John L. (Jack) Coulson

John L. (Jack) Coulson, Psi Epsilon, 1939, Phi Alpha 1966-1969

John L. (Jack) Coulson, Psi Epsilon, 1939, was the first Brother to serve a three year term as Phi Alpha. He was a banker and community leader. He joined Manufacturers Hanover Bank shortly after graduation and had a 40 year distinguished career retiring as a Vice President in 1985.

Jack’s banking career was interrupted for five years during World War II when he served as a Lt. Commander in the United States Navy as a communications officer and Armed Guard Gunnery officer. He also took a leave from the bank in the early 1970s to serve as special assistant to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, under former Phi Alpha, Louis  R. Bruce (Gamma, 1930).

Jack’s civic activities included terms as Rotary Club President, President of the New York State St. Andrew’s Society (1981-1982), Boy Scout Council President and Trustee and Deacon of the Presbyterian Church. Jack also gave back to Dartmouth as treasurer and president of the Long Island Dartmouth Club and as Class of 1939 treasurer and Executive Committee member.

Brother Coulson was an anchor of the Zeta Psi Alumni Association at Dartmouth for more than 25 years serving as President and Treasurer. During Brother Coulson’s tenure as Phi Alpha, Zeta Psi chartered three new chapters at The American University (Delta Chi), Purdue University (Tau Gamma) and Bloomsburg University (Pi Kappa).

He was Phi Alpha Emeritus for 1969-2002 and received the fraternity’s highest honor,
the Distinguished Service Award in 1968.