Phi Kappa Tau - Cornell University

"They say college is the best four years of your life. While my kids and especially my wife would hate me if I said that, they are, without a doubt, the most intensely memorable." P H I K A P P A T A U 2 B efore he joined Phi Kappa Tau, Dan Shamir '05 already had fraternity connections through freshman-year acquaintances. Future big brother Josh Yablon '04 recruited him into Alpha Tau Chapter, and Dan quickly began forming friendships that shaped his college career and beyond. ALPHA TAU ENGAGEMENT "My best friends to this day, I met at Phi Tau," Dan said. He enjoyed the pledge scavenger hunt and carrying Chris Lee '04 on his back, and Dan fondly recalls summers with brothers at the house. Despite living in Paris for work, Dan maintains contact with fellow alumni and even connects with students studying abroad thanks to Scott Conroe '01. While Dan is critical of his efforts as recruitment chairman, he was grateful for opportunities to serve Alpha Tau Chapter during college. He also held the role of IFC communications chairman, sending out the minutes of meetings while gaining a better understanding of Cornell's Greek system. "The greatest tool I received from that was some networking experience; getting to know and politic with members of other fraternities was a truly valuable opportunity. I keep in touch with many other people I served with on the IFC." LAW AND LIFE ABROAD As an anthropology major, Dan was interested in pursuing a law degree for its flexibility in the professional world. While studying French at Cornell, he interned in Paris and had a life-changing experience as he embraced the unique culture and cuisine. Dan's internship hours allowed him time to explore France and be there to witness the country's World Cup finals appearance in 2006. Between undergraduate studies and law school, he found a program that offered him a place to stay in France while helping rebuild a traditional bread oven in a tiny village. "A lawyer needs to love to read and write, and I certainly do, but it is a métier, a craft to be learned and honed," Dan said about studying law. He balanced law school with French lessons at the Alliance Française, preparing for his relocation to the country. "I passed both the California bar and the French bar, and I can say that the job of a lawyer is the same in both cases: to apply the law to the facts." Dan was hired for a full-time legal position after his successful internship with PwC in Paris. While the laws of each country are different, international tax law is rooted in economic principles that translate across jurisdictions. For today's undergraduates, Dan urges them to study abroad, take an anthropology class, and only commit to a legal career if they love the dirty work of being a lawyer or paralegal. PERSONAL LIFE Dan met his wife, Cécile, at a Cornell Club event in Paris. They have two young children, Alma and Gabriel. Though his children take up much of his free time, Dan retains his passion for wine and enjoys his bottle collection from travels in France and Italy. You can connect with him at daniel.z.shamir@gmail.com. Dan Shamir '05 on College Experiences, Practicing Law in France From Phi Tau to Paris T his semester, Alpha Tau Chapter is committed to giving back to our community through philanthropy. In September, we brought back SpikeTau for the first time since COVID-19. This is one of our most historic philanthropy events, so it was great to be able to bring it back and organize a SpikeBall tournament on the Arts Quad for everyone to enjoy while also raising money for the SeriousFun Children's Network. Additionally, we hosted a Casino Night in which participants donated to SFCN and competed for prizes. Next, we hosted Pie Kappa Tau, where brothers raised money for SFCN by allowing people to pie their face with whipped cream. Finally, we planned a Krispy Kreme and Chick-Fil-A fundraiser for late November. Philanthropy events are a great way for the brotherhood to come together and do good. It warms my heart to see my brothers enjoying themselves while giving back to our community and attaining fulfillment from our actions. I am proud of our strong brotherhood and contributions. As always, if you would like to donate to SFCN, please contact me at njs226@cornell.edu or let us know if you donated directly to seriousfun.org. In phi, Nate Samuels '22 Philanthropy Chairman Philanthropy Report SpikeTau Makes Triumphant Return Members set up SpikeTau on the Arts Quad. "They say college is the best four years of your life. While my kids and especially my wife would hate me if I said that, they are, without a doubt, the most intensely memorable."

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