Phi Kappa Psi - University of Texas

Page 6 Texas Alpha to the Top e Stokes Family—A Testament of Legacy W hen Bill Stokes Jr. '46 graduated from high school in 1938, one year of college was all he could afford. Leaving school, he traveled to San Diego to build the B-24 Liberator bomber and the PBY Catalina for Consolidated Aircraft. At the outbreak of World War II, Bill joined the Navy, patrolling the Gulf of Mexico for German U-boats. It was after the war that college became a reality with the help of the GI Bill, leading him to the University of Texas and Phi Psi. Bill proudly took on responsibilities within Phi Psi and throughout campus, earning a degree in geology. Throughout a successful career as a petroleum geologist, Bill never lost sight of his commitment to Phi Psi. Serving as a volunteer and advisor, he was an ardent supporter of the fraternity and a servant leader, influencing generations of Phi Psis and demonstrating his willingness to step up when the chapter was in a bind. It was without any pressure from Bill that his sons, Bill Stokes III '80 and Brad Stokes '82, and nephew, Scott Thompson '70, followed in his footsteps, choosing Texas Alpha during their own years at U.T. "As much as my father loved Phi Psi," said Bill III, "he never put any pressure on me to pledge his fraternity when I enrolled at U.T. But I think he must have known I would choose Phi Psi without his encouragement because of the relationship we had. Shortly after my brother was initiated, the chapter invited my father to speak at one of our functions. One of the few times I ever saw him get emotional was at the end of his speech when he told the group how proud he was that he had two sons he could now call brothers. There is a picture from that day of the three of us, my dad in the middle with arms around his two sons—he looks like every button on his shirt is about to pop off. It obviously meant a lot to him." Brad reflects on his father's Phi Psi connection, saying, "Over the years, I learned more and more about how deeply involved with the fraternity my father was, especially after his school years. I saw how he maintained relationships with his brothers over the years, and how much he valued those friendships. Giving back his time and effort to the fraternity and to the University of Texas was very important to him." Bill's legacy is permanently etched in Texas Alpha history. It was under his leadership as House Board president that Phi Kappa Psi began construction on the fraternity house at 2401 Longview. Now, more than 60 years later, the next generation of brothers has picked up the mantle to ensure the future of Texas Alpha. Among the hundreds of men who have supported this capital campaign for a new Phi Psi chapter house, Brad and Bill III have also stepped forward, recognizing the role they play as a bridge to Texas Alpha's future. "When we lost the house at 2401 Longview, I was disappointed," said Bill III. "However, the new location could not be better and the house looks spectacular. Ultimately, Phi Psi's future success will hinge upon the leadership and actions of its undergraduates, but I'm thrilled we have a new house to serve as a foundation for our future growth and success." Having seen firsthand how their father's investment in the fraternity directly benefitted their own experience, Brad also holds a long view of the impact of a contribution to Texas Alpha. "A group of men with fond memories of their chapter house at 1710 Colorado put forth their efforts and their money to build 2401 Longview so the next generation of Phi Psis would have the same benefits and experiences at a new house. We enjoyed that house very much, and created some great memories there. When it became time to build this new house, our generation was obliged to make it happen, so that the next generation will have the same experiences. We're paying forward a favor that was paid to us." What we can each take from the legacy of Bill Stokes is that the investments we make go far beyond our own lifetime. The time we spend, the funds we give and the wisdom we impart flows from generation to generation. Brad '82, Bill Jr. '46 and Bill III '80 at Brad's initiation. Brad is wearing his father's badge. Bill Stokes Jr. '46 (seated) with House Board members inspect- ing progress during construction of 2401 Longview. The Tree of Knowledge is in the background behind them. Chapter Eternal Greenberry Brown IV '72 entered Chapter Eternal on July 23, 2016. Berry grew up in Angleton, Texas, and studied biology at U.T. After col- lege, Berry was a sales representative for Dow Chemical in Los Angeles. He returned to Texas to work in the plastics molding industry. It was in the Dallas/Fort Worth area where Berry began a 26-year manufacturing career with ITW. He built and managed factories internationally, and regularly traveled to Europe and Asia. Berry co-invented and received several patents for items in the electronics manufacturing industry. He concluded his career as general manager of the California-based ITW Simco-Ion. He is remembered as a loving husband and father; a jovial, upbeat man who made people around him feel at ease. Berry is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughters: Jordan, Kelsey, Kelly and Amanda; and four grandsons.

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