Ralph Berry ’76
What made you want to join Phi Psi?
I knew when I came to Butler University that I wanted to join a fraternity. After doing the full circuit of all the houses, I had settled on one, but discovered I had missed Phi Psi because we did not have a house at that time. I then went to meet the brothers and quickly discovered that these were my type of people. I found the guys more open, intelligent, unpretentious and just generally more real than those anywhere else. I was drawn to the combination of guys from every area of the school; musicians, pharmacists, radio/TV majors, business majors, English majors, basketball players, you name it. I was also extremely attracted to the idea that Phi Psi had no hazing of any kind for pledges.
What are some of your cherished Phi Psi memories?
My best memories are all of the group moments when the guys are just being the guys. We participated in every campus event. We had great socials and parties, particularly with the sororities and out little sister group. Just time in the house (we got a small one my sophomore year) and on our floor at Ross Hall when we would play cards, listen to music or just hang out. I loved it when we returned from a break and everyone would have the latest album each of us had discovered during the break and shared the music with each other. Phi Psis were also the house guys at the Alpha Chi Omega house, serving meals to the girls. That group of four guys each year, plus our subs when someone couldn’t make it, ended up being my best friends. That is even how I met my wife of 45 years, Sue Morey. I also really enjoyed our time doing Geneva Stunts and Spring Sing every year.
Are there specific skills or experiences you use from your time in the Fraternity today?
The greatest of these is leadership and the responsibility of
leadership. I have applied those skills, especially my time as chapter president, to my work life and to my numerous roles on boards of not-for-profit organizations.
Since graduating, how have you stayed connected or involved with Phi Psi or brothers?
I have not kept up as much as I wish I had. Moving away from Indianapolis as soon as I graduated to begin my career caused many connections to fade. In the pre social media and internet world, staying in touch was more difficult. Recently though, I have enjoyed occasional Zoom gatherings with brothers, ready housing update emails and reconnecting with some guys again on social media.
Since graduating, how has your career evolved? What industries have you worked in, and what are your current responsibilities?
I began doing what my degree was in, working as an editor and reporter in radio and television, first in St. Louis and then in Dallas. I then switched to corporate public relations, first at Frito Lay in Dallas and then at a series of versions of the same hospitality company in Memphis as it changed names and brands. First as Holiday Corporation with Holiday Inn and Perkins Restaurants. Then as Promus Companies with Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites and Harrah’s Casinos. Then spinning off as just Harrah’s Casinos where I ended my corporate career as Vice President of Communications. From there I opened my own public relations firm in Memphis, Thompson and Berry, with a partner. That firm eventually merged with another and became Sullivan Branding where I still consult.
Outside of work, what passions or volunteer work do you pursue?
I now live in an Active Adult Community in Denton, Texas (moved to be close to our one son and his wife and now two grandsons). There I play tennis multiple times a week as well as bocce, cornhole, bowling, poker, wine club and regular running. I am an active reader and chairman of the library in our community. I love travel, especially locations around the world famous for their wine.
What advice would you give current undergraduate brothers about maximizing their Fraternity experience?
Do everything you can. Each experience has the opportunity to be a once-in-a-lifetime day. And, take advantage of the unique knowledge that every brother possesses. Everyone has something worth sharing.
What would you say to a potential new member about Phi Psi? What makes our house different from others in your mind?
It has now been 50 years since my initiation, so it is difficult to put myself in the current Phi Psi world. But, if we are still living up to our Creed as Phi Psis, then this chapter will have more meaning in your life than anything else you will do beyond your spouse, children, and grandchildren.