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A Gentleman
Before His Time
By Will Haskett Butler 00,
Director of Communications
Here at The Shield, we have let the voice of our presidents do the point-of-view talking for us. And while
I dont intend for this to be the start of a reoccurring feature, the passing of Ralph Dud Daniel, Mr. Phi
Psi, inspired me to share.
This issue is dedicated to Dudfor all of the reasons that it should. By no means do I consider myself
qualified to provide a vivid memory of Dud. (There are plenty of those in this issue by people who had the
privilege of knowing him far better than I did.) Instead, I am writing this as a young Phi Psi; somebody
who only knew Dud from a pledge quiz but then had the great fortune of getting to know him as a man in
his later years. This issue is not just dedicated to the memory of Dud, but to the lasting execution of Duds
principles.
Dud Daniel was initiated into the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity in 1947 and would go to work for our
Fraternity one year later. Ironically, it was at that 1948 Grand Arch Council, when Dud was hired to work
for Phi Psi, that one of our Fraternitys darkest moments would take place.
In the winter of 1948, a young man named Thomas Gibbs pledged at the Massachusetts Alpha
(Amherst) Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi. It was historic for the men of Amherst, not to mention Phi Kappa Psi,
because Mr. Gibbs was African-American. The alumni of the chapter gave their blessing, but many in the
Fraternity would not. His proposed membership was contested by nearly half of all chapters nationwide as
many filed protests with the Executive Council, writing letters that are still too inappropriate in language to
print today.
The 1948 GAC would not solve, or even vote on, the issue, returning it to the hands of the Executive
Council, whose board almost completely turned over at the GAC, leaving a group of leaders not
comfortable with what the ramifications of Gibbs initiation might do to the overall Fraternity. The council
would eventually remove the charter of Mass. Alpha, officially citing the uncomfortable amount of media
attention the story got, and Thomas Gibbs would never become a member of the National Fraternity. (It
should be noted that the media attention was due, in large part, to the fact that Phi Psi was the first Greek
organization to attempt such a move, at a time when integration was a hot-button issue.)
That decision was a huge blow for Phi Kappa Psi, who at the time was considered one of the more
progressive Greek organizations around. While other Greek organizations certainly had moments of
discrimination, the ramifications within Phi Psi were greater because a new precedent was set in an
organization governed by documents that made no mention of prejudice.
Besides losing a strong chapter at Amherst, Dartmouth (New Hampshire Alpha) would surrender their
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charter in 1967 following the same sort of opposition (by this time, the Fraternitys government allowed the
pledging, but the damage was already done), coupled with lingering distrust of the National Fraternity. This
disagreement of philosophies created quite an uncomfortable time frame for Phi Kappa Psi. Ive had the
pleasure of speaking with some disenchanted members of our Dartmouth chapter over the past few years,
and many, unfortunately, still associate racism with Phi Kappa Psi.
So, what does any of this have to do with Dud? Well, for starters, this issue of the magazine was, at
first, going to tell the entire story of Thomas Gibbs (who passed away last year) and highlight the growth
of Phi Kappa Psi to a Fraternity today that condemns discrimination and welcomes men of strong
characterregardless of race or any other characteristic.
Brother Daniels passing has taken over the feature space for this issue, with good reason, but moreso,
I firmly believe that Duds start as an employee of Phi Kappa Psi during that contentious summer of 1948
is incredibly symbolic.
Dud was a gentleman first and a Phi Psi second. And, to him, those two descriptors were not mutually
exclusive. I was always reminded of how a man should act when I was around Dud, and to him, the fact
that any man joined Phi Kappa Psi was enough of a characteristic to respect him. To some, Duds level of
kindness, respect and thoughtfulness is almost fictional.
Think about the capsule of history that Dud had on staff. He starts in the midst of the Mass. Alpha
controversy, carries leadership through the civil rights movements of the 1960s and concludes his time as
Executive Director dealing with a young generation identified by their embracing of free love, recreational
drug use and increasing social appetites.
Through all of that, Dud was a man who believed in simple values: those represented concisely and
eloquently in our Ritual and Creed (written while Dud was Executive Director). To be courteous and
cultured was not just a lesson, but a way of life for Dud.
With each year that he grew in legend and influence, more and more
young men were introduced to a gentle man who taught us all how to be
generous, compassionate and loyal comrades. While the outside world
presented conflict for Dud, it was easy for him to lead because he simply
believed in what Phi Kappa Psi stood for, and practiced that, without fault,
in every aspect of his lifepersonally and professionally.
Dud was more than just a leader to me. He was a messenger of
change in our organizations practice in a modern world.
Thats why, during the final year that Brother Daniel graced this world
with his presence, Phi Kappa Psi was an organization where 19 percent
of our incoming members came from a minority background,
including 7 percent Hispanic, 6 percent Asian and 5 percent AfricanAmerican.
I am proud to associate with an organization that has recently installed
chapters, like CSU-Long Beach or Houston Baptist, where the founding fathers reflect an accurate
representation of Americas landscape. And I know that Dud was proud too.
In my mind, finding another Dud Daniel will be impossible, but continuing his lessons and his
gentlemanly conduct becomes our responsibility as the leaders of a new generation.
This issue is dedicated to the memory of Dud Daniel, whose leadership and commitment to the true
meaning of brotherhood lives on through all of us.
Special thanks to our Mystagogue Emeritus, Kent Owen (Indiana 58), whose final report to the Grand Arch Council,
highlighted by his work in documenting the Thomas Gibbs story, inspired much of the above
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi
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Forever
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1943
August 3: Enlisted into the United States
Army Air Corps. Dud was a B24 pilot in
World War II and reached the rank of
Second Lieutenant and was also in
charge of his squadron.
1925
April 12: Born to Charles
and Alice Daniel, in the
Good Samaritan Hospital
in Phoenix, Arizona
1925
1947
September 20: Initiated into Phi Kappa Psi during
the installation of the Arizona Alpha Chapter on the
University of Arizona campus. Dud was a charter
member and, perhaps, the most instrumental of the
colony members in terms of recruitment and
sustainability. He is badge number 3.
1930
1940
THE BEGINNING
1945
1956
July 30:
Appointed Executive
Secretary, replacing
the retiring C.F.
Dab Williams
August 15:
Joins the national Fraternity Staff as
Assistant Secretary, interviewing at the
Grand Arch Council in Estes Park,
Colorado
1950
1961
Elected President of the Fraternity
Executive Association, a position he would
hold for a year. Dud would attend over 60
FEA Annual Meetings prior to his death.
1955
1960
1948
Spring: Graduates from the University
of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Psychology
A LEGACY STARTED
In addition to being the GP of the new chapter, Dud
was a natural leader. He was president of the
Interfraternity Council and secretary of the Western
Regional Interfraternity Conference, in addition to being
business manager of the school newspaper and editor
of the yearbook. But, his love was Phi Kappa Psi.
Fresh off his chapter being chartered, Dud
attended the 1948 Grand Arch Council in Estes Park,
Colorado seeking a job with the Fraternity he had just
joined. Knowing that there was a position available to
assist Executive Secretary Dab Williams Illinois 06,
Dud attended the GAC and was rewarded by the
Executive Council by being appointed Assistant
Secretary-Editor of Phi Kappa Psi, succeeding Robert
S. Bahney Indiana 42.
Dud would serve as Dabs assistant for eight years,
thus beginning an unmatched period of dedication to
the Fraternity, travelling from coast to coast to help
establish new chapters, and work with others.
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Soon after joining the Fraternitys National Staff, Dud (right) at the 1950 GAC in Old Point Comfort, Virginia
Dab Williams on the left
We worked hard and we knew we were
underpaid, joked Bob Miller, a peer of Duds at Phi
Delta Theta, who started on his staff three years after
Dud and would become the equivalent of Executive
Director for Phi Delta Theta in 1955, a position he held
for 36 years. We enjoyed our work so much that there
was no way we were going to move on unless our
employment was terminated.
When the time came for Dab Williams to retire in
1956, Dud was ready for the next challenge. He was
appointed Executive Secretary on July 30, 1956 prior to
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1979
Spring: Notifies the Executive Council
that we will be stepping down as
Executive Director, effective August
1st. In a gesture of appreciation, he is
appointed Executive Director
Emeritus.
1980
Begins a ten-year run of
service as a trustee of
the Endowment Fund of
Phi Kappa Psi.
1986
Awarded one of Lambda Chi Alphas
highest awards by being presented
with the George W. Spasyk Order of
Interfaternity Service
1975
1980
1985
Always the life of an event, Dud leads a group of brothers in a song in 1967
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi
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1990
In a period of great
uncertainty and struggle,
Dud returns to the
National Office as Interim
Executive Director. While
the term lasts only a
couple of months, Duds
experience was more
than valuable during the
transition.
1990
2002
Ralph Dud Daniel Award for Interfraternal Excellence
created, presented every two years at the Grand Arch
Council. The first was presented to Howard R. Alter Jr.
from Theta Chi
1997
Receives the Distinguished
Service Award from FEA
1995
2000
A PROMISE CONTINUED
Even in retirement, Dud was not idle in his
dedication to Phi Kappa Psi. He was appointed as
Executive Director Emeritus upon his retirement and
continued as a constant presence at Executive
Council meetings, national events and anything where
Phi Kappa Psi was in need of a dignitary. Shortly after
his retirement, he was added to the Endowment Fund
(now Phi Kappa Psi Foundation) Board of Trustees,
and served for a decade.
He was a calming influence, remarked Wayne
Wilson Michigan State 59, current Chairman of the
Foundations Board of Trustees and a past national
secretary. He became a Foundation trustee when it
was needed in the 1980s and
without him, the proposed
trustees may not have done as
good of a job.
That calming influence and
dedication to his Fraternity
was never more important
than when she was in a time of
the greatest need. In 1990,
after scandal had rocked the
Fraternity with the dismissal
and prosecution of its
Executive Director, Dud
stepped into the interim role
and led Phi Psi again until a
proper individual could be
identified to lead the National
Office. As he has also done
for two previous stints while
Executive Director, Dud
served as the editor of this
magazine for a short stint in
1990. Nobody questioned
Duds loyalty to Phi Kappa
Psi.
How very fortunate the
brothers of Phi Kappa Psi
are, to have been blessed
with a man such as Dud,
Duds work in the 1980s paved the way for the recent
success of the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation, led by men like
Don Fites Valparaiso 53, pictured here with Dud at the
2008 GAC reception in Laurel Hall
who not only loved our Fraternity with all that he was,
but who was also willing to dedicate his entire life to
sharing that love with all of those with whom he came
in contact, said Gordon R. Letterman West Virginia
72, great-grandson of founder William Henry
Letterman. Dud held out, to all, not only the hand of
Phi Kappa Psi, but more importantly, the heart.
The lasting impression many will have of Dud is his
own dedication to be present for every chapter
chartering from 1948 to spring of 2010, when his
health finally forbid him from making another trip. We
dont know exactly what the total number of
installations was, or can even fathom the number of
initiation ceremonies Dud presided over, but
thousands of brothers will always remember him being
the soft-spoken voice who taught them their first
secrets of the Phi Kappa Psi Ritual. Like Larry Disbro
Kent State 71, who wrote to us upon learning of Duds
illness:
He gave us a chance to [become a chapter of a
national fraternity] during a time when our campus and
the country was pretty anti-anything establishment and
our Greek community was under attack, he wrote. He
was a guiding hand throughout our growing process
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2004
Receives the
Ed Heminger
Interfraternity
Leadership
Award from
Delta Tau Delta
at their
convention in
Denver
2008
Receives the
National
Leadership
Award from the
Phi Psi
Foundation at
the Indianapolis
GAC
2007
October 20: As a tribute to what he did for his
own chapter at Arizona, a bench is dedicated in
his honor on campus
2005
1975
2011
January 14:
Dies due to
complications
from
pancreatic
cancer at the
age of 85.
2010
A LIFE REMEMBERED
At his last GAC appearance, Dud presents the award
named for him, the Ralph D. Daniel Interfraternal Award, to
Jon Williamson of Lambda Chi Alpha and the NIC
That he did.
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Ever an Arizonian, Dud loved the outdoors and serenity of his native
desert terrain
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Dud Daniel was Mr. Phi Psi to all of us in the Fraternity, but the title was equally apropos in the Interfraternity
community. As much as he influenced our Fraternity and thousands of brothers, Dud was Phi Kappa Psi to the
Interfraternity world.
Many who met Dud in his later years, came to love the courtly and kind gentleman that he was. What most did
not know or see is that during the prime of his professional career, Dud Daniel was the epitome of the fraternity chief
executive officer. He helped lead the fraternity system through the turbulent 1960s and kept Phi Psis and the Greek
systems focus on the timeless values that have always made us relevant on the college campus. Dud rose to
become president of the Fraternity Executives Association, the guild of those who serve as the chief executive
officers of college fraternities. He was elected to that role not because he was popular - which he immensely was
- but because he was respected by his peers for his effectiveness, his leadership and his idealism.
In 1979, Dud was awarded the North-American Interfraternity Conferences Gold Medal, which is the highest
personal honor a fraternity member can receive. First presented in 1940, the Gold Medal is given in recognition of
lifetime service to the fraternity movement. Recipients are models of selfless service, visionary leadership, and
courage of conviction. Dud was recognized for his tenure of service, interfraternal leadership and dedication to
advancing the fraternal movement. Fittingly, he is the only Phi Psi ever honored with the award.
Dud and I were regular companions and frequent roommates at various interfraternity meetings. I can tell you
that my interfraternity service, which resulted in my election as NIC Chairman in 2008, was in no small part due to
the respect and high esteem the member fraternities of the NIC held for Dud Daniel. His introductions to
interfraternity colleagues, his mentoring and his endorsement were significant in my service in the NIC. But more
than his invaluable mentoring, the thing I will never forget is his love of fraternity men and women.
The Creed captures Duds stature in the fraternity world in the text I believe that to all I meet, wherever I go, I
represent not only Phi Kappa Psi, but indeed the spirit of all fraternities; thus I must ever conduct myself so as to
bring respect and honor not to myself alone, but also to my Fraternity. Dud Daniel brought more respect and honor
to our Fraternity among our interfraternity peers than any previous Phi Psi and the very image of our Fraternity today
to the interfraternity world has been unmistakably shaped by the life and times of Brother Daniel.
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On March 24, 1977 I was blessed with the opportunity to meet the
man I would come to know as Mr. Phi Psi and soon embrace as one of
my dearest friends. Two days later, Arizona Alpha was rechartered and
no one was more pleased than our chapters beloved Dud Daniel. Two
years later Dudley retired from his position as the Fraternitys Executive
Director and, that same week, I was hired and joined my buddy Lou as
one of Phi Psis two Consultants for that academic year.
Dudley was more than a friend and brother; he was my mentor. As
such, he never lectured or chastised me. His approach was always
encouraging and positive. He stood by me and forgave me, even
when I was wrong. Many years ago I crossed a line I told Dud I
realized the error of my ways; and noted my actions were contrary to
the ideals of Phi Kappa Psi. He reminded me of his Amici speech and how important it is to conduct ourselves in a
manner that will always lift others and reflect well on Phi Kappa Psi. He understood why I felt a need to withdraw,
but also encouraged me to return to active involvement. He stood by me and tried to help assuage my angst. He
held my pain in confidence for the rest of his life.
I was blessed with the opportunity to spend a large part of Duds final Sunday on earth at his bedside Late in
the day after one of Duds many expressions of appreciation for us coming to be with him, Brother John Ciccarelli
stood up and walked to the foot of Brother Daniels bed and said with sincerity, firmness, and absolute honesty: Dud
we love you. Many people love you. Everybody loves you.
Then the time came to tell Dudley so long for the final time. After sharing some pleasantries, he thanked me for
being a friend to him, for coming to see him, and for helping to make his life fun and memorable.
He is gone. A man who left a huge mark on my life and upon the lives of many thousands. Many, if not most, of
my dearest friends came into my life as a result of the actions of Mr. Phi Psi. Duds friends are scattered across the
world. Many have passed on. Of them, many were Phi Psis, some were not. Dud cherished his ties with Greeks
everywhere. He was well traveled, well respected, and very well liked. He was a true gentleman who loved Phi
Kappa Psi and gave his life to her. He lived the Phi Psi Creed fully; every paragraph, every word, every principle. I
believe his dedication and loving devotion to Phi Kappa Psi provided him the health and opportunity to enjoy a long,
full, and satisfying life. Gordon Letterman said it so well when he recently described Duds life as charmed.
Some give of their treasures. Some give of their time. Others their talent. Most give in a combination of ways. Why?
Whats the motivation? The most wonderful motivator is the heart. Not the limelight or some personal agenda. Mother
Teresa was driven by her heart; not riches, or fame. Yet, fame became a part of her life. As with Mother Teresa, Dudley
sought neither wealth, nor recognition. However, he became one of the richest people Ive ever met. Hes recognized
by thousands for his lifelong commitment to, and investment in, Phi Kappa Psi. He gave Phi Psi his all, seeking little
more than brotherhood in return. He sacrificed treasure, talent, time, and his ticker (literally and figuratively) on behalf
of his fraternity. He heart was all Phi Psi and it directed his paths in ways that enriched lives everywhere; including my
own. His life he gave to Phi Kappa Psi and, through that giving, Dud will live ever, die never.
God Bless you Mr. Phi Psi - My Brother, My Friend, My Mentor
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To read
Brother
Fowlers
complete
reflection,
along with
dozens of
others,
please visit
Phi Psi
Connect
and the
new Phi
Psi Forum
On January 14, 2011, Brother Ralph Dud Daniel, one of the Fraternitys most revered, loyal, and passionate
brothers joined Chapter Eternal. With the news of his passing, heavy hearts fell among not only the
brotherhood but the entire Greek community. Dubbed Mr. Phi Psi by his interfraternal peers, Brother Daniel
dedicated over 63 years to the fraternal movement.
To join the ranks of those committed to continuing the legacy of Mr. Phi Psi visit the Foundations website at
www.PKPFoundation.org and make a gift today.
GEORGE SPASYK
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
EMERITUS, LAMBDA CHI ALPHA
It hardly seems possible that my first association with Ralph Dudley
Daniel started in 1956, and in the ensuing 55 years, our careers, Dud
with Phi Kappa Psi, mine with Lambda Chi Alpha, followed an incredibly
similar journey. I was initiated in March of 1947 at the University of
Michigan, Dud in September 1947 at the University of Arizona. Dud
joined the staff of Phi Psi in 1948; I joined my fraternity staff in 1950. Dud
succeeded Dab Williams as chief executive of Phi Psi and served in
that capacity for 23 years, until he retired. I succeeded Duke Flad as
chief executive and served in that capacity for 22 years, until I retired.
Dud served as president of the Fraternity Executives Association from
1961-62; I was FEA president from 1979-80. Dud received the Gold
Medal of the North American Interfraternity Conference in 1979; I
received the NIC Gold Medal in 1993. In 1986, Dud received the George W. Spasyk Order of Interfraternity Service Award
from Lambda Chi Alpha. In 2004, I received the Ralph Dud Daniel Intrafraternal Excellence Award from Phi Kappa Psi.
So, do I know Dudley? You bet I do! Since that 1956 meeting of two very different personalities from different
ends of the continent Massachusetts and Arizona, I have estimated that Dudley and I have attended some 300
conferences, conventions, meetings and reunions together. But my real friendship with Dud really started in 1977,
when Phi Psi moved its headquarters from Cleveland to Indianapolis, which has been my hometown since 1950. It
was then that Dud and I realized that we were really brothers, in the truest sense of the word. You see, he told me
that his older blood brother, Charlie, was a Lambda Chi from our Berkeley chapter. Since I was Charlies brother,
that made me Dudleys brother, and no one can convince me otherwise.
How does one describe Dud Daniel? In my mind he was truly the last Victorian, and we shall not see the likes of him
again. He was not only a gentleman, but a gentle man. He was a perfectionist with a subtle sense of humor, a pleasant
personality with a touch but just a touch of humility. He exemplified the highest ideals of character and integrity.
I never saw Dudley, in any setting, when he was not impeccably dressed. On many trips, coming from different
directions, we would meet in the baggage claim area of an airport, and it was easy to spot Dudley, because he stood
out in the crowd. While every other guy was dressed in jeans or shorts, tank-tops and flip-flops, there was Dudley,
in dark suit, white shirt, his Phi Psi tie, and dress shoes that had a brilliant shine.
Dud was a true professional in every sense of the word. He inspired others to perform, seemingly beyond their
capability. He related well to people of all generations, and I know he especially enjoyed the company of the
undergraduates whom he served so well. In that sense also, we were kindred spirits. He was a totally unselfish
person, always sensitive to the needs and aspirations of others.
All of these traits earned for him the respect, love and admiration of countless thousands of his Phi Psi brothers,
and interfraternity colleagues, both men and women. Phi Kappa Psi has lost a great brother and leader, Lambda Chi
Alpha has lost a great interfraternity brother. And I have lost one of my best friends. I count it as one of Gods
blessings to have been a small part of his life.
Farewell for now, good friend and brother. We shall miss you more than these poor words can say. Our sadness
is tempered by the happy times we shared, and they were many. Were really not saying goodbye, because we will
keep on remembering, and remembering, until one day, well all be together again.
As the Phi Psi Foundation embraces and celebrates the life and legacy of Mr. Phi Psi, you are encouraged to
honor this great man by adding your name to the list of those who have already joined together to endow the
Ralph D. Dud Daniel Leadership award. Recognized as the most prestigious national scholarship offered by
the Foundation, annually the award honors an undergraduate Phi Psi who possesses exceptional leadership
experience within the Fraternity as well as his campus setting and community environment.
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