PHI PSI SPIRIT LIVES ON

By Jeff D. Scott Oklahoma ’11

The passing of a brother into Chapter Eternal is a somber moment any time, but the sense of loss is greatly compounded when it occurs during his time as an undergraduate. Initiated in the spring of 1993 as badge No. 1189, Brother Jason H. Wittrock of Okarche, Oklahoma, tragically passed away in an accident during his time on campus in December 1994.

Wittrock’s portrait hangs in OK Alpha’s drawing room.

On Sept. 6, 2025, to honor a great brother’s legacy, Brother Wittrock was inducted into Oklahoma Alpha’s Ring of Honor at the Michigan vs. Oklahoma tailgate. With over 100 people in attendance, including brothers and their families, Brother Wittrock’s portrait was hung in the chapter’s formal drawing room. He joins a distinguished few to be immortalized in the Catlett Room, including past SWGP J. Bart Aldridge 1922, founding chapter members Stanley and Eugene Catlett 1920, and Richard C. Bower ’56.

To the alumni of the early ’90s — many of whom now serve in Oklahoma’s Housing Corporation and Alumni Association — Jason made a lasting impact. 

Aaron Claybaugh ’94, his Fraternity little brother, knew Jason as an honorable, courteous, and cultured man in a lovable Okarche kind of way. He is remembered as a generous, compassionate, and loyal comrade, who exemplified the characteristics we strive for as men of Phi Psi. Brother Derek Neidig ’93 recalled that Jason always had your back. To Brother Bill Long Oklahoma ’92, Jason was the guy who always had a smile and made everyone feel welcome.

Jason’s older brother, John C. Wittrock ’91, entered Oklahoma Alpha ahead of him, initiated as badge No. 1153. John honored his little brother’s legacy by establishing a Fraternity recruitment scholarship, which has been awarded each semester since 2023, as well as an endowed scholarship through the University of Oklahoma’s College of Architecture. Both scholarships bear Jason’s name.

John has also generously donated to Oklahoma Alpha’s current “Carry It Forward” capital campaign, helping renovate the chapter house’s fire escape and several bedrooms, which further honor Jason’s legacy.

John recalls his brother’s last words as they circled around the flagpole in front of 720 Elm Ave. in Norman that fateful night in 1994, “Hi, Hi, Hi, Phi Kappa Psi. Live Ever, Die Never … Phi Kappa Psi.” Surrounded by brothers and family that loved him, Jason went out with his boots on. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Cemetery in Okarche in the boots he was wearing the night the flagpole broke.

John often imparts upon our chapter that, like Jason, hardly anyone knows when their time to pass into Chapter Eternal will come. That is why we have to cherish every day we have with our brothers. There is no doubt in John’s mind that Jason had a higher purpose God needed him to fulfill.

Jason H. Wittrock lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, representing the spirit and the best of Oklahoma Alpha. Next time you hear the fraternity chant, just know it rings a little different for the men in Norman. Live Ever. Die Never.