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, Τ 12) came to ECU to teach. Tau Chapter is 'one of the most historically successful chapters in the Fraternity.' -Epsilon Wiki

Tau Chapter Spring 2022

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

Dr. Beecher Flanagan, Founder and Faculty Advisor of Tau Chapter

Dr. Richard C. Todd, Tau Faculty Advisor

Tau Chapter originally began as Tau Sigma Sigma, the first fraternal organization to be chartered at East Carolina University in 1935. Tau Sigma Sigma was founded by Dr. Beecher Flanagan (Epsilon 2, Tau 12) and started as a social/service fraternity for male students. The following year, the group decided to seek affiliation with Phi Sigma Pi under the direction of then President, Bruce Simmons, and Advisor, Dr. Flanagan. The group became Tau Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi and it was mere coincidence that Tau Chapter kept part of its original name. Tau Chapter was installed by Simon S. Shearer on May 28, 1936. All but 3 of the original Tau Sigma Sigma Brothers became Tau Chapter Brothers, most of which were part of the installation of Tau Chapter. Dr. Flanagan continued to serve as the Advisor for Tau Chapter for the next 14 years as well as serving the National Fraternity. This included serving as the National Historian for 7 years during the WWII era. Through his efforts, Tau Chapter was able to remain active during WWII. Kappa was the only other Chapter that remained active during the War.

In 1950, Dr. Richard C. Todd (Sigma 58, Tau 878) came to East Carolina University to teach in the Department of History after turning down the opportunity to serve as the president of High Point College. Dr. Flanagan invited Dr. Todd to a dinner meeting of the Chapter shortly thereafter which led to Dr. Todd assuming the role as Faculty Advisor, a position he held for the next 27 years. Dr. Todd helped lead Tau Chapter, as well as the National Fraternity, into greatness. Along with Joseph Torchia, Dr. Todd is credited with carrying Phi Sigma Pi through turbulent times. The Fraternity would eventually shrink to just six active Chapters, with Tau Chapter being the oldest Chapter to remain continuously active. Tau Chapter remains the oldest Chapter to have never gone inactive.

In 1975, East Carolina University notified Tau Chapter that it was in violation of Title IX. As a professional organization, Tau Chapter would have to either admit eligible females or cease to exist. Two years later, a Constitutional amendment by Tau Chapter allowed the admittance of eligible women into Phi Sigma Pi. 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 took the lead among the remaining active Chapters in making the coed transition.

Tau Chapter in 1936

Tau Chapter in 1967

Tau Chapter in 1947 Tau Chapter in 1978

Tau Chapter in 1950 Tau Chapter in 1981

In 1977, Dr. Richard C. Todd retired from East Carolina University. Along with then President Randy Doub, he recruited Dr. Jack W. Thornton as the new Advisor for the Chapter. Dr. Thornton originally came to ECU in 1965 to teach in the Department of Business. He continued the service exemplified by both Dr. Todd and Dr. Flanagan to both Tau Chapter as well as the National Fraternity. It was during this time the pledge process went through several changes to instill more values, bolster involvement, and to add a higher level of seriousness. From here, many of the current traditions of Tau Chapter were born.

Following Dr. Thornton’s term on the National Council, the Fraternity shifted from generally having Advisors leading the Fraternity to active Alumni taking charge. Dr. Thornton served as the Advisor for Tau Chapter for 21 years. Although Dr. Todd retired in 1977, he continued to be active with Tau Chapter until his death in 1993. It wasn’t until Dr. Todd retired that he finally signed Tau’s Rollbook as the last signature in the first book. He was considered a part of the Chapter without having signed the book, however, the Brothers wanted to make it official once Dr. Todd retired. Dr. Thornton and the Brothers knew it was impossible to ever replace Dr. Todd for everything he has done for both Tau Chapter and the National Fraternity.

Dr. Jack W. Thornton Jr., Tau Faculty Advisor

Dr. David L. Batts, Tau Faculty Advisor

In 1998, Dr. Jack Thornton retired from East Carolina University and the duties of Advisor were passed to Dr. David L. Batts from the Department of Technology Systems. Thanks to Dr. Batts’ efforts while on the National Council, the Fraternity saw its first Alumni Convention in 2005. Dr. Batts continues to follow in the footsteps of Drs. Flanagan, Todd, and Thornton and has served as the Advisor for Tau Chapter for over 10 years.

Several Tau Brothers have served the National level as part of the National Council or National Staff. Brothers Beecher Flanagan, Richard C. Todd, Jack W. Thornton, Paul Allen III, Robert Zalimeni, Michael L. Hosey, Linda Wilson, Mark Pabst, Robert A. Landry, James O. Tisdale III, Hope C. Harrell, Lindsay Fernandez, David Batts, Jonathan Wood, Benjamin Brown, and Brittany Bodart have served on the National Council. Of the previously named Brothers, 5 have served as National President with Dr. Thornton serving two, non-consecutive terms. Many of the previous Brothers have also received a Distinguished Service Key, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an individual Brother. Brothers Ronald Eggers and Kenneth Wright served as the Student Representative on the National Council while Brothers Serena Warren and Christopher A. Crout served on the National Staff as Region Consultants. Brothers Braxton Hall, William Beckner III, and Thomas Barwick also served at the National level as the official Parliamentarian to the 1973, 1974, and 1975 Grand Chapter Conference, respectively, upon invitation by National President Vaughn E. Rhodes. Many Brothers and Alumni chaired various committees held during the Grand Chapter Conferences.

In 1991, Richard C. Todd and Sweetheart established the Richard Cecil Todd & Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship. David Batts was the inaugural recipient of the award in 1993. Since that time, Brothers Amanda Hines, Nicole Gray, and Brittany Bodart have won this prestigious award.

Tau Chapter established an impressive commitment to the Tripod during Dr. Todd's years of guidance and continues to this day. Tau Chapter also remains one of the most outstanding Chapters in the nation, as evidenced by its receiving the Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award, the most prestigious award a Collegiate Chapter can receive, a total of 34 times since the award was given annually starting in 1966. Tau Chapter also received the Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award for 21 consecutive years. The record for the longest consecutive streak and most Torchias received belongs to Tau Chapter with no other Chapter coming close.

Dr. Meadows, 1934-1944 President of ECTC endorses Phi Sigma Pi

1972 Tau delegation presents their new Torchia

Brothers gather around the Flagpole after Dr. Todd's passing in 1993

The Active Chapter

The current chapter is a gender-inclusive 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 33 active 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: Boys and Girls Club, Greenville Fire Department and Relay for Life.

Current Officers and Chairs

Tau Chapter Spring 2016

2022-2023 Executive Council

• President - Ben Brammer (ΓΩ)
• Vice President - Lizzie Ackerman (ΓΧ)
• Secretary - Nicole Ewing (ΓΩ)
• Treasurer - Lindan Wierse (ΓΧ)
• Initiate Advisor - Talisha Mills (ΓΩ)
• Historian - Aidan Charles (ΓΩ)
• Parliamentarian - Cameron Grey (ΓΩ)
• Faculty Advisor - Dr. David Batts (ΑΜ)

Fall 2023 Committee Chairs

• Alumni Correspondence - Cameron Grey (ΓΩ)
• ICR - Lovens Paul (ΔΑ)
• Fundraising - Talisha Mills (ΓΩ)
• Rush/PR - Andrea Knight (ΓΩ)
• Scholarship - Nini Vargas (ΔΑ)
• Service - Aidan Charles (ΓΩ)
• Social - Lizzie Ackerman (ΓΧ)
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Labdhi Shah (ΔΒ)

Fall 2023 Non-Executive Officers

• Brother at Large - Aden Spivey (ΔΑ)
• Brother at Large - Elise Seawell (ΔΑ)
• Regional Delegate - Cameron Grey (ΓΩ)
• Webmaster - Aidan Charles (ΓΩ)

Tau Chapter Officers and Chairs

Main Article: List of Tau Chapter Officers

Main Article: List of Tau Chapter Chairs and Non-Executive Officers

Current Brotherhood

Phi Sigma Pi Brick, Cupula

Spring 2023 Active Brothers by Roll

Catherine Lynn (ΓΦ) Aaron Piper (ΓΧ) Deja Demeritt (ΓΧ) James Vassallo (ΓΧ) Lindan Wierse (ΓΧ) Lizzie Ackerman (ΓΧ) Sarah Ragsdale (ΓΧ) Wayne Cox (ΓΧ)

Lizzie Phipps (ΓΨ) Trip Brooks (ΓΨ)

Aidan Charles (ΓΩ) Andrea Knight (ΓΩ) Awesome Akinbanjo (ΓΩ) Ben Brammer (ΓΩ) Cameron Grey (ΓΩ) Daniel Franklin (ΓΩ) Darrell Roberts (ΓΩ) Emily Scahill (ΓΩ) Gabby Estrellado (ΓΩ) Kaleigh Adams (ΓΩ) Kate Buchheit (ΓΩ) Melody Smith (ΓΩ) Nicole Ewing (ΓΩ) Talisha Mills (ΓΩ) Taylor Anne Walters (ΓΩ)

Aden Spivey (ΔΑ) Billy Gordon (ΔΑ) Elise Seawell (ΔΑ) Jamie Day (ΔΑ) Lovens Paul (ΔΑ) Stephanie Lizardo (ΔΑ)

Aida Khalifa (ΔΒ) Angela Lamb (ΔΒ) Anslie Russell (ΔΒ) Haley Ray (ΔΒ) Henry Roy (ΔΒ) Holden Settles (ΔΒ) Jehlani Wilkins (ΔΒ) Jenna Waddell (ΔΒ) Johnathan McCaulley (ΔΒ) Juliana Mason (ΔΒ) Labdhi Shah (ΔΒ) Madison Howlett (ΔΒ) Malicha Frazier-Bibb (ΔΒ) Nick Johnson (ΔΒ) Shane Wilson (ΔΒ) Stephannie Alvarado (ΔΒ) Susan Yang (ΔΒ)

Hakeem Frazier (ΔΓ) Daijha Blount (ΔΓ) Masara Al Obaibi (ΔΓ) Marissa Toledo (ΔΓ) Jasmine Johnson (ΔΓ)

Tau Chapter Roll Books

Main Article: Tau Chapter's 1st Virtual Roll Book (1936-1977)

Main Article: Tau Chapter's 2nd Virtual Roll Book (1977-2014)

Main Article: Tau Chapter's 3rd Virtual Roll Book (2014-Present)

Family Trees

Main Article: List of Tau Chapter Family Trees

Chapter Events & Activities

Founder's Weekend

April 2023 - Information Coming Soon!

Notable Alumni

Wesley Bankston (T 1) Tau Chapter's First President (1936-1937) Dr. Beecher Flanagan (T 12) Tau Chapter Founder (1936) Tau Chapter Faculty Advisor (1936-1950) National President (1946-1948) National Vice President (1948-1950) National Historian (1939-1946) Dr. Leon Meadows (T 19) President of East Carolina University (1934-1944) Dr. Clyde A. Erwin (T 28) North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction (1934-1952) Robert B. Morgan (T 100) North Carolina Attorney General (1969-1974) United States Senator (1975-1981) Harold McDougle (T 117) Author of the ECU Alma Mater, Hail to Thy Name So Fair (1941) Paul Allen III (T 596) National Alumni Representative (1974-1976) Kenneth R. Wright (T 659) Grand Chapter Student Representative (1970-1971) Ronald E. Eggers (T 666) Grand Chapter Student Representative (1971-1972) Dr. Jack W. Thornton (T 862) Tau Chapter Faculty Advisor (1977-1998) National President (1980-1982, 1986-1988) National Vice President (1978-1980) National Historian (1977-1978) Distinguished Service Key (2008) Dr. Richard Cecil Todd (T 878) Tau Chapter Faculty Advisor (1950-1977) National President (1957-1959) National Vice President (1964-1966, 1968-1974) National Historian (1962-1964) National Alumni Representative (1976-1982) National Counselor (1955-1957, 1959-1961, 1966-1968, 1974-1976) Distinguished Service Key (1969) Clauda Pennock Todd (T 879) Wife of Dr. Todd aka 'Sweetheart' Distinguished Service Key (1997) Robert Zalimeni (T 946) National Vice President (1982-1983) Michael L. Hosey (T 948) National Alumni Representative (1982-1989) Distinguished Service Key (1992)

Linda L. Wilson (T 1000) Tau Chapter's First Female President (1985-1986) National Historian (1984-1988) Dr. Phillip Bogle (T 1023) Thornton Chapter Advisor Award-Alpha Phi Chapter (2003) Robert A. Landry (T 1102) Regional Director (1988-1990) National Vice President (1990-1993) Eastern North Carolina Alumni Chapter Founder (1994, 2012) Distinguished Service Key (1996) Dr. Mark D. Pabst (T 1108) National President (1996-1998) National Vice President (1993-1996) Vice President of Membership Development (1990-1993) National Alumni Representative (1989-1990) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation Director (2012-Present) Alpha Kappa Chapter Founder (1990) Distinguished Service Key (1994) Count Lamielle (T 1113) Continuously active for over 25 years Hope Turnbull, CPA (T 1156) Vice President of Finance (1996-2000) Vice President of Alumni Development (1994-1996) Distinguished Service Key (1998) Mary Kathryn Thornton (T 1160) Wife of Dr. Thornton James O. Tisdale III (T 1179) National President (1998-2000) National Vice President (1996-1998) Vice President of Membership Development (1995-1996) Distinguished Service Key (1994) Lindsay Fernandez (T 1225) Vice President of Chapter Development (1994-1996) Amanda Hines (T 1235) Todd Tripod Scholarship (1994) Dr. David L. Batts (T 1242) Tau Chapter Faculty Advisor (1997-Present) Vice President of Membership Development (1996-1998) Vice President of Alumni Development (2003-2004) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation Director of Finance (2009-2011) Delta Epsilon Chapter Founder (1999) Todd Tripod Scholarship (Inaugural Recipient in 1993) Distinguished Service Key (2000) East Carolina University Outstanding Faculty Advisor (2006) Professional Fraternity Association Faculty Award of Excellence (2007) Thornton Chapter Advisor Award (2008, 2016)

Jonathan Wood (T 1339) Vice President of Membership Development (1998-2000) Distinguished Service Key (2001) Nicole Gray (T 1360) Todd Tripod Scholarship (1997) Benjamin Brown (T 1452) Senior Vice President (2002-2004) Distinguished Service Key (2001) Brittany A. Bodart (T 1513) National Secretary (2004-2006) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation Director (2008-2009, 2012) Todd Tripod Scholarship (2004) Serena Warren (T 1540) Region Consultant (2005-2006) Christopher A. Crout (T 1685) Region Consultant (2011-2012) Vice President of Development (2021-2023) Ellie Crout (T 1726) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation Treasurer (2016-2018) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation President (2018-Present) Margaret LeGrand (T 1784) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation Director (2021-2023) Alumni Tripod Award for Excellence in Fellowship (2021) Stella Maher (T 1817) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation President (2012-2014) Jeremy Reed (T 1839) Greater Monongahela Alumni Chapter Founder (2011) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation Secretary (2013-2014) Jeffrey L. Johnson (T 1868) Regional Director (1987-1988) National Counselor (1988-1990) National President (1990-1996) Phi Sigma Pi Foundation Director of Finance (2008-2009) Alpha Gamma Chapter Founder (1988) Distinguished Service Key (1991) Dr. Leo W. Jenkins (T 1869) President/Chancellor of East Carolina University (1960-1978) Andrew Wipperman (T 1912) Todd Tripod Scholarship (2018)

Chapter Honors and Awards

Tau Chapter's Awards 1986, 50th Anniversary

National Awards

Tau Chapter's Awards 2011, 75th Anniversary

• 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, 2019, 2023

• Top Ten Chapter Award/Top in Region Award (Mid Atlantic Region)

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016

• Steven A. DiGuiseppe Administrative Award

1993, 2003, 2005, 2016

• C.H. McClure Single Service Award

1992, 1994, 1997

• Charles W. Chance Alumni Award

1992, 2003, 2016, 2018, 2019

• Most Spirited Chapter

2000

• Outstanding Fundraiser

2008, 2010

• Outstanding PR and Community Relations Award

2009

• Jack W. Thornton Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award

Dr. Phillip Bogle (Alpha Phi Chapter) 2003

Dr. David Batts 2008, 2016

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

Dedications

Main Article: List of Tau Chapter Dedications

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)

Collection: Newspaper Clippings from 1968-1974

Further Resources

• Tau Chapter Portal
• National Fraternity Website (Information for Brothers, Alumni & prospective members)
• Joyner Library Organization Information
• Tau's 50th Founders Day Booklet