Q+A WITH STEPHEN ELLIOTT OHIO WESLEAN ’68

By HQ Staff

The bloodlines in Greek life run deep. While looking at some of our Phi Psi legacies, we found that not only does the Elliott family have a long history with our organization, but also with Delta Gamma.

Q: Tell us a little about your father’s roles with Phi Kappa Psi. How much did his involvement impact your decision to join?

A: My father, Robert “Bob” Elliott Ohio Wesleyan 1935, was a District III Archon from 1937-38. He stayed involved after serving in the U.S. Navy and while starting his spray paint manufacturing company in Cleveland. He also was the SWVGP 1956-58, became the 36th SWGP from 1958-60 and later served as a Foundation trustee for almost two decades. Growing up, most of our family vacations were surrounded by attending GAC or an EC meeting — trips to San Francisco, Mackinac Island, and Chicago weren’t too shabby! Obviously, fraternity life was prominent as I grew up. At Ohio Wesleyan in 1967, nearly 85% of the men were Greek. Phi Psi was among the top houses of the 12 fraternities on campus. Most of them, like Ohio Alpha, had large houses that were no more than 10 years old. So, yep, I chose Phi Psi!

Q: Did you meet your wife at Ohio Wesleyan?

A: My wife, Linda, and I were high school sweethearts, and she also attended Ohio Wesleyan. She is a Delta Gamma. DGs in our family extend back to 1912. Linda is still very active with DG, at times on both a national and regional level. In fact, she is currently the DG chapter advisor at Santa Clara University.

Q: What can you tell us about yourself — your career, family, hobbies?

A: Upon graduation in 1971, I moved to California where I enrolled in the MBA program at the University of Southern California (USC). After earning my MBA in 1973, I began working with Arthur Andersen in downtown Los Angeles. I was in the corporate audit department and quickly earned my CPA license. From there I was recruited to be the corporate controller for Dr. Pepper Bottling Company of Southern California. Hot dog! I was a corporate officer of a publicly traded company at the age of 26. As a victim of an acquisition, my job was downsized and I joined Fluor Corporation, which is a large public multinational engineering and construction company headquartered in Irvine, California. There I held several finance positions and eventually became head of their international treasury department. Hot Dog! I was again a corporate officer at age 35. Fluor had major offices in the U.S., Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Australia – lots of travel. After 20 years with Fluor, I got tired of frequently changing airplanes in either Dallas, Atlanta, or New York. From there I started my own financial advisory franchise with American Express/Ameriprise Financial. My office was in Tustin here in Orange County, California, and offered more freedom, independence, and entrepreneurship. I sold my financial advisory practice in 2014. In retirement, I read, play golf and pickleball, and get to travel and take Linda to all those wonderful places I visited while working. We have a son, Link Southern Cal ‘96, and a daughter (a Delta Gamma from USC), who are both married and have given us four grandchildren.

Q: What did you carry from your fraternity experience into your personal and professional life?

A: My people skills, organizational skills, and ability to cope with change were all forged by the Greek system. Dealing with all sorts of people, situations, and jobs was important. Where else could you learn to polish floors, patch drywall, clean windows, and wash dishes, pots and pans?!

Q: What stands out about your time at Ohio Alpha?

A: Being in a fraternity was equivalent to being part of a well- organized commune. Very 1960s! We had our own house, government, and individual duties that contributed to the whole. I became chapter finance manager in charge of collecting house dues, budgeting, and paying expenses. We managed our in-house dining room and kitchen. We employed two cooks and purchased all our own food. Our membership was 100 to 125 brothers. We were all Baby Boomers, so there were a lot of us! When I entered college in 1967, I had mandatorily registered for the draft. The Vietnam War was raginge; however, by attending college full-time I had a student deferment. At that time, our future after graduation was in question. During my sophomore year, the U.S. held a draft lottery based on our birthday. I remember sitting in the Phi Psi TV room where we watched this lottery that could dictate our postgraduate fate. I was lucky to get a high lottery number, and by the time I graduated in 1971, the war was winding down. I realized I wouldn’t have to delay my dream of moving to California to get my MBA, pursuing my career and building my family.

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The roots that spread from all the connections made and nurtured at our chapters across the country — and within our families — are far-reaching. And they are a testament to Phi Psi’s rich heritage. Sharing those experiences with others helps our organization flourish, keeping the Phi Psi legacy alive.

What’s your story?

Tell us about your Phi Psi experience: marketing@phikappapsi.com