The newsletter for alumni and friends of the Oklahoma Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi
at the University of Oklahoma | Winter 2024/2025
Brothers,
It’s been another incredible year for Oklahoma Alpha and its members in the third semester of the re-founding:
- Membership – There are currently 14 active members at OK Alpha with spring rush on going. These men are capable and driven, led by Brother Travis Finch who is serving another term as President.
- Top Ranked New Member GPA – The fall 2024 pledge class had the highest GPA of all fraternities with a 3.45, ranking 1st out of 18
- Homecoming – The Chapter partnered with the ladies of Kappa Alpha Theta, placing 3rd place in the Homecoming dance and 2nd in the float building competition.
- Philanthropy – The Undergrads have raised over $3,000 to date, toward their philanthropy, Hunter’s Pledge a campaign to end distracted driving.
- Ring of Honor Induction – The Alumni Association inducted Brother Richard C. Bower into the Oklahoma Alpha Ring of Honor. He now joins the only three other men to have been inducted, including past SWGP J. Bart Aldridge and local founders, Eugene and Stanley Catlett.
- Basement Renovation – A transformative basement renovation was completed that has campus all a buzz. Alumni enjoyed catching up with brothers down there on gamedays. The basement was dedicated to Shane Merz for all his support during this re-founding.
- Room Dedications – The first series of rooms were dedicated on the second-floor to those Alumni who have contributed to their renovation. We dedicated the second-floor hallways to Shane Merz & Steven Quance for their monumental contributions to OK Alpha. Other doners include:
- Aaron Claybaugh
- Jeff D. Scott
- Kevin Copeland
- Beau Dismukes
- Will Cobb
- Adam Chancellor
- Todd Waldeck
- Justin Ludlum
- Royal Carson
- Stewart Corbin
- Sidewalk Improvement – A new sidewalk was also added on the North side of the House that sees lots of foot traffic from most of North Greek Row. We appreciate Michael Byers, Jack Leps, and Thomas Marciano for donating to that project.
- Ole Phi Pis Golf Scramble – Brothers Greg Ward, Doug Arms, Johnny Pate, and Vogel won the day, shooting 61. Thank you to Brother James Hockaday for sponsoring the entry of the entire undergrad team.
Through the hard work and continued support and collaboration of Undergrads and Alumni, we are excited to see what OK Alpha will accomplish in 2025.
In the Bond,
Jeff D. Scott, Esq.
Housing Corporation Board
Univ. of Oklahoma’s Dean’s List
We congratulate Brother Jacob Elder for achieving a 4.0 GPA and being named to the Dean’s List
Ring of Honor Induction at Oklahoma Alpha
Every successful chapter has an alumnus who serves as the pilot light for its member’s passion and dedication to our beloved fraternity. However, there is no alumnus like the cornerstone at Oklahoma Alpha, Richard C. Bower.
Initiated the spring of in 1956 as badge #541, Brother Bower was awarded the Outstanding Pledge Award of his class and attended his first G.A.C. in San Francisco that summer. He served as President of the chapter and the OU Student Senate in his time as an undergraduate. Upon graduation, Richard went to work for IBM and moved to Dallas, Texas with his wife, Lou Ann, of Kappa Kappa Gamma. As an alumnus, he served as Oklahoma’s Housing Corporation President, an initial Trustee to the precursor of the Canonsburg Corporation, and a pivotal advisor for the chartering of Texas Delta at SMU.
Richard was inducted into the Order of the S.C. in 2000, and has attended nearly double the amount of Grand Arch Councils needed to achieve this honor. Brother Bower has helped shape our national fraternity’s policies at thirteen G.A.C. and elevated the reputation of the chapter with his service. There isn’t a single member of Oklahoma Alpha that attends the biannual conclave that isn’t recounted with a story about Brother Bower by alumni from another chapter. It’s no wonder that at the belated Centennial Banquet for Oklahoma Alpha in 2021, Richard was awarded the Phi Kappa Psi Medal of Honor by past SWGP David Moyer for his lifetime of service to our fraternity nationwide.
For these reasons and so many more, we felt it was well overdue to induct Brother Bower into Oklahoma Alpha’s Ring of Honor. This distinction is denoted by a hand painted portrait hung in the Catlett Room, the drawing room of our chapter house. On November 23, 2024, at the Alabama vs. Oklahoma tailgate, over seventy-five brothers gathered for the surprise ceremony. As Richard’s portrait was unveiled, it was my privilege to recount the accolades of a man who is not only a mentor to me, but so many men in our fraternity. Brother Bower’s portrait is now one of only four portraits of Oklahoma Alphans to hold this honor, including past SWGP J. Bart Aldridge and the Catlett brothers, Eugene and Stanley, two of our chapter’s founding members. The induction was capped with a moving speech by Richard filled with gratitude and his trademark call for every brother to be worthy of the trust reposed in them for our sacred fraternity.
Our chapter and so many others have been blessed to have a brother like Richard to look up to over the years. He will always be Oklahoma Alpha’s Alumni Advisor Emeritus, the brother who helped shape so many into the men they are today. Richard Bower is the glue that has held Oklahoma Alpha together for over sixty-nine years in its century on campus and there will never be another like him. Live Ever, Die Never.
In the Bond,
Jeff D. Scott, Esq
Undergrad Spotlight – Jack Rena
MAJOR: Aviation
HOMETOWN: Hingham, Massachusetts
Q: What do you want to do for a career?
A: Become a pilot either in the commercial or private industry.
Q: What made you want to join Phi Psi?
A: In High School, I was involved in groups and organizations but never felt close to my peers. When I came to college, I wanted a better experience where I felt more connected and valued.
Q: What are some of your cherished Phi Psi memories?
A: Some of my most cherished Phi Psi memories include a weekend on Travis’s ranch or hanging out on the balcony with the boys, sharing stories, and having a good time. I am excited to serve as the Rush Chair this Spring and Summer and bringing in large and talented classes of men who will grow our fraternity.
Q: Some parents are hesitant to let their son join a fraternity. How did your parents react to you joining Phi Psi?
A: At first, my parents were hesitant, mainly because they were unfamiliar with Greek life. However, once I explained some of the values of Phi Psi—like brotherhood and leadership—they became more supportive. Seeing how much I’ve grown and the friendships I’ve built has reassured them.
Q: What has surprised you about Phi Psi since you have joined?
A: One thing that stands out to me is my friendships with the guys and how strong the brotherhood truly is. I have only known these guys since the end of August, but it feels like I’ve known them for a few years.
Q: What positions have you previously held, and what is your current position(s) in Phi Psi?
A: Social Chairman & Chair of Recruitment
Q: What would you say about Phi Psi to a potential new member? What makes our house different from others in your mind?
A: Phi Psi stands out because of its genuine sense of brotherhood. Although we are a small organization, you will feel more connected with everyone instead of just being a number in the fraternity. It’s not just a social group—it’s a place where we all support and challenge each other to grow and create lifelong connections. This is the place for you if you’re looking for a community that will push you to be your best self while having some of the best four years of your life. Undoubtedly, joining Phi Psi was the best decision I’ve made at OU.
Alumni Spotlight -Yuta Daughters
Q: What made you want to join Phi Psi?
A: I went to a small high school so I wanted to join a smaller fraternity to be part of a good group of guys that have shared values and are focused on relationships. I had also seen Phi Psi improve a lot over two years and going into my Junior year I wanted to be part of that to make it better.
Q: What are some of your cherished Phi Psi memories?
A: OU vs TX in 2016 was incredible because Shane Merz provided the hotel rooms and bar tab in Dallas. Plus, OU won the game. I’ve enjoyed going to tailgates and all sports related events at Phi Psi.
Q: Some parents are hesitant to let their son join a fraternity; How did your parents react to you joining Phi Psi?
A: They were fine with it. They trusted me to make the right decisions in school.
Q: What surprised you about Phi Psi after you joined?
A: The size of my pledge class (PC Rho 2015) was 35 men on bid night.
Q: Since graduating, how have you stayed connected or involved with Phi Psi? Either your chapter, or at a greater level.
A: By helping with tailgates – picking up supplies and getting things organized. Being Secretary of the Oklahoma Alumni Association. Taking on a Little at the restart and mentioning him – teaching him what I learned from college (lessons of good and bad). My brothers helped me get into Georgetown University by writing letters of recommendation. I honestly wouldn’t be at Georgetown if it wasn’t for Phi Psi.
Q: Since graduating, why have you stayed connected or involved with Phi Psi?
A: Living with Michael Byers put me in it at the beginning. Living in the OKC area so close to friends it’s hard to not hand out and spend time together. Going through the highs and lows of Phi Psi together makes you want to stay in touch with the guys. It’s great having a network of Phi Psis around the country. I can go to major cities across the USA and catch up with different brothers from OK Alpha.
Q: Since graduating, what kind of work have you done? Industries, roles, etc. and where are you now.
A: I was an auditor for Wells Fargo. Now I’m a graduate student at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. getting my Masters in Sports Industry Management. I am also interning for the Georgetown Football team working in operations and traveling with the team.
