|
In Memoriam Henry B. Poor, Gamma ’39 (Amherst)
As an undergraduate, Henry was Gamma (Amherst) chapter president and treasurer. He attended the first of his many Psi Upsilon Conventions as an undergraduate delegate. Henry was also affiliated with Delta (NYU), Lambda (Columbia), and Chi (Cornell) chapters. During a 31 year career as an independent school educator, Henry was first elected to Psi Upsilon’s Executive Council in 1964. He joined the Psi Upsilon Fraternity staff in 1972 becoming executive vice president in 1973. Henry held that position until 1987 when he became executive director of The Psi Upsilon Foundation, a position he held until 1991. As Psi Upsilon’s executive vice president emeritus, Henry ran the Ambassador Program from his home, championing Challenges and Choices retreats as well as chairing the Foundation’s scholarship committee. Henry’s influence extended far beyond Psi Upsilon. He was president of the Fraternity Executives Association (1982-83), an honorary life member of FEA, and a recipient of the FEA Distinguished Service Award for those who contributed outstanding service in the betterment of all college fraternal organizations. The North-American Interfraternity Conference called on Henry to chair its Commission on Values and Ethics. In 1993 the NIC bestowed on Henry its Gold Medal Award. It is presented for a lifetime of work within the fraternity movement and is the highest interfraternal honor bestowed by the NIC. Lambda Chi Alpha, Zeta Beta Tau and Theta Chi fraternities honored Henry with their interfraternal service awards. Henry’s memorial service was held October 1, 2009 at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Wayne, PA. During his lifelong commitment to Psi Upsilon, it is fair to say that Henry Poor influenced the lives of more than half of those who were ever initiated into Psi Upsilon Fraternity. If Henry influenced your life, as he surely did, please share a memory. Prior tributes published in The Diamond | Contribute to the Henry Poor Scholarship Fund An Advantage in Life James A. Swanke, Jr. Rho ’80 (Wisconsin) Brother Poor touched the hearts and minds of everyone he came in contact with, and he is truly missed. For many of us, Henry had a significant impact on our lives. In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell discusses how persons, events, and things allow certain lucky individuals to lead highly successful lives. A Lesson in Life John O’Malley, Gamma ’86 (Amherst) Henry was a great ambassador for Psi U. He was thoroughly dedicated, highly diligent, and utterly credible. The sense of purpose that filled every response he made to any question from a fellow brother, and the unwavering faith Henry showed as to the lasting nature of fraternal bonds should never be forgotten. An Irreplaceable Treasure Charlie Chen, Omicron ’86 (Illinois) I am an Omicron ’86. Brother Poor was visiting our chapter in the fall of 1985. It never ceased to amaze me how he remembered EVERYONE’S name. He was also endlessly energetic and effusive about Psi U. Tireless Advocate Jamie Rodems, Pi ’73 (Syracuse) I was a member of the Pi chapter’s alumni association for over 20 years. At one point I was the alumni president. Brother Poor came to many Pi events over those years. He was a gentleman and a pleasure to be around. He always made time to speak with both undergrads and alumni. He was a tireless advocate for Psi U. God bless him and his family. Respect and Reverence T.C. Feick, Eta ’88 (Lehigh) I heard the news of Brother Poor’s passing from my Pledge Master and good friend Edward (Chip) Braulick, ’84. It was Chip who first sent our class to visit Brother Poor at the International Office, then located in Paoli, near Philadelphia. I remember the visit well; an informal presentation and history lesson by Henry, a brief tour of the extensive records and historical artifacts, and some song. I am Grateful Andy Burrows, Chi ’91 (Cornell) I did not know Henry, except as a character in the Owl Club’s non-fictional song. I will say, though, that I cherish my memories of the Chi, and the lifelong friends I made there. I know Henry was instrumental in building the chapter that has been so important to me, and for that I am grateful. Inspiring Speeches Sam Stewart, Phi ’57 (Michigan) I will always treasure those special annual Psi U meetings at the old Detroit University Club with the close Tudor architecture, crowded and happy brothers, noisy and smoke-filled banquet hall, and most importantly his inspiring speeches after dinner. I viewed these times as the last of our more true and traditional old times with Psi Upsilon for our older generation. Truly great and memorable times. My best to Henry’s legacy. Pillar of Psi U John Ledwith, Tau ’60 (Pennsylvania) There is no doubt that Henry was a good man and a consistent pillar of Psi U. He helped greatly to recolonize the Tau Chapter after it was suspended from the Penn campus in the 1990s. For six problematic years, he helped a small band of alumni work to get the chapter back on the campus and in its old house. He was always present at trustee meetings and contributed to make the chapter the excellent one it is today. Many thanks to Henry and may he rest in peace. Unwavering Dedication Peter Mack, Chi ’03 (Cornell) Henry Poor was truly a wonderful man. The Chi Chapter owes its existence to his optimism, support, and unwavering dedication. Henry frequently came to Cornell to visit our chapter. I remember his commitment to attending chapter meetings and to the positive growth of our brothers. A Friend to Us All Timothy Downing, Chi ‘ 88(Cornell) I just returned from a wonderful weekend in Lovell, Maine with Todd Fulshaw, Chi ’88 and W. Timothy Hess, Chi ’90. We shared our memories of Henry and offered a spirited toast to his legacy on Saturday evening. |
|
Chances are if you became a Psi U in the last half of the 20th century or the first decade of the 21st, you met Henry Poor. If you met Henry you remember him — and he remembered you.