Founding Date

Jan 29th, 1864

The Tau Chapter was chartered on January 29, 1864. It was the second Greek organization at Hanover College after Beta Theta Pi (1853) and the second chapter of Phi Gamma Delta in the State of Indiana after the Lambda Chapter at DePauw University (1856).

Throughout its history, the Tau Chapter has developed men of character through brotherhood, a commitment to leadership and service, and the pursuit of knowledge both in and beyond the academic setting.

The Chapter’s first and second meeting lodges were rented locations in the town of Hanover from 1864-1911. The first on-campus residential home of Tau was opened in 1911; it was remodeled and expanded in 1929. In 1956, the current chapter house was built and opened.

Sadly, in 2000, the Chapter was suspended for disciplinary reasons. But it was re-established in 2006 and has been very successful ever since.

Some notable leaders from the Tau Chapter include:

John M. Coulter (Hanover 1870): President of Indiana University 1891-1893.
Thomas C. Dawson (Hanover 1883): US Ambassador to Santo Domingo, Columbia, Chile, Panama 1904-1910.
Eric J. Holcomb (Hanover 1990): 51st Governor of Indiana (2017-present)
John H. Holliday (Hanover 1864): Founder of The Indianapolis News and Union Trust Bank.
Michael R. Pence (Hanover 1981): 48th Vice President of the United States (2017-2021);
50th Governor of Indiana (2013-2017); U.S. House of Representatives-Indiana (2001-2013).
Robert J. Tracewell (Hanover 1874): U.S. House of Representatives-Indiana (1895-1897).

At the May 2006 chartering, the team included: Legate: William E. Stucker (Hanover 1944); Chapter President: Jonathan G. Kissel (Evansville 2006); Chapter Treasurer: Joshua A. Libs (Purdue 2008); Recording Secretary: Benjamin W. Deschner (Purdue 2009); Corresponding Secretary: Justin M. Burns (Ohio State 2007); and Chapter Historian: Jamie P. Manuel (Ball State 2008).

Directors were: Jason Pirock (Akron 2007); Todd Coudriet (Akron 2006); Paolo Hilj (Akron 2008); Mark Lukosavich (Akron 2008); Kevin Arbogast (Akron 2008); and Chad Ferrell (Akron 2006).