Phi Kappa Tau - Cornell University

P H I K A P P A T A U 2 Phi Kappa Tau offers a unique and transformative experience to its undergraduate members. But what about the individuals who serve as advisors and mentors to these young men? In this inaugural issue of News from the Knoll, Chapter Advisor Scott Conroe '01 shares some insight into the impact Phi Kappa Tau continues to have on his life. Scott's journey with Phi Kappa Tau began unconventionally. "I was initiated as an alumnus in December 2001, on my 46th birthday," he recalled. "The guys decided that I, their faculty advisor, should be one of them." Scott did not join a fraternity as a college student, so this initiation marked the start of his Greek experience. When asked what motivated him to serve the chapter as an advisor, Scott revealed it was the opportunity to use his unique prior experience. "I've been part of the advisory mix since 2000, taking on the role of chapter advisor in 2007 and then again since 2018." As a domain director for the national fraternity, he's worked with as many as four chapters at once. "I thought I could provide valuable contributions using what I'd learned." Scott's involvement shows alumni engagement is a vital aspect of the fraternity experience. "Young men need mentoring, connection, stories of chapter history, glimpses of what came before them and what comes next after college," Scott said. "Current members need to hear that they are part of a long stream of people before them." As an advisor, Scott had a vision. "My goals were to continue to adapt to a changing campus and a different society, keep the values we've tried to hold, strive to be better than the typical fraternity, and strengthen the brothers." Through it all, he's capitalized on Phi Tau's ability to stand out. "We have dared to be different, including having five alumni initiates. We remain innovative in our organization." Scott described his time with Phi Tau as a multifaceted experience. "At times, it's like being a parent, but mostly I think of it as being a teacher, older brother, and friend. I think hard before I speak because these guys are so intelligent. I've enjoyed working with others at the national level. It's just been a blast!" Outside of his role with Phi Kappa Tau, Scott has had a successful teaching career. He comes from a family of educators and transitioned from a 17-year career in journalism to teaching, seeking to impart his firsthand knowledge to the next generation of writers. In his spare time, Scott enjoys a range of activities. "I'm writing a supernatural novel after writing four non-fiction books." He also enjoys travel, photography, and building bonds with his family. And for his fellow Phi Kappa Tau alumni, Scott had a heartfelt message: "After 25 chapter presidents, 300+ members, and meeting friends from all over the U.S. and the world, I want to say a big thank you to the guys who first welcomed me in 2000." Phi Kappa Tau certainly shares that well-placed gratitude. TEACHING NEW TRICKS TEACHING NEW TRICKS Chapter Advisor Scott Conroe '01 Chapter Advisor Scott Conroe '01 Shares His Phi Tau Story Shares His Phi Tau Story THREE GOALS FOR 2023-24 Chapter Officers President James Ramos '22 jhr259@cornell.edu Vice President Brandon Lin '22 Secretary David Sugarmann '21 VPAR Phillip Chao '22 Treasurer Nick Huang '23 New Member Orientation Officer Ethan Goldberg '21 Recruitment Chairmen Oliver Seeyave '22 ols9@cornell.edu Andrew Cushieri '23 amc524@cornell.edu Dylan Kabance '23 Vice President of DEI for IFC djk282@cornell.edu Brotherhood Chairman Marcus Stamps '23 Social Chairmen Arnav Kamulkar '23 Jacon Silversmith '23 Philanthropy Chairman Alex Zoneraich '22 Steward Adrian Musat '23 House Manager Danny Alonso '23 Cleaning Manager Christopher Sawicki '23 Nate Samuels '23 Marblehead, Mass. Luke Bourren '23 Commack, N.Y. Tadg Manna '23 Gibsonia, Pa. Shiv Goel '23 Watchung, N.J. Jackson Arellano '23 New York, N.Y. Dan Fuentes '23 Rockville Centre, N.Y. Joey Ramesar '23 (Amherst '22 Graduate) The Bronx, N.Y. Welcome, New Members Recruitment Pave the way for a successful spring recruitment cycle with the hopes of welcoming 15-20 new members. Holistic Development Help brothers connect through chapter events and resources from the alumni network. Encourage involvement in student organizations and guide them to find career development opportunities. Community Connection Empower members to take on leadership roles on the Interfraternity Council, fulfill the philanthropy target and giving goals outlined by IFC and SFL, and build stronger relations with other Greek life chapters through collaboration. "I joined Phi Tau for the strong community. The connections we make persist beyond college, and the brothers are always watching out for each other." –Jackson Arellano "I admire the strength of the brotherhood at Phi Tau. I understood joining would make me a brother for life and I would gain connections with others who share similarities, and I'm excited to experience that." –Dan Fuentes Why Phi Kappa Tau?

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