Phi Kappa Tau, Cal State Fullerton:  Introduction    

Phi Kappa Tau has been an integral part of CSUF since it was founded as the first Greek organization on campus in 1960.  "The Barn" fraternity house on State College Blvd (at Yorba Linda Blvd) is considered a local landmark and is home to over 850 current and alumni members of  Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter, CSUF.  In 2010 the chapter celebrated its 50th year of continuous operation on the CSUF campus.

Our national fraternity was founded in 1906 at Miami University in Oxford Ohio by four men who wanted to distinguish themselves from the stereotypes of fraternities of the day. Today, Phi Kappa Tau is known for its superior leadership education programs and its dedication to building men of character.

Nickname(s):  ‘Phi Tau’s’; ‘BarnBoys’

Date Founded at CSUF:  Fall 1960  (as Sigma Phi Omega, first ‘local’ fraternity at Orange State College; chartered as Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron chapter in Sep 1966, becoming the first national fratenity on campus)

Contributions to CSUF by Phi Kappa Tau Alumni:

  • Joseph Clayes III (Fall 1961) Estate donated $5 million to CSUF Performing Arts in 2008. Clayes Performing Arts Center is named in his honor.
  • Jim Peterson (Fall 1963) donated $100,000 to establish the Dr Lee Granell Debate Program Endowment in honor of his former debate coach
  • Dean Emeritus Ernest Becker (Fall 1966) founding Dean of Students and first fraternity advisor. Becker Amphitheatre is named in his honor
  • Jack Hale (Fall 1960) Elephant Racing Club founder; Mahout in 1962 Elephant Races; Co-Founder of CSUF Alumni Association

Chapter Awards & Recognition: 

  • Named ‘Best Fraternity’ in Daily Titan's "Best of Fullerton Guide" (2011-12)

  • Congressional Certificate of Recognition (2011):  US Representative Ed Royce recognized Phi Kappa Tau at CSUF on its 50th Anniversary for contributions to CSUF and to the chapter philanthropies (Camp Titan & Painted Turtle Camp/ SeriousFun Camps)

CSUF “Pursuit of Excellence” Awards:

  • 2015: Three-Star Rating, Highest Philanthropic Fundraising ($8,000)
  • 2013: Five-Star Rating, “Dean’s Cup” Winner, Best Alumni Programming Award
  • 2012: Four-Star Rating, Highest Philanthropic Fundraising, Best Alumni Program
  • 2011: Four-Star Rating, Highest Philanthropic Fundraising ($26,000), Best Alumni Program
  • 2010: Four-Star Rating, “Dean’s Cup” Winner, Greek Leader of Year (Andy Lopez)
  • 2009: Four-Star Rating, Outstanding Chapter Advisor, “Chapter’s Choice” Award, Outstanding Program (Monte Carlo Night)
  • 2008: “Chapter’s Choice” Award
  • 2007: “Chapter’s Choice” Award
  • 2006: Five-Star Rating, “Dean’s Cup” Winner, “Chapter’s Choice” Award

CSUF Greek Week Awards:

  • 2016: Overall Banner, Fundraising Banner ($10,000 Raised), Theme Banner, Spirit Banner
  • 2011: Fundraising Banner ($21,000 Raised for Camp Titan)
  • 2010: Overall Banner, Fundraising Banner ($9,800  Raised), Theme Banner
  • 2008: Fundraising Banner
  • 2007: Spirit Banner
  • 2006: Overall Banner, Theme Banner, Fundraising Banner

National Fraternity Awards;

  • 2016: Order of the Star- given to chapters meeting all national requirements in educating members for lifelong skills. 
  • 2016: Recruitment Pacesetter – for recruiting over 15 associates with 100% retention in a calendar year.
  • 2016: Philanthropy Award – presented to chapters donating over $2,000 to philanthropies. ($34,200 donated, 2nd highest of all chapters)
  • 2015: Jack Jareo Award - Presented to the chapter with the most outstanding alumni-produced newsletters and alumni programming
  • 2012: Maxwell Trophy  “Founder’s Four” Finalist-Award for Best Overall Chapter in nation (1 of 4 chapters to earn this status)
  • 2012: Paul Newman Award- Presented to chapter raising the most funds for SeriousFun Network and CSUF Camp Titan ($31,250 raised)
  • 2011: Maxwell Trophy Finalist-Award for Best Overall Chapter in nation (1 of 9 chapters to earn this status)
  • 2011: Jack L. Anson Undergraduate Award—Presented to an undergraduate for interfraternal service; won by Rohullah Latif, CSUF IFC President
  • 2011: Richard Massock Award—Presented to the chapter with the most outstanding chapter-produced newsletters and alumni programming
  • 2011: Philanthropy/SeriousFun Children’s Network Camp Certificate: 2nd highest total Donations nationally ($14,850 during 2011)
  • 2010: Order of the Star- given to chapters meeting all national requirements in educating members for lifelong skills. 
  • 2010: Jack L. Anson Undergraduate Award- Presented to an undergraduate for interfraternal service; won by Andrew Lopez, CSUF IFC President  
  • 2010: Paul Newman Award- Presented to chapter raising the most funds for SeriousFun Network (formerly Hole in the Wall Gang Camps)
  • 2010: Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award - to Matt Della Mora, CSUF chapter advisor for his outstanding work and guidance


Philanthropy:  The Phi Kappa Tau National philanthropy is The SeriousFun Children’s Network (formerly The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp Association)  founded by late alumnus Paul Newman (Ohio ‘43)  This group of camps for critically ill children has locations throughout the world. Since 1999, CSUF's Phi Kappa Tau chapter has supported the local affiliate, The Painted Turtle Camp in Lake Hughes CA. Painted Turtle was started in 1998 by Paul Newman and Lou & Page Adler of Malibu CA. Lou is a record and movie producer, and has involved many entertainment industry friends in the Camp.  Phi Tau's from CSUF have made many trips to Lake Hughes to volunteer at the Camp, which has been operating since 2003. In addition, the Chapter and it’s Alumni raise several thousand dollars each year for the Camp via fundraisers like Monte Carlo Night and Red & Gold Week. Since 2000 the CSUF chapter has contributed over $95,000 to SeriousFun.                                                                                                                                                 

Updated: January 2018 by Tim Clark