Muskingum News

Muskingum University’s Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, Delta Lambda Chapter, was honored in July 2023 with three top awards from Phi Kappa Tau’s national organization.

The chapter received the Roland Maxwell Outstanding Chapter Award, the highest honor granted by the fraternity, recognizing the best chapter in the country. As one of the top four finalist chapters for the award, Muskingum’s chapter leaders Ryan Miller ’24, James Kuhn ’24, and Zach Ogle ’25 were invited to attend the organization’s national convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the awards were presented.

Chapter President and Criminal Justice and Political Science major Ryan Miller ’24 received both the Dwight I. Douglass President’s Award for his excellence in the leadership role and the Taylor A. Borradaile Award as Undergraduate of the Year, for his contributions to the chapter’s overall success, his leadership by example, and his demonstration of a true understanding of brotherhood.

Muskingum Associate Professor of Business Laura Geiger is Phi Kappa Tau’s advisor. “I am beyond proud of their accomplishments,” she said. “These prestigious awards are the culmination of goal-setting, dedication, and follow-through in scholarship, leadership, and community service.”

“It was an incredible honor to be recognized nationally for our efforts,” Ryan said. “We are dedicated to making an impact on the Muskingum campus and in the surrounding communities. We have an ongoing partnership with NCAARD (New Concord Area Arts and Recreation District) that includes regular visits to after school programs at the local elementary school and assisting the Village with parades and other events. Our national philanthropic work is dedicated to the Seriousfun Children’s Network, founded by fellow Phi Tau Paul Newman, which supports summer camps for children living with serious illnesses.”

Phi Tau is also active in multiple activities on campus, including Greek Week, the Relay for Life, and other events hosted by fellow Muskie student organizations. “Within our chapter, we also emphasize preparing our members for life after Muskingum. We work closely with career services on campus, for example, and we maintain a strong network with our chapter alumni,” Ryan added. “We were also proud to receive Muskingum’s 2022-2023 Magnus Award for Outstanding Fraternity/Sorority at last spring’s Celebration of Excellence.”

Most recently, Phi Kappa Tau hosted their second annual 9/11 Tower Challenge in tribute to first responders and victims of terrorism. Members of the campus and New Concord communities, including the New Concord Fire Department, walked 2,071 steps in the stadium bleachers at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, representing the 110 floors of the Twin Towers.