Ohio Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi
Phi Kappa Psi (ΦΚΨ, Phi Psi) is a U.S. national college fraternity. It was founded on February 19, 1852 at Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Its colors are hunter green and cardinal red, and its flower is the Jacqueminot Rose. The current headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
History
Founded in 1866, the Ohio Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi is the oldest fraternity at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. Close to 2,000 young men have been initiated since its establishment.
Current alumni can be found throughout the nation and world serving in varied capacities. Areas of note include the financial sector, the public service arena, the educational community, and the medical profession.
Distinguished Ohio Beta Alumni
Hon. J. Warren Keifer, '68 -- Seven term Member of Congress. Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (47th Congress). Member of the Ohio State Senate (1868-1870). Civil War General, wounded in the Virginia theatre at the Battle of Wilderness. Major General of Volunteers in the Spanish-American War. Namesake of the WWII Liberty Ship J. Warren Keifer
Hon. Augustus N. Summers, '79 -- Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court (1904-1911) Springfield City Solicitor (1885-1891).
Hon. Robert G. Bayley, '39 -- Benefactor of Wittenberg University. Namesake of Bayley Auditorium, Alumni & Visitors Center and President’s Residence. Member of Ohio State Legislature. Sringfield City Prosecutor.
Hon. Martin L. Smyser, '70 -- Member of the 51st and 59th United States Congress. Judge for the Circuit Court of Ohio. Prosecuting Attorney for County of Wooster.
Mr. Milt O. Thompson, Esq., ‘76 -- President and CEO of The Grand Slam Companies. Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Certified Contract Advisor with the NFL and NBA Players Association.
Mr. Jere B. Ratcliffe, ‘56 -- Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America. Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Rees Edgar Tulloss, '01 -- President of Wittenberg University (1920-1949).
Dr. Samuel A. Ort, ‘'66 -- President of Wittenberg University (1882-1900).
Mr. Jack Purcell -- President and Publisher of Links Magazine, a nationally recognized golf publication.
Wittenberg Buildings Named After Ohio Beta Phi Psi's
- Hollenbeck Hall - Ralph W. Hollenbeck, '97
- Bayley Alumni & Visitors Center - Robert G. Bayley, Esq., '39
- Albright Tennis Complex - Dave B. Albright, '39
- Benjamin Prince House - Benjamin Prince, '66
- Bayley-Diehl House (President’s Residence) - Robert G. Bayley, Esq., '39
- Shouviln Community Center - Joseph P. Shouvlin, '18
- Bayley Auditorium - Robert G. Bayley, Esq., '39