chapter for the next 27 years. Dr. Todd helped lead Tau Chapter, as well as the National Fraternity, into greatness. During these years, Dr. Todd aided in the integration of women into the Fraternity. Clauda Pennock Todd, wife of Dr. Todd, was inducted into Tau Chapter on December 3, 1977 as the first female honorary Brother to be inducted after the passing of Title IX. Nicknamed "Sweetheart," Clauda Pennock Todd became an integral part of her husband’s service to the Fraternity. Tau Chapter established an impressive record of service and scholarship during Dr. Todd's years of guidance, evidenced by its receiving the Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award (the most prestigious award a chapter can receive) a total of 33 times since the award was given annually starting in 1966. Tau Chapter also received the Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award for 21 consecutive years. Tau Chapter still holds the record for the longest consecutive streak and most Torchias received with no other chapter coming close.
In 1977, Dr. Richard C. Todd retired from East Carolina University. He recruited Dr. Jack Thornton from the Department of Business as the new Faculty Advisor for the Chapter. Dr. Thornton continued the service exemplified by both Dr. Todd and Dr. Flanagan to Tau Chapter. During this time, the Todd Scholarship for Leadership and the Thornton Scholarship for the Outstanding Pledge were originated. Also, the Clauda Pennock Todd Fellowship Award and the Rick Creech Award were created. Over the years, these awards have flourished and grown. The Todd Scholarships are now given to all Officers. Historically, the award was only awarded to the President. Furthermore, funding for both the Todd and the Thornton Scholarships have increased dramatically over the years. On May 7, 1977 the Todd Flagpole at East Carolina University was dedicated by Brothers, Alumni, and Friends of Tau Chapter in honor of Dr. Todd.
In the late 1970's Tau Chapter took the lead among the remaining active chapters to in making the coed transition.
In 1998, Dr. Jack Thornton retired from East Carolina University and the duties of Faculty Advisor were passed to David Batts from the Department of Technology Systems. Tau has continued to be one of the most outstanding chapters of Phi Sigma Pi in the nation. Several Tau Chapter Brothers have served the organization on the national level, including Beecher Flanagan, Richard C. Todd, Robert Zalimeni, Jack Thornton, Mike Hosey, Robert A. Landry, Mark Pabst, Linda Wilson, Lindsay Fernandez, Hope Harrell Turnbull, David Batts, James Tisdale, Jonathan Wood, and Brittany Bodart. Of the previously named brothers, five have served as National President, some serving more than one term. Many of these Brothers were also awarded the Distinguished Service Key, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual Brother.
Tau Chapter also led the way for development of Alumni Chapters. The first Alumni Chapter, the Eastern North Carolina Alumni Chapter, was chartered in Greenville, North Carolina on November 7, 1994. Richard Cecil and Clauda Pennock Todd also set up the Todd Tripod Scholarship. In 1993, the inaugural award was presented to David Batts. Since that time, Tau brothers Amanda Hines, Nicole Gray and Brittany Bodart have won this prestigious award.
The Active Chapter
The current chapter is a co-ed national honor fraternity at East Carolina University. Undergraduates with a 3.2 GPA, 30 semester hours, and 2 semesters until they graduate or undergraduates with a 3.5 GPA, 15 semester hours, and 2 semesters until they graduate are invited to join the Fraternity each semester. These students or "Initiates" must complete an Initiation Program which lasts on average six to eight weeks. The Chapter currently holds just over 60 members who are referred to as Brothers whether male or female.
Tau Chapter closely adheres to the Fraternity's principles of Scholarship, Leadership, & Fellowship in all events which are planned. Tau Chapter also focuses closely on service activities and works with organizations such as: The Hope Lodge, Habitat for Humanity, and Spring Arbor.
Current Officers and Chairs
2012-2013 Executive Council
- President - Matthew Parker (ΓΒ)
- Vice President - Megan Shaia (ΓΑ)
- Secretary - Sandie-Marie Williams (ΓΒ)
- Treasurer - Stevie Younger (ΓΒ)
- Initiate Advisor - Ashley Lamb (ΓΒ)
- Historian - Jesyka Ferrin (ΓΒ)
- Parliamentarian - Dustin Hawley (ΓΓ)
- Faculty Advisor - Dr. David Batts (ΑΜ)
Fall 2012 Committee Chairs
- Alumni Relations - Jesyka Ferrin (ΓΒ)
- Fundraising - Stevie Younger (ΓΒ)
- Rush/PR - Ellie Laughinghouse (ΓΑ)
- Scholarship - Rachael Spooner (ΓΓ)
- Service - Stephanie Jordan (ΓΑ)
- Social - Alyssa Randall (ΓΑ)
Fall 2012 Non-Executive Officers
- Brother at Large - Samantha Kramer (ΓΒ)
- Regional Delegate/ICR - Dustin Hawley (ΓΓ)
- Webmaster - Jesyka Ferrin (ΓΒ)
Current Brotherhood
Fall 2012 Active Brothers by Roll
Tau Chapter Officers and Chairs
Main Article: List of Tau Chapter Officers
Main Article: List of Tau Chapter Chairs and Non-Executive Officers
Tau Chapter Roll Books
Main Article: Tau Chapter's 1st Virtual Roll Book (1936-1977)
Main Article: Tau Chapter's 2nd Virtual Roll Book (1977-Present)
Family Trees
Main Article: List of Tau Chapter Family Trees
Chapter Events & Activities
Founder's Weekend
TBA
Notable Alumni
Chapter Honors and Awards
National Awards
Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award
- 1965-66, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
- 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Top in Region Award, Mid Atlantic Region
- 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011
Steven A. DiGuiseppe Administrative Award
- 1993, 2003, 2005
C.H. McClure Single Service Award
- 1992, 1994, 1997
Charles W. Chance Alumni Award
- 1992, 2003
- 2008, 2010
Outstanding PR and Community Relations Award
- 2009
Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award
- Dr. David Batts 2008
University and Community Awards
Main Article: List of Tau Chapter Awards from the University and Community
Chapter Awards
Main Article: List of Local Tau Chapter Awards
Further Resources
- Tau Chapter Portal
- National Fraternity Website (Information for Brothers, Alumni & prospective members)
- Joyner Library Organization Information
- Tau's 50th Founders Day Booklet
In the News
- Phi Sigma Pi holds Easter event at ECU
- Donuts for Diabetes: Krispy Kreme Challenge held in Greenville
- Kolasa: Doughnuts for diabetes, Fundraiser set for Saturday (pg 6)
- Running for doughnuts with (rain) sprinkles
- "Enemies" World Premiere Introduces Theater Noir To Eastern Carolina
- Professor Earns National Award (pg 2-3)
- Professor Wins Award for Advising Students (pg 3)