Difference between revisions of "Tau Chapter"

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=== Early Years ===
 
=== Early Years ===
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[[Image:Flanagan.gif|thumb|left|175px|Dr. Beecher Flanagan, Founder of Tau Chapter]][[Tau Chapter]], the first fraternal organization to be chartered at East Carolina University, was founded when [[Bleecher Flanagan|Dr. Beecher Flanagan]] (&#917; 2, &#932; 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. Under [[Bleecher Flanagan|Dr. Flanagan's]] direction, the local fraternity Tau Sigma Sigma, became [[Tau Chapter]] of Phi Sigma Pi. Eleven members were inducted on May 28, 1936. [[Bleecher Flanagan|Dr. Flanagan]] served as faculty advisor for the newly started chapter and [[Wesley Bankston]] was elected Tau Chapter’s first president. [[Bleecher Flanagan|Dr. Flanagan]] led the chapter for 14 years.<p>In 1950, [[Richard Cecil Todd|Dr. Richard C. Todd]] ( Sigma 58, Tau 878) came to East Carolina University to teach. [[Bleecher Flanagan|Flanagan]] invited [[Richard Cecil Todd|Todd]] to a dinner meeting of the chapter. During the meeting, [[Bleecher Flanagan|Flanagan]] suffered a fatal heart attack. [[Richard Cecil Todd|Dr. Todd]] assumed [[Bleecher Flanagan|Flanagan's]] role as faculty advisor and served [[Tau Chapter]] for the next 27 years. [[Richard Cecil Todd|Todd]] helped lead [[Tau Chapter]], as well as the national fraternity, into greatness. During these years, [[Richard Cecil Todd|Dr. Todd]] aided in the integration of women into the fraternity. [[Clauda Pennock Todd]], wife of [[Richard Cecil Todd]], was inducted into [[Tau Chapter]] on May 7, 1977. 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 [[Richard Cecil Todd|Dr. Todd's]] years of guidance, evidenced by its receiving the [[Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award]] (the most prestigous award a chapter can receive) a total of 33 times in the 44 years the award has been given.[[Image:Todd.gif|thumb|right|175px|Dr. Richard C. Todd, Tau Faculty Advisor]]
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[[Image:Flanagan.gif|thumb|left|175px|Dr. Beecher Flanagan, Founder of Tau Chapter]][[Tau Chapter]], the first fraternal organization to be chartered at East Carolina University, was founded when [[Beecher Flanagan|Dr. Beecher Flanagan]] (&#917; 2, &#932; 12) came to East Carolina University to teach in the Department of Social Sciences. [[Beecher Flanagan|Dr. Flanagan]] decided to start a chapter of Phi Sigma Pi. Under [[Beecher Flanagan|Dr. Flanagan's]] direction, the local fraternity Tau Sigma Sigma, became [[Tau Chapter]] of Phi Sigma Pi. Eleven members were inducted on May 28, 1936. [[Beecher Flanagan|Dr. Flanagan]] served as faculty advisor for the newly started chapter and [[Wesley Bankston]] was elected Tau Chapter’s first president. [[Beecher Flanagan|Dr. Flanagan]] led the chapter for 14 years.<p>In 1950, [[Richard Cecil Todd|Dr. Richard C. Todd]] ( Sigma 58, Tau 878) came to East Carolina University to teach. [[Beecher Flanagan|Flanagan]] invited [[Richard Cecil Todd|Todd]] to a dinner meeting of the chapter. During the meeting, [[Beecher Flanagan|Flanagan]] suffered a fatal heart attack. [[Richard Cecil Todd|Dr. Todd]] assumed [[Beecher Flanagan|Flanagan's]] role as faculty advisor and served [[Tau Chapter]] for the next 27 years. [[Richard Cecil Todd|Todd]] helped lead [[Tau Chapter]], as well as the national fraternity, into greatness. During these years, [[Richard Cecil Todd|Dr. Todd]] aided in the integration of women into the fraternity. [[Clauda Pennock Todd]], wife of [[Richard Cecil Todd]], was inducted into [[Tau Chapter]] on May 7, 1977. 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 [[Richard Cecil Todd|Dr. Todd's]] years of guidance, evidenced by its receiving the [[Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award]] (the most prestigous award a chapter can receive) a total of 33 times in the 44 years the award has been given.[[Image:Todd.gif|thumb|right|175px|Dr. Richard C. Todd, Tau Faculty Advisor]]
  
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In 1977, [[Richard C. Todd|Dr. Richard C. Todd]] retired from East Carolina University. He recruited [[Jack Thornton|Dr. Jack Thornton]] as the new faculty advisor to the chapter. [[Jack Thornton|Thornton]] continued the service exemplified by [[Richard Cecil Todd|Todd]] and [[Bleecher Flanagan|Flanagan]] to [[Tau Chapter]]. During this time, the Todd Scholarship for Leadership and the Thornton Scholarship for 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 [[Richard C. Todd|Dr. Todd]]. [[Image:flagpole0.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Flagpole memorial sign.]] [[Image:flagpole1.jpg|thumb|center|175px]]
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In 1977, [[Richard C. Todd|Dr. Richard C. Todd]] retired from East Carolina University. He recruited [[Jack Thornton|Dr. Jack Thornton]] as the new faculty advisor to the chapter. [[Jack Thornton|Thornton]] continued the service exemplified by [[Richard Cecil Todd|Todd]] and [[Beecher Flanagan|Flanagan]] to [[Tau Chapter]]. During this time, the Todd Scholarship for Leadership and the Thornton Scholarship for 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 [[Richard C. Todd|Dr. Todd]]. [[Image:flagpole0.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Flagpole memorial sign.]] [[Image:flagpole1.jpg|thumb|center|175px]]
  
 
In 1998, [[Jack Thornton|Dr. Jack Thornton]] retired from East Carolina University and the duties of faculty advisor were passed to [[David Batts]]. [[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]], [[Bob Landry]], [[Mark D. Pabst|Mark Pabst]], [[Linda Wilson]], [[Lindsay Fernandez]], [[Hope Harrell Turnbull]], [[David Batts]], [[Jamey Tisdale]], [[Jonathan Wood]] and [[Brittany Bodart]]. Of the previously named brothers, five have served as [[National President]], some serving more than one term.
 
In 1998, [[Jack Thornton|Dr. Jack Thornton]] retired from East Carolina University and the duties of faculty advisor were passed to [[David Batts]]. [[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]], [[Bob Landry]], [[Mark D. Pabst|Mark Pabst]], [[Linda Wilson]], [[Lindsay Fernandez]], [[Hope Harrell Turnbull]], [[David Batts]], [[Jamey Tisdale]], [[Jonathan Wood]] and [[Brittany Bodart]]. Of the previously named brothers, five have served as [[National President]], some serving more than one term.

Revision as of 10:42, 21 October 2008

Tau Chapter (Founded 28 May 1936) is located at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. The Chapter was founded by Epsilon Chapter Alumnus Beecher Flanagan (Ε 2), and is a member of the Mid Atlantic Region.

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 of Tau Chapter

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. Under Dr. Flanagan's direction, the local fraternity Tau Sigma Sigma, became Tau Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi. Eleven members 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. Flanagan invited Todd to a dinner meeting of the chapter. During the meeting, Flanagan suffered a fatal heart attack. Dr. Todd assumed Flanagan's role as faculty advisor and served Tau Chapter for the next 27 years. 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 Richard Cecil Todd, was inducted into Tau Chapter on May 7, 1977. 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 prestigous award a chapter can receive) a total of 33 times in the 44 years the award has been given.

Dr. Richard C. Todd, Tau Faculty Advisor

In 1977, Dr. Richard C. Todd retired from East Carolina University. He recruited Dr. Jack Thornton as the new faculty advisor to the chapter. Thornton continued the service exemplified by Todd and Flanagan to Tau Chapter. During this time, the Todd Scholarship for Leadership and the Thornton Scholarship for 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.

Flagpole memorial sign.
Flagpole1.jpg

In 1998, Dr. Jack Thornton retired from East Carolina University and the duties of faculty advisor were passed to David Batts. 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, Bob Landry, Mark Pabst, Linda Wilson, Lindsay Fernandez, Hope Harrell Turnbull, David Batts, Jamey Tisdale, Jonathan Wood and Brittany Bodart. Of the previously named brothers, five have served as National President, some serving more than one term.

Tau Chapter also led the way for development of alumni chapters. The first 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 are invited to join the Fraternity each semester. These students or "initiates" must complete an initiation process which lasts on average six to eight weeks. The chapter currently holds 46 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.


Initiate Advisors:

Loren Trull (2004-2005)
Nick Castillo (2005-2006)
Bernae Leah Miller (2006-2007)
Marina Bonner (2007-2008)
Sadhana Chunduri(elect for 2008-2009)

Past Chapter Officers

1937 President - Wesley Bankston

1939 President - Fodie Hodges, Vice President - Harvey Deal, Secretary - Leo Burks, Assistant Secretary - Emmett Sawyer

1940 President - Vance Chadwick, Vice President - Howard Draper, Secretary - Emmett Sawyer, Treasurer - Alton Payne

1941 President - Eugene Carson, Vice President - Bill Merner, Secretary - John Carson, Treasurer - Artis Hardee, Sergeant-at-Arms - Orvil Morton

1942 President - John Carsen, Vice President - Robert Hollar, Secretary - Evan Griffen, Treasurer - Russell Beddard

1943 President - W.B. Harris

1944 President - William Johnson, Vice President - Beverly Cutler, Secretary - Robert Morgan, Assistant Secretary - Robert Morgan, Sergeant-at-Arms - Ellis Bedsworth, Faculty Sponser - Dr. Beecher Flanagan

1945 President - Ellis Bedsworth, Vice President - Delton Creech, Secretary - John Charlton, Treasurer - Sam Strickland, Faculty Advisor - Dr. Beecher Flanagan

1946 President - Jack Johnson, Vice President - Lil Hart, Secretary - John Charlton, Treasurer - Douglas Jones, Advisors - Mr. Hollar, Dr. Flanagan, Dr. Haynes

1947 President - Harry Jarvis

1948 President - John Thigpen, Secretary - Kenneth Frazelle, Treasurer - Gene Hedgepeth

1949 President - Lawrence Posey, Secretary - Herbert Taylor

1950 President - Gene Midyette, Vice President - Sam Byrd, Secretary - Hogan Gaskins, Treasurer - Paul Geer

1951 President - Robert Mayes, Vice President - Paul Trotman, Secretary - Roy Cuddihy, Treasurer - William Easterling

1952 President - Albert Harrington, Vice President - Robert Bass, Secretary - Alec Hurst, Treasurer - Arthur Johnson, Sergeant-at-Arms - Albert Auerbach, Dennis Smith, Chapter Advisor - Dr. Richard Todd

1953 President - Jerry Sandford, Vice President - Dennis Smith, Secretary - Don Cox, Corresponding Secretary - Billy Laughinghouse, Treasurer - Dwight Shoe, Historian - Lloyd Whitfield, Sergeant-at-Arms - Bill McDonald, Chapter Advisor - Dr. Richard Todd

1954 President - James Ellis, Vice President - Julian Vainwright, Secretary - Waylon Bass, Assistant Secretary - Percy Wilkins, Treasurer - Dwight Garrett

1955 President - Harold Colson, Vice President - Keith Goodson, Secretary - Daltan Mann, Assistant Secretary - Percy Wilkins, Treasurer - J.C. Thomas, Sergeant-at-Arms - Clarence Brown

1956 President - Joel Farrar. Vice President - Clarence Brown, Secretary - Mark Edmundson, Assistant Secretary - Phillip Averette, Treasurer - Bill Waters, Historian - Justus McKeel

1957 President - Horace Rose, Vice President - Mack Edmundson, Secretary - Lloyd Bray, Assistant Secretary - Eddie Dennis, Treasurer - Frankie Keaton, Historian - Ed Outland, Sergeant-at-Arms - Glenn Ross, Advisor - Dr. Richard Todd

1958 President - Eddie Dennis, Chapter Sponsor - Dr. Richard Todd

1959 President - Purvis Boyette, Vice President - Laverne Strickland, Secretary - James Laughinghouse, Assistant Secretary - Jeneal Teander, Treasurer - Tommy Nash, Seargant-at-Arms - Coleman Gentry, Historian - Charles Youman, Advisor - Dr. Richard Todd

1960 President - James Laughinghouse, Vice President - Tom Hopkins, Secretary - Ed Lancaster

1961 President - John Dobson, Vice President - Ed Lancaster, Secretary - Walker Allen, Treasurer - Jim Ballard

1962 President - John Knarr

1963 President - Glenn Williams, Vice President - Mack Worthington, Secretary - Cleveland Hawkins, Treasurer - William Godwin

1965 President - Raymond Fornes, Vice President - Herb Williams, Secretary - Garland Askew, Treasurer - il Crippen

1966 President - Jim Scarlett, Vice President - Garland Askew, Treasurer - Dennis Eagan, Advisor - Richard Todd

1967 President - Gary Leonard, Vice President - John Staley, Secretary - Ray Roberts, Treasurer - Jim Walker


(2004-2005) President - Angel Warren, Vice President - Courtney Tibbetts, Treasurer - Karen Hester, Secretary -Mark Dimerjian, Initiate Advisor - Loren Trull, Parliamentarian - Serena Warren, Historian - Lynda Bridges, Social Coordinator - Danielle Brawner

(2005-2006) President - James Butner, Vice President - Emily Watkins, Secretary - Sara DeLuca, Treasurer - Amber Jones, Initiate Advisor - Nick Castillo, Historian - Caroline K, Parliamentarian - Alex Lawrence

(2006-2007) President - Dale Zagiba Jr, Vice President - Christina Andux, Secretary - Heather Blumenfeld, Treasurer - Mary Sink, Initiate Advisor - Bernae Leah Miller, Historian - Barbara Nicole Midgett, Parliamentarian - Ashley Yopp

(2007-2008) President - Ashley Yopp, Vice President - Anna Louise Logemann, Secretary - Rahnesia Dyer, Treasurer - Anthony Sawyer, Initiate Advisor - Marina Bonner, Historian - Erin Carraway, Parliamentarian - Dale Zagiba Jr

(CURRENT: 2008-2009) President - Stephanie Dasnoit, Vice President - Jenna McAllister, Secretary - Blair Lindler, Treasurer - Jacquitta Boone, Initiate Advisor - Sadhana Chunduri, Historian - Savanna Locklear, Parliamentarian - Bradley Hollers

Chapter Events & Activities

Founder's Weekend

Tau Chapter will be holding their 73rd Founder's Day Weekend celebration April 17th-18th 2009 (tentative). All Chapters and their Alumni are invited to attend!

Other Event or Activity

This event is...

Other Event or Activity

This activity is...

Notable Alumni

Faculty Advisor to Tau Chapter: 27 years; Professor Emeritus of History at East Carolina University; Helped carry Phi Sigma Pi through turbulent times when Teachers Colleges where becoming State Colleges with Joseph Torchia; Former player for the Lancaster Red Roses (Known today as the Philidelphia 76ers); Descendent of Mary Todd Lincoln; Author of Confederate Finance; Undergraduate: Millersville University, Masters: Pennsylvania State, Doctorate: Duke University;
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)
Tau Chapter's Founder
National President (1946-1948)
National Vice President (1948-1950)
National Historian (1939-1946)
Was believed to be the first woman inducted into Phi Sigma Pi until Kappa Chapter revealed at 2008 National Convention that they had found evidence of a female, Helen Wilson, being inducted into their Chapter at an earlier date.
The wife of Dr. Richard Cecil Todd; She was named the original 'Sweetheart'; Graduated High School when she was just 15 years old
The First President of Tau Chapter
National President
Responsible for making Phi Sigma Pi a cohesive unit
Tau Chapter's First Female President
The First National President
The Torchia Award is named for this man who helped carry carry Phi Sigma Pi through turbulent times when Teachers Colleges where becoming State Colleges with Dr. Richard Cecil Todd
National President (1980-1982, 1986-1988)
National Vice President (1978-1980)
National Historian (1977-1978)
National President (1996-1998)
National Vice President (1993-1996)
Vice President of Membership Development (1990-1993)
National Alumni Representative (1989-1990)
National President (1998-2000)
National Vice President (1996-1998)
Vice President of Membership Development (1995-1996)
National Vice President (1982-1983)
National Vice President (1990-1993)
National Secretary (2004-2006)
Vice President of Finance (1996-2000)
Vice President of Alumni Development (1994-1996)
Vice President of Membership Development (1996-1998)
Vice President of Alumni Development (2003-2004)
Vice President of Membership Development (1998-2000)
Vice President of Chapter Development (1994-1996)
National Alumni Representative (1974-1976)
National Alumni Representative (1982-1989)
National Historian (1984-1988)

Chapter Honors and Awards

National Awards

University Awards

  • Dr. David L. Batts - Outstanding Faculty Advisor

Chapter Awards

Further Resources

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