“Someone invested in me. Now it’s my turn.”

That belief sits at the heart of Brother John T. Barber UMN Twin Cities ’79’s extraordinary $4 million commitment to the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation. John has often shared that his approach to philanthropy was influenced by the book Die Broke and its message that resources can create their greatest meaning when they are put to work helping others during one’s lifetime.

For John, however, that philosophy is more than an idea found in a book. Its roots can be traced to the example set by his father, John “Jack” W. Barber Iowa State ’47. Jack showed through his life that success carries a responsibility to serve, invest in others and leave one’s community stronger than it was before.

A World War II Navy veteran, Jack served aboard a troop transport in the South Pacific and later retired as a lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserve. After earning degrees in mechanical and industrial engineering from Iowa State University, he built a 41-year career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and, later, US WEST.

Jack’s influence extended far beyond his profession. He served for more than 20 years with the Office of Naval Research, including as commanding officer of the Volunteer Research Company at the University of Minnesota. He also contributed his expertise to the university’s Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board.

In his community, Jack coached youth baseball and hockey, taught firearm safety and regularly volunteered his time and skills. He helped build local hockey rinks in Mendota Heights, complete with lights and warming houses, donating labor and materials to make them possible. He believed in civic responsibility and in lending a hand wherever it was needed.

The values Jack modeled, including hard work, education, service and a willingness to invest in others, became part of the example he passed on to John. John now passes those same lessons on to his son, Jake, while extending their impact through his philanthropy.

Through a $1 million current commitment and a planned gift estimated at $3 million, John and his wife, CJ, are creating a legacy that will expand educational opportunity, strengthen leadership development and help Phi Kappa Psi serve generations of young men.

Across his current and planned gifts, John’s commitment will provide $1.7 million for the Minnesota Beta John T. and Jack W. Barber Chapter Scholarship Fund, $1.85 million for the Nelson Leadership Institute’s Explore program and leadership development, and $450,000 for the Phi Psi Fund.

The scholarship fund will help undergraduate brothers from Minnesota Beta manage the cost of college and focus more fully on their education, chapter leadership and preparation for life after graduation. By carrying the names of both John and Jack, the fund ensures that the Barber family’s belief in education and service will continue to influence young men for generations.

John’s investment in Explore and leadership development will help brothers connect classroom learning with the professional world. Through career exploration, alumni mentorship and practical skill-building, participants gain greater insight into potential career paths while developing the confidence and relationships needed to enter their professions ready to contribute and lead.

His support of the Phi Psi Fund will provide flexible resources to strengthen scholarships, educational programs and the Foundation’s broader work across the Brotherhood. Together, these three areas represent an investment in the full journey of a Phi Psi brother, from college affordability to professional preparation and lifelong leadership.

Through this $4 million commitment, John is doing more than honoring Jack’s memory. He is putting his own philosophy into action and extending his father’s example. Every scholarship awarded, every brother mentored and every opportunity created will carry forward the lessons Jack taught him: use what you have, help where you can and leave the path better for those who follow.

Click here to watch a video about John’s commitment and the legacy behind it.