Phi Kappa Psi Foundation Celebrates the Lives & Transformational Impact of Two Chapter Brothers

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — July 24, 2023 — A friend who is unfailingly there for you – in spirit, word, but most importantly, in act – is a brother. Brothers D. Bruce McMahan Southern Cal ’57 and Henry B. Marvin Southern Cal ’56 developed a deep and lasting bond during their undergraduate days in Phi Psi’s Cal Delta Chapter at the University of Southern California. Their fraternal experience was the catalyst for their friendship that would remain unwavering throughout their lives.

Bruce and Hank were leaders and visionaries from their earliest undergraduate years. Bruce served as Chapter Vice President, New Member Education Chair and District Council Delegate while Hank was a three-year letterman on the USC tennis team and a member of more Chapter committees than one could count.

These men have shared memories and jubilation as well as one dark night, a life-changing event, that further cemented their bond. A tiny prop plane piloted by Bruce suddenly had mechanical difficulty deep in the Mexican desert. Together the men elected to crash land and awoke to find a ruined aircraft and a seriously injured pilot. Mustering his strength, Hank carried Bruce miles to seek help. Hank recounting the experience sharing, “The precious nature of life and the power of true brotherhood is brought to focus at life’s most challenging times”.

“Referring to themselves as best friends, these two didn’t let geographic distance and other challenges stand in the way of their relationship. Whenever they connected by phone or saw each other they would pick up right where they left off”, commented Wayne Wilson Michigan State ’59, Foundation Chairman Emeritus.

The two men, ever appreciative of their bond, worked tirelessly throughout their post-graduate years so more men would learn the immeasurable value of brotherhood.

As alumni, they joined the Foundation Board of Trustees in 1994 (McMahan) and 1996 (Marvin). As longtime Foundation Trustees, Brothers Marvin and McMahan spent their time and treasure focused on resourcing Phi Psi for the benefit of future generations. Together with other Trustees, they brought computer and internet access to Phi Psi’s chapter houses across the country to provide in-facility networks, computer hardware and software, computer labs, libraries and high-speed connections to university networks for 47 chapters. Bruce explained the impetus behind their desire to advance the technology in Phi Psi’s facilities saying, “the concept of bringing chapters into live contact with the world of the internet began years ago. The vision for that project was chapters rededicated to scholarship, and the values upon which the Fraternity was founded”. They also advocated for chapter-designated funds and vehicles to assist chapters with their housing needs.

In 2012 Hank and Bruce decided to gift a portion of their insurability to the Foundation through a survivorship insurance policy with a benefit to the brotherhood of $23 million. Bruce joined Chapter Eternal in 2017 and with Hank’s recent passing (July 21, 2023) their legacy is cemented in Phi Psi history.

Today we celebrate these brothers for their extreme generosity which will have a transformational impact on the brotherhood. Bruce’s legacy will live on through the formation of the McMahan Operating Endowment and Hank’s through the establishment of the Marvin Laurel Hall Operating Endowment. “Bruce was a man of many legacies,” remarked Hank after the passing of Brother McMahan. “Serving alongside Bruce has provided me with the opportunity to witness a true leader, patriot, friend, and brother. His financial impact on Phi Psi over the years and moreover his love for the brotherhood are a testimony to his servant-minded work. His belief in the spirit and good works of the fraternal experience will live on.”

The vision of these two brothers was to strengthen the Foundation’s long-term financial position in an effort to do more good in the world. Their foresight and generosity will fund many millions of dollars in educational benefits for Phi Psi’s brothers into perpetuity.

“Upon reflection, I realized what an important part of my life had been molded by my fraternity experience. I think many brothers would feel the same if they found a peaceful moment to examine how they have become who they are. Once that insight is achieved, helping support our Fraternity into the next century is an easy decision”. Bruce shared when he and Hank made their gift of life insurance.

“While the passing of these brothers is a huge loss for Phi Kappa Psi, the legacy they have left will embolden our pursuit of intellectual, moral, and spiritual excellence” said Donald Fites Valparaiso ’53, Foundation Trustee. “I will forever miss Hank’s jovial and giving spirit and Bruce’s discerning mind. These two men have made an extraordinary commitment to the brotherhood. I believe Brother McMahan said it best when describing why he chose to give so generously to Phi Psi saying ‘…the powerful psychic satisfaction of knowing that I have actively contributed to a stronger and more successful future through building tomorrow’s leaders is my motivation’.”

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About the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity & Foundation

The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity is an association of men of integrity who strive to develop the individual in his intellect, involvement in the community and faith. The Fraternity was founded on February 19, 1852, at Jefferson College by William Henry Letterman and Charles Page Thomas Moore. The Fraternity currently has 95 chapters and colonies across the United States with 5,500 undergraduate members and 95,000 living alumni.

The Phi Kappa Psi Foundation (d/b/a Phi Psi Foundation; Endowment Fund of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity) was formed to aid, encourage, promote, and contribute to the education and scholastic attainments of Phi Psis and other students across the nation. The Foundation, organized in 1914, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public educational foundation whose primary mission is to assist college students in meeting their educational objectives through scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships, while promoting learning, high ethical standards and constructive citizenship.

Ryan Parker, Senior Director of Communications
ryan.parker@pkpfoundation.org
5395 Emerson Way, Indianapolis, IN 46226
(317) 275-3400