Joseph V. Denney
The building was named in his honor for two main reasons. After being a professor and writer of Literature here at Ohio State, he was the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences for 20 years from 1901 to 1921. He also donated a lot of money to the university after the fact. The building was named after him in 1960 because it is the school of English.
Denney passed away in 1935 meaning the latter part of his life was lived during the Great Depression, yet he was still able to donate money to the university throughout his life.
The fourth paragraph of the creed would be important to Joseph Denney, he was an important figure in many Phi Psi’s lives as evident in James Thurber’s remarks about him upon dedicating Denney Hall. He searched to bring respect and honor to Phi Kappa Psi. Also to ‘counsel and guide my Brothers who stray from their obligations.’ Denney was looked up to with great respect from his Phi Psi brothers. Denney currently has a scholarship dedicated to him in the English department showing that he gives aid and sympathy to all those who are less fortunate.
“He cast a light
Remarks of James Thurber at the dedication of Denney Hall, April 1st, 1960.
And still does-
The light of learning,
Of scholarships,
Of laughter,
Of wisdom…
One thing my blindness
Has not done
Is dimmed the vision
I have of Joe Denney”
Denney most likely would say that you need to keep active in learning, and study hard. Make your self a model to all those around you. Everyone around you should respect you as an ideal Phi Psi gentleman.
Joseph V. Denney would have been famous regardless of Phi Kappa Psi, however, because he was a part of it, it may have made him strive the extra mile to make a good name for himself and the fraternity.
James Grover Thurber
The Thurber library, theater, and house were named after him for several reasons. The house on 77. Jefferson Ave was named after him because he lived there between 1913-1918. Upon leaving Ohio State, Thurber quickly became a famous columnist for The Dispatch, and then The New Yorker. He also wrote over forty books and many short stories, which rapidly became very popular. He won many awards for his writings. Due his fame in literature, Ohio State named a section of the library after him. Later on in life, Thurber became a playwright and wrote several plays. On of which, “The Male Animal”, was based about Ohio State. His renowned plays are what earned him the recognition justifiable to name a theater after him.
Thurber is one of the most renowned humorists of the twentieth century. Two of his stories, “The Catbird Seat” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” are now considered American classics. His contributions in writing, have enriched society and entertained generations of people. All of these things have earned Thurber the honor of having a theater, library, and house named after him.
Throughout his life, Thurber had to overcome several hardships to be successful. One of which was blindness. As a young boy, while playing with a toy rifle, Thurber was shot in his eyes, and went blind in one of them. As he grew older, his sight slowly began to fade in both eyes, and he eventually went blind. Due to his blindness, it was rumored that Thurber had a different outlook on life and that is why his writing is so unique
The Creed is shown in Thurber’s life in many different ways. He strived for “intellectual excellence” and became a very successful writer. He was also a generous and loyal friend as he reunited with fellow Ohio Deltan Elliot Nugent, to work on “The Male Animal”.
If Thurber were still living, he’d give wisdom and advice to the pledges. He’d remind them not to get discouraged, to stick with it, and to know it would be worth it. Thurber would also tell them that if they apply themselves they can do anything they wanted.
Thurber would also remind the active brothers to keep in touch with your brothers, because they are your life long friends. He also tell them to cherish the time they have in college because it wont last forever.
Without Phi Psi, Thurber would not have been famous, or at least as famous, due to the lessons and morals he learned while in Ohio Delta.
Wendell D. Postle, DDS
Wendell Postle contributed a lot to the dentistry program here at Ohio State. Postle Hall, located on Neil Ave., was built in 1976. He actually worked in the process of constructing the dentistry school. Wendell Postle spent 25 years as the Dean of the School, as well as spending many years as a respected Professor. For these reasons, along with monitary contributions, his name was given to the building.
It’s hard to find any hardships that he might have endured or encountered during the time period in which he lived. A commentary on Wendell Postle described him as a respectable man; he never made anyone feel younger or having less knowledge on a subject. His good natured attitude probably prepared him for any hardships that he may have dealt with in his life.
Tthe first paragraph of the Creed is most relevant to his life. He treated everyone equally, he was professional at all times, and was well respected in return.
If Wendell Postle was around today, he’d probably tell a pledge and an active Brother to live life as a respectable adult. He’d want pledges and actives alike to treat each other equally and to remember to always keep honor in all that you do. If Wendell Postle was not in Phi Psi, he may or may not have been as successful as he became in life. He probably learned his ethics and morals during his time in Phi Kappa Psi, as well as using his own personal skills to effectively use them in life