THE WALTER + VIRGINIA HENRION SCHOLARSHIP

By Micah Kleid F&M ’00

The Nebraska Alpha Chapter is proud to offer undergraduate Brothers an incredible opportunity to travel abroad and experience different cultures through the Walter & Virginia Henrion Scholarship. This scholarship was established by Tom Henrion ’62 and his brother, Walter, in honor of their parents. Their father, Walter S. Henrion ’31, was a devoted Phi Psi, an undergraduate at Nebraska Alpha and their chapter advisor for nearly 30 years.

Henrion and his brother initially contributed $25,000 to the fund, matched by Jerry Nelson UCLA ’48. With additional donations from Nebraska Alpha alumni, they raised around $80,000 to launch the fund.

“Our father was such a big supporter of Phi Psi, and we thought honoring him and our mother this way would be a meaningful legacy,” Henrion shared. “My brother and I both spent a summer in Europe after our freshman year in college, and we learned so much from traveling. We felt that giving young men the chance to experience different cultures and see the world was a valuable gift.”

An Evolving Opportunity

Initially intended for study abroad, the scholarship evolved into an opportunity for international travel.

“Travel teaches you a lot,” Henrion explained. “It teaches you how to be resourceful, how to navigate unfamiliar situations, and how to appreciate different cultures. Those are experiences that can shape a young person’s life.”

Recent trips have taken Phi Psi Brothers to Iceland, Vienna, Budapest, Quito and other locations. In one standout story, two recipients traveled to Morocco and explored the Atlas Mountains after learning about the country through Henrion and his wife’s travels, while another group ventured to Moscow.

From Dream to Reality: Stories from Recipients

One of the most inspiring success stories is that of Dave Bramhall ’09, who used the scholarship to travel to Turkey with two of his chapter Brothers. Bramhall, who had always been fascinated by ancient history and different cultures, saw the opportunity as a perfect chance to explore a part of the world where East meets West.

“Turkey had always been on my list,” Bramhall recalled. “It’s a country where history, culture, and religion intersect in the most fascinating ways. The scholarship allowed me to witness that firsthand.”

In Turkey, Bramhall explored the rich history of Istanbul, visited the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus and immersed himself in the vibrant local culture.

“Walking through the ancient streets of Ephesus, I felt like I was stepping back in time,” Bramhall said. He described the feeling of standing in the Grand Theatre, where ancient voices once echoed, and wandering through the Library of Celsus, a monument to knowledge and learning.

Beyond the historical landmarks, interactions with locals left the deepest impression.

“The people were incredibly warm and welcoming. I had conversations over tea with shopkeepers and shared meals with families who welcomed me like one of their own,” Bramhall said.

These encounters gave him a firsthand understanding of Turkish hospitality beyond what guidebooks can convey.

The Impact of Travel

Since its inception, the Henrion Scholarship has supported more than 50 Phi Psi Brothers in their travels abroad. After a pandemic pause, the program roared back, sending eight brothers to Europe in a single summer

“We recently had a Zoom call with all the guys who had been on these trips, and I was blown away by how every single one of them talked about how life-changing their experience was,” Henrion said with pride.

Though Henrion wishes he had kept better records of every recipient’s journey, he recalls incredible stories — a trip down the Danube River and even a rainforest adventure in Ecuador.

“These young men come back with stories, experiences and perspectives that will stay with them forever,” he said.

2024 scholarship recipients (left to right) Thomas Guinan ’23, Holden Kleveter ’23, Austin Samson ’23 and Charles Anderson ’23 are flanked by Chapter President David Sortino and Alumni President Thomas Henrion.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Bramhall’s journey, like that of many other recipients, was more than just an exploration of a new place. It was a journey of personal growth and discovery.

“The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to adapt, to listen and to appreciate different ways of living,” he reflected. He credits the scholarship with helping him develop a deeper empathy for people from different backgrounds, a quality that continues to influence his professional and personal life today.

A Commitment to Giving Back

Henrion’s dedication to Phi Kappa Psi and the scholarship goes beyond his initial contribution. He recently donated to further support the scholarship and has established a similar fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation, known as the Thomas D. Henrion International Experience Award. Between the two funds are enough resources to send at least four brothers abroad each summer.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to give back, and I feel so good about it,” Henrion said. “When I give, I feel even more appreciation than the recipients sometimes. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Henrion’s generosity includes a planned gift from his IRA that will contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to both the Nebraska Alpha and University of Nebraska scholarship funds.

Encouraging Future Support

As Henrion looks to the future, he encourages alumni to consider contributing to the scholarship fund to ensure its continued success.

“Phi Psi has given so much to so many of us. These scholarships provide life-changing opportunities, and I believe that everyone who’s benefited should give back in some way.”

“Even a small donation makes a big difference, and I hope that those who have experienced these trips will one day pay it forward,” he said.

For future applicants, Bramhall offers a piece of advice: “Go with an open heart and mind. Embrace the unexpected, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage with the people you meet. Those moments of connection are what will stay with you long after you return home.”

The Walter & Virginia Henrion Scholarship has honored the legacy of a devoted Phi Psi while opening the world to countless young men who have returned with new perspectives, lifelong memories and a deeper appreciation for the Fraternity that made it all possible.

To contribute to the NE Alpha Walter & Virginia Henrion Fellowship and help NE Alpha brothers explore the world visit pkpfoundation.org/support-ne-alpha/.  Or help all brothers explore outside the classroom through supporting the National Fellowship program with gifts to the Terrence “Terry” G. Harper or Shane Yates Fellowships at pkpfoundation.org/make-an-impact/.